The Packard Proving Grounds needed a water tower to store and deliver water with consistent pressure. What was especially important for the PPG was to have emergency water storage for fire protection.
How it works:

• Water source: Water is sourced from a river, well, or reservoir.
• Storage: Water is pumped into the tower when the system has extra water.
• Pressure: The water’s elevation in the tower creates pressure that pushes water through pipes.
• Release: Water is released from the tower when needed.
• Overflow: If the tower is too full, excess water drains out through an overflow pipe.

The water tower was never a solid color while Packard owned the property from 1928 to 1956. Aircraft engine testing began in 1928 but ceased in 1930. The checkerboard pattern appeared in about 1936. The proving grounds was later designated as an emergency landing field. The pictures above show the four schemes that have been verified. The dates are approximate.