Documentary History of American Water-works

Yreka

Yreka, California

Yreka was incorporated in 1857.

The first water works were built in 1862 by Henry Scheld, distributing water using gravity through wood logs and iron pipes.

The system (and a second operating in the city) was bought by the city in 1902 for $20,500 and extensively rebuilt.

Water is provided by the City of Yreka.

References
1882 Yreka, Engineering News, 9:106 (April 1, 1882)

1882 Yreka from "The Water-Supply of Certain Cities and Towns of the United States," by Walter G. Elliot, C. E., Ph. D.

1888 "Yreka," from Manual of American Water Works, Volume 1.

1890 "Yreka," from Manual of American Water Works, Volume 2.

1891 "Yreka," from Manual of American Water Works, Volume 3.

1897 "Yreka," from Manual of American Water Works, Volume 4.

1900 Lake County Examiner (Lakeview, Oregon), October 25, 1900. Reprinted in Siskiyou County, California Genealogy Trails
Henry Scheld, a pioneer of Siskiyou, and a highly respected citizen died at Yreka Oct. 14th, aged 78 years. He was the owner of the pioneer waterworks of Yreka. He leaves a family of grown-up children.

1905 "Yreka Water Works System," by L.F. Coburn, City Attorney, Yreka, Municipal Engineering 29(6):437-438 (December, 1905)
In 1902 the town was supplied with water by two independent concerns. The old plants were purchased for a total sum of $20,500.