FALL RIVER — If you’ve ever wanted to get a closer look at some of the city’s most unique historical buildings — and get a breathtaking view of the cityscape from 120 feet up — now’s your chance.
The Fall River Water Department is letting the public explore its oldest properties, including the city’s castle-like water tower and its 19th century pumping station on the banks of the North Watuppa Pond.
The free open house will be held Saturday, April 26, from 9 a.m. to noon. Tours begin at 1620 Bedford St., at the intersection of Stonehaven Road. A food truck will be on site for those who want to grab a bite.
What’s on the tour:
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Fall River water department Tuesday Dec. 5, 2023.
How to get inside Fall River’s 1875 water tower
The city’s standpipe, built in 1875, is a 120-foot stone tower visible from Stonehaven Road. The tower’s interior features a winding staircase leading to a balcony near its top, capped by a copper roof. It was used to pump water to some of the city’s highest-elevated neighborhoods.
Visitors will be allowed to climb to the top and see a 360-degree view of the horizon. With clear skies, it’s possible to see across Mount Hope Bay and into Rhode Island to the west, and the Watuppa Ponds to the east and south.
Fall River water department Tuesday Dec. 5, 2023.
What’s inside Fall River’s historic water pumping station
The city’s original pumping station which began operations in 1873 is at the far end of Bedford Street, on the shore of the North Watuppa Pond, the city’s main source of drinking water. The ornate granite building was home to equipment that drew in water from North Watuppa Pond and fed it into the city’s water system.
The building, which is visible to drivers headed along Route 24 North, contains antique pumping equipment from its early days. Visitors can inspect the machinery and learn how it worked.
Visitors check out the inside of the Fall River Water Department’s 1875 standpipe water tower on April 27, 2024.
See inside Water Department’s new maintenance facility
Open for inspection is the city’s Water Department maintenance facility, which opened in 2024. The building, near Stonehaven Road, replaced an aging headquarters built in the 1920s. The facility contains the Water Department’s offices.
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Learn how Fall River’s water is treated
The city’s water treatment facility is located near North Watuppa Pond. The building is where the city’s drinking water is processed before being delivered to homes. Visitors can see the process by which the pond’s water is treated to make it safe and drinkable.
The view from the balcony of the city’s 1875 water tower, on April 27, 2024.
Fall River waterworks tour: Parking, transportation, fees
Parking is limited at the Water Department’s headquarters. Visitors can park at Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School, 251 Stonehaven Road.
Visitors can walk the grounds from one spot to another, and transportation will be available for those who need a ride.
There’s no fee or registration needed to take part.
This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Fall River’s historic waterworks, standpipe opening for a rare tour