The steam used in the generation of electricity is condensed and cooled in eight rooftop towers that release clouds of water vapor. Steam and chilled water for heating and cooling are distributed through a series of looped and linked pipes of all shapes and sizes before being sent out through 14 linear miles of steam tunnels, which pass under and interconnect nearly every central campus structure, from Chapel Street to Science Hill. Most of the steam and chilled water eventually return to the plant, where they are cleaned of impurities.

Photograph by David Ottenstein '82