Courtesy of the Illinois Regional Archives Depository (IRAD) at Northeastern Illinois University.

This image of a page from the 1869 Annual Report of the Board of Public Works shows a cross section of the Water Tower with its standpipe connecting to the Pumping House. The tunnel leading out of the picture at the bottom right reaches down thirty feet and leads out two miles to the crib. See an overhead diagram of the grounds from the annual report, here.

This illustration, also from the 1869 annual report, shows a cross section of the pumping engine designed by DeWitt C. Cregier.

Courtesy of the Illinois Regional Archives Depository (IRAD) at Northeastern Illinois University.

The 1869 annual report detailed the work and illustrated the plans of the Water Tower, Pumping Station, and Two-Mile Crib.

Chicago Daily Tribune, January 14, 1867
THE NEW WATER WORKS
            Before the crib was sunk in the lake, before even the first spade full of earth thrown up from the western end of the proposed tunnel, it was a foregone conclusion that the old Water Works would, in due time, be thrown aside for the new; and when the completion of the tunnel was announced, a few weeks ago, some of our residents flattered themselves with the idea that nothing more remained to be accomplished; that water and little fishes would stop running through the old works; and that, possibly, pipes full of pure water would immediately make their appearance in every kitchen and bed room in the city. These ideas, in the main, will be realized in a few months, and probably after August next, those who have had small fish brought to their houses several times a day, gratis, will be obliged to patronize fish markets, and pay for all the fish they carry away – just as people who have not patronized the old works a couple of years have been in the habit of doing.
            The old pumping house will be torn away during the coming summer, and a larger building erected on the site, directly opposite the new tower, which will be 150 feet high. The water pumped up in the old house, comes from two small wells, and flows into them from the lake. Under the old engines is a large well, 25 feet in diameter, 20 feet from each of the small wells – the tree being directly on a line. The large well is dug; but can be connected with the smaller ones with very little trouble. A temporary connection is being made from the old suction pipe to the tunnel, and the work is expected to be completed in a few days, more or less. Work on the new tower has been temporarily suspended, but will be resumed in time for the completion of the tower at the specified date. Surrounding the tower will be a handsome park, bounded by Chicago avenue, Pearson, the lake, and Rush streets. Handsome trees and fountains will be planted and located in this park, which, it is earnestly to be hoped, will be a “thing of beauty” and “a joy forever.”