El Pasoans initially obtained their domestic water from acequias, or open irrigation ditches, and later from the aguadores, water-carriers who delivered fresh water as depicted in the nearby mural. In 1882, Sylvester Watts built the first El Paso waterworks. He pumped water out of the Rio Grande and stored it in a reservoir at this site, then later dug a well near the river that became the main supply source. In 1910, the city purchased the waterworks and began major renovations to the system, including the construction of the pumping unit at this site and the expansion of the Sunset Heights reservoir. The El Paso Public Service Board was established in 1952 to oversee the city's water system.