The Pioneer of Seattle's Water Infrastructure
A small-scale windmill-powered pump has evolved into a sophisticated city-wide water works system, setting the stage for future cable cars.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
A representative of this journal called at the Coppin Water Works yesterday to see what the clatter of workmen meant. These water works are located on Tenth street, between Cherry and Columbia, and are the most complete system at present used in the supply of the city. Their beginning was about four years ago, when Mr. Coppin dug a well, put in a pump, used the power of a windmill, and began to furnish himself and a few tenants with water. A year or so ago, he got additional capital. The windmill proving inadequate, a six-horse power steam engine was substituted. The water is obtained from a single well 110 feet deep, into which there is a steady flow of 108,000 gallons per day. The engine pumps this water into four tanks, ranging from 320 to 377 feet above the level of the Sound. It is not intended to stop at this; another well will be dug, and an engine of 120 horse power obtained. It may be stated that the 120 horse power engine is not intended alone to raise water, but will also be utilized in the hauling of cable cars up the hill, Mr. Coppin's idea being to put a track on Cherry street next year.
“These water works are located on Tenth street, between Cherry and Columbia, and are the only system of their kind on the Sound.”
This reflects the entrepreneurial era of private utility provision before municipal control became standard. It is a precursor to the massive public utility and transit networks that define modern Seattle infrastructure.
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