Last updated: June 30, 2023
Place
Information Panel: The Cisterns
NPS/ Claire Hassler
A reliable supply of drinking water for the garrison was a priority at Fort Washington. Three wells dug early in the fort's construction proved inadequate.
By 1823, four cisterns were installed to store rainwater. Located underground at each end of the barracks and officers' quarters, these cisterns had a total capacity of 19,000 gallons.
Rainwater from the gutters and downspouts of the buildings flowed through a filter box into the cisterns. The water could then be removed by a handpump.
By 1823, four cisterns were installed to store rainwater. Located underground at each end of the barracks and officers' quarters, these cisterns had a total capacity of 19,000 gallons.
Rainwater from the gutters and downspouts of the buildings flowed through a filter box into the cisterns. The water could then be removed by a handpump.