19257_Authority_June_2026

municipalauthorities.org │ 7 T he story of Erie’s water system is inseparable from the growth and development of the city itself. From bored wooden pipelines in the early nineteenth century to the modern, truly regional utility known today as Erie Water Works, the community’s water infrastructure has evolved over nearly two centuries to meet the needs of a growing population, expanding industry, and stringent public health standards. Today, operating as the Erie City Water Authority since 1992 and commonly known as Erie Water Works, the organization provides clean drinking water to over 221,000 people throughout Erie County. Its history reflects both technological progress and a sustained regional commitment to reliable public utilities. Early Water Supply in Erie In the early decades of Erie’s history, residents relied primarily on shallow wells and natural springs for their drinking water supply. As the community expanded, these sources became increasingly inadequate. Fire protection and public health concerns began to push civic leaders to consider a more organized water system. One of the most notable early water sources was located at Brown’s Hotel at 6 th and State Streets, where two natural springs served both residents and travelers. A turning point for the borough’s forefathers came after the hotel was destroyed by fire on January 24, 1840. The loss underscored the vulnerability of the borough to fire and the urgent need for a more reliable water supply. In response, borough council authorized an innovative solution in 1841: transporting spring water into town using hollowed wooden logs. The water was supplied by the Reed farm, marking one of the earliest organized efforts to provide a public water system in Erie. Although rudimentary, this bored-log system represented a significant step forward and laid the foundation for future improvements. Transition to a Growing City and Building a Modern Water System Erie’s incorporation as a city on April 14, 1851, reflected rapid population growth and increasing infrastructure demands. By 1865, this expansion prompted the need for a more advanced municipal water system. Engineers and civic leaders collaborated to design facilities capable of pumping, storing, and distributing water on a much larger scale than ever before. To guide this effort, Henry P. M. Birkinbine of Philadelphia was hired to study the city’s water and sewerage needs, providing expert recommendations that helped shape the system’s design and long-term development. Construction of major infrastructure began in 1868, and included the Chestnut Street Pump Station and a 60-inch water intake extending into Presque Isle Bay. While this provided a reliable source, it also raised legitimate public health concerns as the sewerage systems also discharged into the bay. One of the most significant engineering features of this era was the record-setting 259.65-ft. standpipe, which helped regulate water pressure and ensure consistent delivery. This structure became a prominent feature of Erie’s skyline and symbolized the city’s commitment to modern infrastructure. These elements formed the backbone of Erie’s early modern water system, allowing water to be drawn directly from Lake Erie and distributed throughout the growing city. Continued on page 45. B eginning oPerations on J anuary 1, 1992, the authority Was created to reBuiLd and modernize one of the oLdest Water systems in the country . i n order to refLect a more regionaL Water utiLity , the a uthority oPerates under the name e rie W ater W orks , deLivering its mission of “W orLd -c Lass W ater , f irst -c Lass s ervice ®” to more than 221,000 residents across e rie c ounty .