At each corner of the main pedestal there is a niche that holds a statue of a child. These children illustrate some of the pleasures that water affords. One is a girl adorning herself with pearls and and viewing herself in the water below. Another is a young boy in a fur coat who is putting on his ice skates. The third is a girl holding a shell, which she has taken from the water, to her ear, and seems to be listening intently. The fourth is a boy who has taken a small lobster from his net, and is holding it up triumphantly. These figures were designed and constructed by Frederick von Miller, the eldest son of the founder.

The niche figures

From the center of the pedestal rises a shaft, which spreads at the top with interlaced vines and foliage. Around the shaft are four groups, which further illustrate the need and benefits of water. On the north side is a workman with a bucket. He is standing on a roof from which flames are bursting, and with an outstretched arm seems to be imploring the heavens for water. On the south side is a farmer who is standing in the scorching sun, praying for rain. His plow sits unused in its furrow, and a tree that he is holding in his hand is is wilting for want of moisture. At his side is his dog, panting with heat and thirst. Upon these two groups the "Genius of Water is dispensing water in a misty spray. On the west side is an old man with crutches holding a goblet of water to his mouth. His daughter, who is clutching a jug, stands at his side. The face of the daughter in this group is said to be a portrait of the daughter Kreling, the artist of the statues. On the east side is the beautiful portrayal of a mother leading her reluctant son to the bath. The workmanship of the mother and son are reminiscent of Kaulbach, the father-in-law of the artist. All of these figures around the base of the shaft are quite large, some of them measuring seven feet in height.

The main figures