How Brooklyn Used to Get Its Water

If you can make it through the rather, ahem, lengthy introduction, you can enjoy a fascinating tour of the old Brooklyn Water Works with historian Robert Miller. Visiting Massapequa, the documentary also takes a close look at some of the architecture involved, including a very charming gatehouse and a beautiful old pumping station in Milburn (which was almost condo’d until arsonists struck). Interesting fact: Because Long Island is so flat, the Brooklyn water supply was pump (not gravity) driven. Whatever you do, stick it out until the 12th minute to get to see the beautiful carved Brooklyn Water Works sign from 1891. Gorgeous!
Brooklyn Water Works [YouTube]