Water Department History

Late 1800's

Old Timers have recollections of springs and wooden piping from the same in areas between Baker street and Witter streets to furnish simple needs of the time.

1899

Ordinance on construction of water plant at Third Street put to vote under H. W. Wipperman, the Mayor of Grand Rapids.

1901

Common Council of City of Grand Rapids voted bond issue for purpose of building water works. Called a special election. Upon favorable vote of people Council proceeded to issue bonds to cover cost.

1903

Ordinance passed to issue bonds for purchase of Centralia Water Works

1901-1912

Under W. E. Wheelan's long service as Mayor and under F. X. Pomainville's one tern, W. G. Kirchhoffer, Consultant from Madison, recommended extension of Sixteenth Street development and installation of iron removal plant.

1921

Shortage problems apparent. Dr. Rufus Bagg, Geologist from Appleton employed for survey and reported that continuation about Third Street area of small local springs supplies was not the answer, but that the best ready remedy of the time was development of the area around Sixteenth Street, even in the presence of objectionable iron.

1061 water services

A total of 14 million gallons pumped for entire year

24.8 miles of water main with 163 fire hydrants

A stand pipe located on the East Side has a capacity of 168,000 gallons. "This supply is of an excellent quantity, obtained from natural springs."

1925

General obligation bonds issued for development and operation of the 1925 filter plant addition. Kirchhoffer retained as Consulting Engineer for plans and engineering of new plant.

1925-1932

Relatively stable period. Temporary solution of problems through new plant. As city grew, in certain dry periods people were denied the right to sprinkle lawns or use water for any other purpose but domestic use.

1933-1934

Desperate need for water. Well drillers laid in more wells in area behind the Sixteenth Street pumping station. Temporary well points sunk and water pumped with gasoline pumps during the summers of 1943-1944.

Aug.-Nov. 1944

Layne-Northwest under sealed bid contracted for construction of wells in vicinity of Tri-City Airport of sufficient quantity and quality that wound not require chemical treatment. Mr. H. S. Foth of Foth, Boyd, and Porath retained, for plans for development and necessary construction. Council voted unanimously on Layne contract.

1945-1947

Development program on its way. Red water still ensued. People impatient. Factions arose as well as tempers. William Nobles as Mayor, upon public and Council demand, called meeting on subject in 1947, reviewing the old and present history. In conclusion, he said "I fully realize that the condition of the water for domestic purposes is bad, and I feel from what I have been able to observe, that it is due to iron content of the wells, and - - to loosening of rust deposits in the pipes caused by increased pressure. These will have to be eliminated - - - at the wells by some process of iron removal listed as an item from additional construction, and by cleaning out of the water mains either by actual flushing or some chemical process".

1948

Mayor C. C. Knudsen appointed Special Investigation Committee to investigate the situation from an economic, engineering and technical angle, and to report the same to the Council at the November meeting. After pros and cons were aired both by Council and Commission, recognized result was stimulus to investigation of iron removal methods.

East and West Water Towers built.

1949

Laboratory and pilot plant results approved by Commission and Council in acceptance of proposal plans for building of new iron removal plant. Council voted unanimously and approved necessary appropriations. Ground broken early September 1949.

1950

July 14, a momentous day. The plant begins operation. Very quickly there is a noted change in water quality.

Average daily water usage - 1.7 million gallons per day.

1954

Rainey collector type wells 1, 2, 3 built. 1 and 2 are put into service.

1960

Number 3 well placed into service

1961

Number 2 upflow accelator built and placed into service. Capable of treating 6 million gallons of water per day.

1989

Wisconsin certified water bacteria laboratory started.

1990

Number 4 well built and placed into service at 64th St. S. and Griffith Ave.

1992

Elevated lime storage and handling facility build and placed into service.

1993

1997

Waste water recycling system becomes functional

1999

Average daily water use: 3.1 million gallons.

Ground broken for a two-million gallon water tower to be built east of Lincoln High School. (Construction Photos)

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