19257_Authority_June_2026

municipalauthorities.org │ 45 As system demand increased, the need for water storage became increasingly apparent. This led to the construction of the Sigsbee Reservoir in 1871, a 33 million gallon reservoir built on seven acres of land obtained from the Cochran estate along West 26 th and Sigsbee Street. The reservoir played a critical role in maintaining system pressure and providing a reliable supply during periods of high demand. This finished water reservoir was uncovered, so a caretaker and family lived on site to tend to the property. Several major projects were completed in the early 1900s, including a 5,300-ft. extension of the 60-inch intake pipe across the peninsula (now known as Presque Isle State Park) and into Lake Erie, along with the construction of settling basins. The Commissioners of the Water Works also developed the first road on the peninsula and the original settling basins occupy what is now called Water Works Park. Despite these advancements, it is important to note that water was provided without treatment until 1908, reflecting the practices of the time before advances in filtration and public health standards were widely implemented. Growth Alongside Industry and Public Health Advances Due to the untreated water supply, about 1,060 cases of Typhoid Fever were reported resulting in 135 deaths. After constructing the Chestnut Water Treatment Plant, the water works began disinfecting the water supply by hypochlorination in 1912. In addition, Big Bertha , a 20 million gallon per day Bethlehem Triple Expansion High Duty Pumping Engine was installed to respond to the need for more water and a thirsty city. In 1910 the Commissioners erected a repair shop and storage area on the northeast corner of 12 th and Myrtle Streets, which remains in operation today. During the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Erie experienced significant industrial growth. Manufacturing, shipping, and railroads all contributed to a rapidly expanding population and economy. The water system grew in parallel, supporting both residential needs and industrial operations. The development of treatment facilities along the waterfront allowed Erie to take full advantage of Lake Erie as a reliable source of fresh water while ensuring that it was properly treated before reaching consumers. In early 1930, a second pumping and filtration facility, known as the Sommerheim Water Treatment Plant (now the Richard S. Wasielewski WTP) was constructed. Shortly after, in 1937, the Pennsylvania Legislature required all rights and titles of the Commissioners be transferred to the City of Erie, which managed and operated the water system until 1992 when the Erie City Water Authority was formed. Evolution article continued from page 7.