On February 21, 1899, the City of Seattle purchases the Coppin waterworks under Ordinance 5246. The City buys the system, originally owned by the Dexter Horton Company, for $200.
The small system only served about 300 consumers from a deep well on First Hill. The waterworks itself was a bizarre structure complete with picket fence, millwork decorations, and a wooden tower with an observatory and second story balcony. Topping off the building was a windmill, which supposedly helped with the pressure.
Sources:
Mary McWilliams, Seattle Water Department History 1854-1954 (City of Seattle: Dogwood Press, 1955), 3.
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