Today in Wheeling History: August 16--The Wheeling water works began operation (1834).
Wheeling's water system, established in 1834, stands as one of the oldest municipal water systems in the United States and the oldest west of the Allegheny Mountains. The original waterworks, located at the foot of 8th Street in North Wheeling, utilized a steam-powered pump to fill a 500,000-gallon stone reservoir, predating systems in major cities like New York and Boston. Wheeling's use of cast-iron pipes, leveraging the city's numerous foundries, was innovative for its time. As the city grew, so did its water infrastructure, with improvements in the late 19th century including a larger 3,000,000-gallon stone reservoir. Around the turn of the 20th century, plans for a new waterworks location began, resulting in architect Frederick Faris designing a new plant on River Road in 1892.
A pivotal development occurred in 1924 when the water treatment facilities were relocated to Warwood, shortly after its annexation by Wheeling. This strategic move aimed to integrate Warwood and access higher quality water. The 1924 filtration plant, designed by J.N. Chester Engineers, was a notable example of Art Deco architecture. Throughout the 20th century, the system underwent various upgrades, culminating in the 2015 opening of a new $30 million water treatment facility. This state-of-the-art plant uses advanced EVOQUA Ultra Filtration Membrane Units, processing about 7.7 million gallons per day with a capacity of 15 million gallons, expandable to 20 million. The system now serves approximately 45,000 customers in Wheeling and surrounding areas, maintaining over 189 miles of pipelines, 10 booster stations, and 20 storage facilities.
Wheeling's water department upholds rigorous safety and quality standards, employing a multi-stage treatment process, including sediment removal, microfiltration, and chemical treatment. The plant's laboratory conducts frequent testing, monitoring for both common substances and potential contaminants. This vigilance was particularly evident during the 2023 East Palestine train derailment incident, where the plant successfully prevented any contamination from reaching the city's drinking water. The city also maintains 7 wells and 19 tanks/reservoirs as a backup water supply, capable of sustaining the city for several days if river intake needs to be shut down. Additionally, the water department actively participates in source water protection, maintaining a comprehensive plan and collaborating with regional organizations like ORSANCO to monitor and protect Ohio River water quality.
From its pioneering beginnings in 1834 to its current state-of-the-art facilities, Wheeling's water system exemplifies the city's long-standing commitment to providing safe, high-quality water to its residents. The system's evolution reflects both technological advancements and changing community needs. Notable milestones include the 1924 Art Deco filtration plant, which served the city for decades, and the 2015 facility, which represents a significant leap in water treatment technology. As Wheeling looks to the future, its water system continues to adapt and improve, ensuring it can meet the needs of generations to come while honoring its rich historical legacy.
To learn more: (https://shorturl.at/wYyJs) (https://shorturl.at/0SUgS) (https://shorturl.at/hG7md) (https://shorturl.at/6IX0K) (https://shorturl.at/0CQPE) (https://shorturl.at/SEuXo)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; City of Wheeling Water Department, Weelunk, Wheeling Intelligencer
Wheeling's water system, established in 1834, stands as one of the oldest municipal water systems in the United States and the oldest west of the Allegheny Mountains. The original waterworks, located at the foot of 8th Street in North Wheeling, utilized a steam-powered pump to fill a 500,000-gallon stone reservoir, predating systems in major cities like New York and Boston. Wheeling's use of cast-iron pipes, leveraging the city's numerous foundries, was innovative for its time. As the city grew, so did its water infrastructure, with improvements in the late 19th century including a larger 3,000,000-gallon stone reservoir. Around the turn of the 20th century, plans for a new waterworks location began, resulting in architect Frederick Faris designing a new plant on River Road in 1892.
A pivotal development occurred in 1924 when the water treatment facilities were relocated to Warwood, shortly after its annexation by Wheeling. This strategic move aimed to integrate Warwood and access higher quality water. The 1924 filtration plant, designed by J.N. Chester Engineers, was a notable example of Art Deco architecture. Throughout the 20th century, the system underwent various upgrades, culminating in the 2015 opening of a new $30 million water treatment facility. This state-of-the-art plant uses advanced EVOQUA Ultra Filtration Membrane Units, processing about 7.7 million gallons per day with a capacity of 15 million gallons, expandable to 20 million. The system now serves approximately 45,000 customers in Wheeling and surrounding areas, maintaining over 189 miles of pipelines, 10 booster stations, and 20 storage facilities.
Wheeling's water department upholds rigorous safety and quality standards, employing a multi-stage treatment process, including sediment removal, microfiltration, and chemical treatment. The plant's laboratory conducts frequent testing, monitoring for both common substances and potential contaminants. This vigilance was particularly evident during the 2023 East Palestine train derailment incident, where the plant successfully prevented any contamination from reaching the city's drinking water. The city also maintains 7 wells and 19 tanks/reservoirs as a backup water supply, capable of sustaining the city for several days if river intake needs to be shut down. Additionally, the water department actively participates in source water protection, maintaining a comprehensive plan and collaborating with regional organizations like ORSANCO to monitor and protect Ohio River water quality.
From its pioneering beginnings in 1834 to its current state-of-the-art facilities, Wheeling's water system exemplifies the city's long-standing commitment to providing safe, high-quality water to its residents. The system's evolution reflects both technological advancements and changing community needs. Notable milestones include the 1924 Art Deco filtration plant, which served the city for decades, and the 2015 facility, which represents a significant leap in water treatment technology. As Wheeling looks to the future, its water system continues to adapt and improve, ensuring it can meet the needs of generations to come while honoring its rich historical legacy.
To learn more: (https://shorturl.at/wYyJs) (https://shorturl.at/0SUgS) (https://shorturl.at/hG7md) (https://shorturl.at/6IX0K) (https://shorturl.at/0CQPE) (https://shorturl.at/SEuXo)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; City of Wheeling Water Department, Weelunk, Wheeling Intelligencer
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