Documentary History of American Water-works

Introduction Historical Background Chronology Geography Biography Technology Ownership and Financing General Bibliography

Technology List of Systems using Water Power

List of American Waterworks Systems Using Water Power

Water power was recognized as being less expensive than using steam, but required the right geography.

Year
#
City
State
Notes
1754 1 Bethlehem PA
1798 2 Portsmouth NH Hydraulic Ram ("Perpetual Pump"
1807 3 Baltimore MD
1822 4 Philadelphia PA Turbines replaced water wheels
1823 5 Huntsville AL
1824 6 Potsdam NY
1825 7 Saratoga Springs NY
1827 8 Wilmington DE
1827
Water Works PA Water-powered pumps used to fill the Union Canal
1830 9 Columbia TN
1832 10 Richmond VA
1836 11 Derby CT
1836 12 Canton MA
1837 13 Lancaster PA
1849 14 Holyoke MA
1850 15 Naples NY
1851 16 Kensington PA
1851 17 Lawrence MA
1853 18 Watertown NY
1854 19 Carlisle PA
1856 20 Paterson NJ
1857 21 Cohoes NY
1859 22 New Brunswick NJ
1859 23 Georgetown DC Water elevated by Westinghouse water motor driven by water from Washington Aqueduct.
1859 24 Aurora IL
1862 25 New Haven CT
1862 26 Bristol NH
1863 27 Lockport NY
1865 28 Auburn NY
1869 29 Vergennes VT
1869 30 Peoria IL
1869 31 Rockland ME
1871 32 Louisville KY
1872 33 Columbia SC
1874 34 Rochester NY Water power used for Holly fire protection system
1875 35 Bangor ME
1875 36 Lenox MA
1889 37 Charles Town WV


© 2020 Morris A. Pierce