Innovation of the Era!
Early to Mid 1800s

Now That's High Quality H2O!

It was during the 1800's that cities and towns began to plan and install water lines and hydrants. Before this time, the only water sources were wells or natural bodies of water, like lakes or rivers. Water was now available to the firemen and by 1819, New York repealed its law requiring all home owners to have fire buckets.
Some of these wooden water mains were used in cities for over 100 years!
This graphic depicts a wooden fire hydrant from the 1800's.