South Haven in Van Buren County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Birth of City Utilities

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 24, 2017

1. Birth of City Utilities Marker

Inscription. The City of South Haven took a major step forward in providing utility services to residents in 1892 when a water pumping station was constructed on the lakeshore. In 1895, the City purchased its first electric generator. The original water pumping station was replaced in 1927, enlarged in the 1940s and 1960s, and replaced again, in its entirety with the present treatment plant in 2011. The last electric generation plant, torn down in 1978, stood at the present water treatment plant location. The water treatment process begins at the end of an intake pipe, one mile off shore. The water is pumped into the plant and treated before it is sent out to various storage facilities throughout the distribution system.

Erected by Board of Public Utilities & Michigan Maritime Museum.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1892.

Location. 42° 24.115′ N, 86° 16.978′ W. Marker is in South Haven, Michigan, in Van Buren County. It can be reached from Water Street 0.1 miles west of St. Joseph Street, on the right when traveling west. Marker is located on the South Haven Harbor Walk, east of South Beach Park, and directly across Water Street from the

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old public utilities building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 10 Water Street, South Haven MI 49090, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southwest Michigan

and specifically in one of the Lake Michigan Shore counties. It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Lifesaving Station (a few steps from this marker); History of the Channel Piers (within shouting distance of this marker); South Haven Lighthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Over a Century of Tourism (within shouting distance of this marker); The Lightkeeper's Dwelling (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lumber Industry (about 600 feet away); Entertainment Around the Harbor (approx. ¼ mile away); a different marker also named South Haven Lighthouse (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in South Haven.

More about this marker. Marker is a large composite plaque, mounted horizontally on waist-high posts. Marker is part of South Haven's Harbor Walk series.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. South Haven Harbor Walk

Also see . . . South Haven Harbor Walk. This South Haven Harbor Walk map shows the location of this and other historical markers in South Haven. (Submitted on June 26, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Marker detail: City Power Plant Burned Coal image. Click for full size.

2. Marker detail: City Power Plant Burned Coal

South Haven's power plant was once located next to the current filtration plant. Loads of coal were delivered to the coal-burning plant via rail and water. The power plant was torn down in 1978 and presently, the City purchases its electric needs from major suppliers in Michigan and elsewhere.

Marker detail: City Waterworks Enlarged to Meet Demand image. Click for full size.

3. Marker detail: City Waterworks Enlarged to Meet Demand

The original 1892 waterworks plant was enlarged in 1895. A larger facility was needed to accommodate South Haven's growing demand for water.

Marker detail: Clean Water for South Haven image. Click for full size.

July 24, 2017

4. Marker detail: Clean Water for South Haven

This woman ran experiments inside the waterworks plant during the early 1900s. Water quality is constantly monitored today.

Birth of City Utilities Marker (<i>wide view; old public utilities building in background</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 24, 2017

5. Birth of City Utilities Marker (wide view; old public utilities building in background)

Credits. This page was last revised on August 18, 2022. It was originally submitted on June 25, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 391 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 26, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.