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Centennial Souvenir Program, 1954
It was necessary for the B & O to furnish its own pumper previous to the construction of the Power Plant. George Deischer served in this capacity for many years. In September 1911, the city engaged G. A. Stookey to superintend the laying of 2300 feet of 4 inch and 600 feet of 2 inch water mains. On January 17, 1929 officials of the East St. Louis Water Company went over plans with the city for the purpose of furnishing water from the Mississippi. By a unanimous vote the city council on May 23, 1929 favored a proposal for piping Mississippi river water to O'Fallon to alleviate the water shortage experienced from the well system then in use. An ordinance dated September 5, 1929 states that water would be provided from East St. Louis Water Company at an estimated cost of $130,000. This proposed water project passed over the mayor's veto on September 19, 1929. O'Fallon's present waterworks system was established and constructed in 1929, the bonds being dated February 1, 1930 and running for twenty years. The first of this series were not due until 1932, the last bonds to mature in 1949. At the time some difficulty was experienced in financing due to the uncertainty of the revenue, but after operating for just six years, the records showed that the plant was netting a good return on the investment, far better than other municipalities of similar size. Maintenance of the system is more than self-sustaining according to the city clerk's records. The city retired nine $1,000 bonds with interest in less than three years, although only $3,000 was due--bringing the water department indebtedness from $119,000 to $110,000. By February of 1935, the city supplied 470 consumers in O'Fallon and the territory along the line between here and French Village, the source of supply. At a city council meeting in May of 1935, a new position in appointive offices was created with the appointment of William Remelius to be in charge of the water department. His duties included making taps, repairing leaks, and supervising construction work on the water lines. Heretofore this office was included with that of superintendent of streets. The city has recently expended more than $160,000 for improvements which consist of a second water main of twelve inches in diameter running from the source of supply at French Village to a poiont of connection with the old line at Bunkum Road and U. S. Route 50, installation of pressure pumps, and construction of a large 500,000 gallon tank located near the site of the old tank. As a result of these improvements, the city is able to provide all customers with a sufficient supply of water under adequate pressure. The present facilities are sufficient for proper service to 30,000 people. The city has a contract with East St. Louis and the Interurban Water Company to purchase all water required in the entire territory for thirty years commencing in 1953. This contract was approved by the Illinois Commerce Commission. The agreement cannot be broken either by the city or the company except with mutual consent. The city of O'Fallon owns all water mains, fire hydrants, all meters, and appurtenances of the O'Fallon Water Department. The city has continued to use all earnings of the water system for maintenance and improvements to the water system. ---16-17---
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Prior to 1929, the city of O'Fallon was furnished water from a well, frequently referred to as [an] underground lake, located near the present old water tank. Originally an attempt was made to sink a mine shaft on this site. The idea was abandoned when it proved impossible to pump out the water. This, then, proved to be the source of the city's water supply for a number of years. The water was pumped to the consumers after a franchise was granted to the O'Fallon Light Power Heat and Water Company.
