The Development of the Vancouver Barracks and City of Vancouver’s Water System

How does the City of Vancouver get its drinking water? It is more than the simple act of turning on a tap. Vancouver’s water system began with rain barrels and wooden pipes, then artesian wells; as private companies competed to provide water to both the U.S. Army and the City of Vancouver. The competition and increasing complexity of the water demands eventually led to the City of Vancouver purchasing the private water company, and creating a public utility, which exists today.

Speaker: LTC James Pestillo (U.S. Air Force, Retired)