West Central El Paso in El Paso County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Early El Paso Water Systems
Photographed by James Hulse, June 14, 2024
1. Early El Paso Water Systems Marker
Inscription.
Early El Paso Water Systems. . 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.
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.
Erected 2002 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 12629.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1882.
Location. 31° 46.007′ N, 106° 29.862′ W. Marker is in El Paso, Texas, in El Paso County. It is in West Central El Paso. It is on Los Angeles Drive west of El Paso Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1401 Los Angeles Dr, El Paso TX 79902, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Texas’ Trans-Pecos & Big Bend Region. It is also in the American Southwest. 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 New Spain, the Republic of Texas, and one of the Confederate States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance
3. Aguadores, water-carriers who delivered fresh water
Credits. This page was last revised on June 19, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 18, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 315 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on June 19, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
