Early Los Angeles
The Early Water System
Zanjas - Water was conveyed by zanjas (ditches) from the Los Angeles River to the community. The main zanja was referred to as the Zanja Madre or mother ditch.
Water Wheel - To move the water from the ditch to the reservoir in the Plaza in the center of the town, a water wheel was used.
Buena Vista Reservoir
As the desire for more storage arose, and the wooden pipes were being replaced by miles of iron pipe, the Buena Vista Reservoir was created in 1868-9 using a small earthen dam and built at an elevation of 378 feet. The Buena Vista Pumping Station was built to move the water to Los Angeles consumers, but it became redundant when the Los Angeles Aqueduct was built from the Owens Valley.
Buena Vista Pumping Station
Early Water Pipes
Hollowed Logs
Hollowed logs provided a means to move water for the early water systems.
Wood Water Pipes
Wooden water pipes reinforced with metal cable around them served as the initial water transportation system designed to bring water from the zanjas to homes and businesses
Wood Pipes and Metal Connections
Where junctions and valves were needed iron couplings were used. The three and four inch pipes ultimately were replaced by iron pipes.
See The Zanjas and the Pioneer Water Systems for Los Angeles by Abraham Hoffman and Teena Stern. Southern California Quarterly 89 (Spring 2007)