Tap Into History

Tap Into History. The Eternal Quest for Water. , Derricks dotting the landscape are a testament to the importance of water in the establishment and growth of Las Vegas. In the early 1900s, the Las Vegas Springs made this valley an ideal location for a railway station and new town. Steam locomotives and people needed water and there was plenty here, or so it seemed. The growing town's demand for water quickly outstripped the natural supply. , , Las Vegans began drilling wells in 1905, to tap the groundwater directly. But within a few decades, this apparently limitless supply of water proved otherwise. Las Vegas had to tap yet another source the Colorado River. This derrick remains standing, though the well itself was abandoned, as a symbol of Las Vegas's quest to satisfy its ever-growing thirst. , , photo captions: , Spring Water , The earliest water delivery svstem in Las Vegas. The Springs once produced about 4,000 gallons a minute. Early improvements included running a redwood pipe from Big Spring to the railroad yard to supply locomotives. , , Groundwater , Water came gushing out of wells under pressure, giving the misleading impression that there was an endless supply. By 1913 there were 100 wells in the valley, and by 1960 there were 3,000. (Note the derrick in the background.) , , Colorado River Water , Las Vegas has drawn water from Lake Mead since the 1950s. It now accounts for about 85% of the water we use. The Southern Nevada Water Authority is pursuing a variety of other water resources to reduce our dependence on the river. , , How A Derrick Works , It supports the drill bit and steel casing while the well is constructed, and then is usually dismantled and moved to the next on site.