Enter the height of the water column, the density of water, and the acceleration due to gravity into the calculator to determine the pressure at the base of a water tower.

Water Tower Pressure Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the pressure at the base of a water tower.

P = (h * d * g) / 144

Variables:

  • P is the pressure at the base of the water tower (psi)
  • h is the height of the water column (feet)
  • d is the density of water (lb/ft³)
  • g is the acceleration due to gravity (ft/s²)

To calculate the pressure at the base of a water tower, multiply the height of the water column by the density of water and the acceleration due to gravity, then divide by 144 to convert from pounds per square foot (psf) to pounds per square inch (psi).

What is Water Tower Pressure?

Water tower pressure is the pressure exerted at the base of a water tower due to the weight of the water above. This pressure is what allows water to flow through pipes and reach consumers at a usable pressure. The pressure depends on the height of the water column, the density of the water, and the force of gravity. Understanding this pressure is crucial for designing water distribution systems and ensuring that water can be delivered effectively to homes and businesses.

How to Calculate Water Tower Pressure?

The following steps outline how to calculate the Water Tower Pressure.

  1. First, determine the height of the water column (h) in feet.
  2. Next, determine the density of water (d) in pounds per cubic foot (lb/ft³).
  3. Next, determine the acceleration due to gravity (g) in feet per second squared (ft/s²).
  4. Next, gather the formula from above = P = (h * d * g) / 144.
  5. Finally, calculate the Water Tower Pressure (P) in pounds per square inch (psi).
  6. After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.

Example Problem : 

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

Height of the water column (h) = 100 feet

Density of water (d) = 62.4 lb/ft³

Acceleration due to gravity (g) = 32.2 ft/s²