Torre Water Catchment: A Historic Engineering Feat in Guam
In the northern reaches of Guam, where access to consistent water supplies was once a significant challenge for settlers, stands a testament to early 20th-century ingenuity. The Torre Water Catchment, also referred to as the Hatsuho Water Catchment, is a historic structure designed to harvest and store rainwater, ensuring survival and agricultural viability in a remote landscape.
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The Origins of the Hatsuho Water Catchment
Constructed around 1916, the catchment was the vision of Juan dela Torre, a local farmer. At the time, the northern area of Guam—specifically the region now known as Yigo (Piga)—lacked regular water supplies. To overcome this environmental hurdle, dela Torre built a robust storage system to capture precipitation, providing a reliable water source for his needs and the surrounding land.
Architectural Design and Specifications
The structure is a blend of available natural materials and early industrial concrete. Its design is characterized by a distinct geometric contrast between its outer shell and inner reservoir.
Exterior and Interior Composition
The exterior of the catchment is octagonal, constructed from concrete reinforced with limestone gravel and cobbles. In contrast, the interior is a plastered cylinder, creating a smooth surface to hold water efficiently. This combination of shapes and materials provided the structural integrity necessary to withstand the pressure of stored water and the tropical climate of Guam.
Physical Dimensions
The catchment is a compact but sturdy installation. It measures 5.19 meters (17.0 feet) in diameter. The thickness of the walls is not uniform, varying between 0.27 and 0.46 meters to ensure stability.
Key Facts
- Location: Hatsuho Golf Course, Yigo (Piga), Guam.
- Builder: Juan dela Torre, a local farmer.
- Year Built: Approximately 1916.
- NRHP Status: Listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on November 14, 1994.
- Design: Octagonal concrete exterior with a cylindrical plastered interior.
- Total Area: Less than one acre.
Site Summary
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| NRHP Reference Number | 94001311 |
| Diameter | 5.19 meters (17.0 ft) |
| Wall Thickness | 0.27 to 0.46 meters |
| Coordinates | 13°34′55″N 144°51′57″E |
| Materials | Concrete, limestone gravel, cobbles, and plaster |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Torre Water Catchment?
It was built by farmer Juan dela Torre to collect and store water in a northern region of Guam that lacked access to regular water supplies.
Where is the catchment located today?
The site is located within the Hatsuho Golf Course in Yigo (Piga), Guam.
When was the site officially recognized as a historic place?
The Torre Water Catchment was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on November 14, 1994.
What makes the architecture of the catchment unique?
The structure features a unique geometric design with an octagonal exterior made of concrete and limestone, while the interior is a smooth, plastered cylinder.
Who was responsible for building the structure?
The catchment was built around 1916 by Juan dela Torre.