Water History

HISTORY OF THE GREENFIELD WATER UTILITY

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Greenfield’s water system consisted of 2-wells and one wooden water tower. The pumps that forced water up into the water tower were controlled by a homeowner that lived adjacent to the tower and pumps.

 In the 1940s, Greenfield built its first water plant. The new plant consisted of a pair of new water pumps and two filter cells. The water was pumped from an underground aquifer, sent through the filters and then pumped up into the water tower.

 In 1963, the water plant was upgraded to have four filter cells that would receive water from five wells that were located in Riley Park. Three high service pumps were added to help fill a new 500,000 gallon water tower that was constructed in the Weston Village area, as well as help supply water to the residents of Greenfield.

 Around 1971, an additional 500,000 gallon water tower was constructed near the hospital. A second water filtration plant was erected adjacent to the existing plant on East Main Street. The plant consisted of 4 filter cells and 3 additional high service pumps. These two filtration plants could treat over 3 million gallons per day.

 A 1.5 million gallon water tower was built on West New Rd. in 2004. The combined capacity of these three tanks allowed Greenfield to hold approximately 1-day’s water usage in the air as storage. This is part of a 10-states standard that cities try to meet.

 A new water filtration plant near Beckenholt Park was built in 2006. This new plant can treat 4.0 million gallons per day. It can be expanded in the future with additional filter cells. Three new water wells were also added to supply raw water to the new plant.

 The East Main Street plant was updated with energy efficient pumps, lighting, windows and other appurtenances in 2007 after receiving a grant to complete these modernizing additions to an existing filtration plant. The adjacent plant erected in 1963 was found to be very deficient in many ways. Following multiple reviews by engineering firms, the plant was demolished. A new garage facility was erected in its place to provide a work area for the operators and a place to keep their vehicles out of the weather.

Greenfield takes pride in providing the citizens of Greenfield with excellent water quality and an efficiently operated utility. Please feel free to call our office with any questions or concerns. Remember: “Use Water Wisely”