The tower got its name because a religious procession passed through its gates from the Kremlin to the Upa River. In the 18th century, it was known as the Resurrection Tower due to the nearby Resurrection Church located on the island between the riverbeds.

It was through this tower that the procession descended on Epiphany for the blessing of the waters.

The Water Gate Tower, like other passage towers of the Kremlin, has a square shape. It is located in the northeastern part of the Kremlin wall. The upper tier of the tower is not connected to the Kremlin walls, and access to it is only possible from the combat walkway that adjoins the walls at the tower. The tower also provides access to the Kazan Embankment.