Not as well known as water tanks, but just as important were water columns also called standpipes. Trackside water tanks with attached spouts were not as common in terminals, where a water column would make more efficient use of space. Water columns were also found along the line, usually located between two tracks, with the water tank serving a third. This arrangement allowed a locomotive on any track to take water while waiting in town for a meet or during switching operations. https://books.google.com/books?id=CxAXPWlW_6UC&pg=PA20&lpg=PA20&dq=steam+era+water+column&source=bl&ots=q2BVizLWqU&sig=LbJfywTUKRMhMuY_Xrw34-NrW9o&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0CFAQ6AEwC2oVChMI07G07ebHyAIVSIsNCh1bGghh#v=onepage&q=steam%20era%20water%20column&f=false