Sign in

Private company

Erie Water Works

Logo: eriewater.org3

Water company in Pennsylvania, United States

The Erie Water Works was incorporated in 1865 as the Erie Water and Gas Company to provide drinking water and fire hydrant water for the city of Erie, Pennsylvania. The Water Works, also known as the Erie City Water Authority, replaced the Erie Water Systems. Its board of commissioners operates independently of the city government.2 Wikipedia text CC BY-SA 4.0

Last updated Oct 21, 2026.

Overview

1865Founded1

See how the biggest companies compare on our leaderboards

The Erie Water Works was incorporated in 1865 as the Erie Water and Gas Company to provide drinking water and fire hydrant water for the city of Erie, Pennsylvania. The Water Works, also known as the Erie City Water Authority, replaced the Erie Water Systems. Its board of commissioners operates independently of the city government.2

The story

Founded by Erie in 1865.1

A simple pump log system (see 'bored logs') provided the first systematic water works for Erie beginning in 1840, tapping spring water on the Reed farm south of 18th Street and Parade Street. The city began inquiries towards a more substantial system beginning in 1853. A state law passed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on 11 March 1857 on the formation and organization of gas and water companies was the basis for incorporation in 1865 and subsequent construction and provision of utility service.

From Wikipedia’s article on Erie Water Works, shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.4

Timeline

  1. 1865Founded Founded1

Sources

The numbers on this page point here. Each one links to the record it came from.

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
    Company websiteErie Water Works logo
  4. 4