Minneapolis St. Paul, MN, September 9, 2026 —

A recent installment of the popular segment “Water Tower Wednesday” has featured an aerial perspective of the water tower located in Carlos, Douglas County. The unique viewpoint was captured from an aircraft, offering viewers a different look at the prominent local structure.

Beyond the visual presentation of the Carlos water tower, the segment also delved into the historical significance of such structures. It provided context on how water towers played a crucial role in supplying steam engines. This practice was prevalent from the late 19th century, spanning approximately the late 1800s, through the mid-20th century, concluding around the 1950s.

The specific details regarding the Carlos water tower itself, such as its construction date, capacity, or any recent maintenance or inspection records, were not provided in the summary of the segment. Similarly, information about the entity or organization responsible for the “Water Tower Wednesday” feature, or the specific date the segment aired, was not included.

Historically, the development of water towers was driven by the need for consistent water pressure and supply, particularly for burgeoning industrial and urban needs. In the era mentioned, steam engines, vital for both transportation and industry, required a reliable and often rapid source of water. Water towers served this purpose by storing large volumes of water at an elevated height, allowing gravity to deliver water efficiently. The advent of diesel and electric power sources, along with advancements in water distribution systems, gradually reduced the reliance on water towers for steam engine operations by the mid-20th century.

The “Water Tower Wednesday” segment typically highlights different water towers across various locations, often sharing their visual characteristics and sometimes their history or community importance. The aerial perspective of the Carlos tower is a notable element of this particular feature.


Story summarized from the original created by Tracy Robb on kstp.com, see more information here.

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