WWII Emergency Water Supply Sign (EWS)

Image: © Jeff Buck Taken: 13 Mar 2012

Located at the corner of Waverley Terrace and Ermine Road, this EWS sign is barely visible after 70 years. The arrow appears to be pointing to the right which is also in the direction of the railway which would have been a potential target for the Luftwaffe during WWII. Emergency water supplies were laid in many towns and cities to provide a source of water for extinguishing fires and incendiary bombs, should the main supplies be damaged. Many forms of pipe were used, from 6-inch iron pipes laid along gutters, to concrete shuttered trenches and canvas pipes in a metal frame. The cross-section may have been round, rectangular or square. The water ran through these pipes from swimming pools, industrial tanks, specially built temporary tanks and even bombed-out cellars. Dammed-off rivers and streams were also used. These "Static Water Supplies" were to be found all over the place. Sometimes an "SWS" sign turns up (Static Water Supply), rather than an "EWS". *Thanks to Russell W. Barnes and the 'Defence of Cumbria in the 20th Century' web page for the information.

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