Quigley in Huntsville in Madison County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
The Water's Journey to You
Huntsville Water Trail
Photographed by Sandra Hughes Tidwell, December 15, 2021
1. The Water's Journey to You Marker
The Big Spring served as Huntsville's main water source for more than 150 years. But since the late 1950s, Huntsville Utilities has supplied our water through a combination of groundwater wells and surface water plants on the Tennessee River. Today Huntsville Utilities maintains more than 1,000 miles of pipe, servicing over 95,000 customers with fresh drinking water daily.
Between the Source and You
Before water reaches your home or business, it is processed to become clear, clean, and ready to consume. Water from the Tennessee River is processed through the South Parkway, Southwest, and Southeast Treatment Plants, while groundwater comes from the Lincoln-Dallas Plant and Williams Well.
The Water Treatment Process
Our water treatment plants use a conventional five-step method to purify our water. The five steps are Coagulation, Flocculation, Sedimentation, Filtration, and Disinfection.
Erected by Huntsville Utilities. (Marker Number 6.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels.
Location. 34° 43.779′ N,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in North Alabama. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Big Spring (here, next to this marker); The Spring Runs Its Course (within shouting distance of this marker); The Big Spring of Today (within shouting distance of this marker); Northern Terminus Indian Creek Canal (within shouting distance of this marker); John Hunt (within shouting distance of this marker); Where Does the Spring Water Go? (within shouting distance of this marker); Major General H.N. Toftoy, USA. (within shouting distance of this marker); First Bank In Alabama (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Huntsville.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Making the Water Work (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing).
Also see . . .
1. Huntsville Utilities. Established 1823 Oldest system west of Appalachians (Submitted on January 4, 2022, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA.)
2. Coagulation and Filtration. Coagulation and Filtration are of paramount importance in several processes of technological and/or fundamental scientific interest (Submitted on January 4, 2022, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA.)
3. What is Flocculation?. Flocculation requires gentle mixing and the use of a high molecular weight polymeric flocculant (Submitted on January 4, 2022, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA.)
4. Sedimentation. A sedimentation tank or at least a silt trap is usually located just before a constructed treatment wetland. (Submitted on January 4, 2022, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA.)
5. Filtration. The most common example is making tea. While preparing tea, a filter or a sieve is used to separate tea leaves from the water. (Submitted on January 4, 2022, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA.)
6. Drinking Water. Chlorine and chloramine are the major disinfectants used in public water systems. (Submitted on January 4, 2022, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA.)
Credits. This page was last revised on August 3, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 4, 2022, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. This page has been viewed 681 times since then and 38 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on January 4, 2022, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A wide shot of the marker and its surroundings. • Can you help?
