[2] A distribution network was laid out, and it was decided to build water towers at Oranjestad and San Nicolaas.

[3] The tower was designed by Pieter van Stuivenberg [nl] and is in Art Deco style.

In 1979, a larger desalination plant in Balashi was opened, and the water towers were rendered obsolete.

[1] In 1996, ownership of the water tower was transferred to the monument fund who started to restore the building.

It has displays of the gold, aloe, phosphate (guano) and oil industries which were present on the island.