History of Water Towers

When the main line CNR railroad was put through Saskatchewan, the railroad had to construct water towers along the lines. These towers held about 40,000 gallons (about 180,000 litres) of water and would enable the locomotives to fill quickly and frequently. In most cases, water had to be pumped into the tower from a lake or creek. The hague tower was filled by a pump located at the old spring feed well east of Hague.

The tower is 54 feet high and consists of two separate structures. The 40,000 gallon inner tub is made of 3″ thick cedar and is supported by 16′ square timbers, 22′ high in the air. The height provides the gravity pressure needed to fill the locomotives.

The outer shell, which is not attached to the tub, simply serves as an insulated cover for the water. By having a stove at the bottom of the building during the winter months, the outside shell would prevent the water from freezing.