taken 22 years ago, near to Kew, Richmond Upon Thames, England
Standpipe Tower, Kew Waterworks
The tower contains large tall pipes that absorbed the surge of water from each stroke of the steam pumps to prevent damage to the mains. See TQ1878 : Inside Kew Bridge Steam Museum's Tower for internal shot.
TQ1878 : Inside Kew Bridge Steam Museum's Tower Magnificent photo. Know the site very well and have crawled around all sorts of holes in the ground where the public are not allowed. You are right about the tower - it is a slog but the view is worth it.