Early El Paso Water Systems
El Paso, El Paso County, Texas
Marker Inscription
El Pasoans initially obtained their domestic water from acequias, or open irrigation ditches, and later from the aguadores, water-carriers who delivered fresh water as depicted in the nearby mural. In 1882, Sylvester Watts built the first El Paso waterworks. He pumped water out of the Rio Grande and stored it in a reservoir at this site, then later dug a well near the river that became the main supply source. In 1910, the city purchased the waterworks and began major renovations to the system, including the construction of the pumping unit at this site and the expansion of the Sunset Heights reservoir. The El Paso Public Service Board was established in 1952 to oversee the city's water system. (2002)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Before pipes and pumps, El Pasoans drew water from open acequias and bought it from aguadores who carried it door to door. In 1882 Sylvester Watts built the city's first waterworks, pumping from the Rio Grande into a reservoir on this site, and later a riverside well became the main supply. The city bought the system in 1910 and modernized it, and in 1952 the Public Service Board took over its stewardship.
Why it matters
Turning a desert river into a reliable public water supply was the quiet engineering feat that let a Southwestern city grow.
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Related people
- · Sylvester Watts
Themes & tags
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