History

The first water system was the town well located near the alley west of Main Street between Broad Street and First Street. The well was fed by springs.

The Council received a petition for a water system in 1891. They arranged for a vote and it carried - 90 in favor and 10 against in 1893. This issue provided for $3800 in bonds to cover the cost.

In 1894, a committee proposed this plan: Lot 11 in Block 3 of Highland Park Addition could be purchased and a well put down. The plan recommended a wooden tower and tank and a windmill to pump the water. The tower was to be 40 feet high and the tank to be constructed of wooden shakes and bound by 14 string hoops. The tank would be roofed. The would be a deck at the base with a hand rail. The tank was to be 18x24 feet and would hold 55,404 gallons of water.

A six inch pipe would be laid down Main Street to Railroad Street, with Hydrants at Sixth, Fifth, Third, First and Railroad Streets. The Council voted to accept the plan and the bid from U.S. Wind Engine and Pump Company for $4147.

Residents and businesses would bear the cost of any connections to the main pipe. the annual rates would be:

Churches - $5

Business - $5-$15

Barber Shop - $5-$10

Hotel $5 per room

Residences - $5

In 1896, this plan supplied the town with water. Later, a water tower was erected near the jail and was similar to the first plan.