Erie Water Works History

Erie Water Works History

 

Scroll through the Erie Water Works history for an in-depth look at how clean water was brought to Erie.

1815-1840: During this time, water supplied to the Borough of Erie came from shallow wells and natural springs. The Brown’s Hotel located on Sixth and State was famous for its two natural springs.

1815-1840: Water came from shallow wells and natural springs, like the Brown’s Hotel’s two natural springs.

1910: “Big Bertha,” a 20 million gallon per day MGD Bethlehem Triple Expansion High Duty Pumping Engine was installed.

1910: “Big Bertha,” a 20 million gallon per day MGD Bethlehem Triple Expansion High Duty Pumping Engine was installed.

1930s: A second pumping and filtration facility was completed on Sommerheim Drive in Millcreek Township. The Camphausen Pump Station was completed and serviced Southeastern Erie and Wesleyville during periods of maximum demand.

1930s: A second pumping and filtration facility was completed servicing Southeastern Erie and Wesleyville.

1950s: High Service 26th and Sigsbee was expanded to meet the needs of the High Service District. During the electrification upgrade “Big Bertha” was taken out of service and replaced by three 18MGD Low Service Electric Motor Driven Pumps, one 26MGD and two 18MGD Low Duty Electric Motor Driven Pumps.

1950s: During an upgrade “Big Bertha” was replaced by three 18MGD Low Service Electric Motor Driven Pumps.

1994-1996: Construction of the South Booster Station on the Cherry Street Reservoir Complex was completed. Sigsbee Care Takers House was restored and the cover and liner of the reservoir were replaced.

1994-1996: Completed construction of the South Booster Station and the Sigsbee Care Takers House was restored.

2000-2002: Chestnut Street Pumping Station was renovated

2000-2002: Chestnut Street Pumping Station was renovated

2005: Construction of the 12th and Myrtle Distribution Storage Facility was completed.

2005: Construction of the 12th and Myrtle Distribution Storage Facility was completed.

2006-2007: Several Water Main Replacement and/or Extension projects were completed.

2006-2007: Several Water Main Replacement and/or Extension projects were completed.