Hudson (Ohio). Board of Public Affairs. Water Department.

Public availability of water in Hudson began in the 1870s for fire fighting purposes only. In 1873, the town built three fire cisterns: one at the corner of Baldwin and Main Streets, one at the south side of Aurora Street, and one at the southwest corner of Church and College Streets. It was not until the 1900s that Hudson considered a public water supply system. Wealthy industrialist James Ellsworth took an interest in improving his hometown and, in a proposal to Village Council on October 20, 1907, offered to fund the construction and operation of electric lighting, sewer, and water plants. In 1910, construction of a water main, a pump house and pump, five wells, a water storage tank, and a water tower began. In September 1911, the home at 57 Streetsboro Street received the first residential supply of water. The first water meter was installed on the bank building at the corner of Main and Aurora Streets on May 16, 1911.

On February 6, 1912, Village Council established the Board of Public Affairs to oversee the town's public utilities. Since then, the Board of Public Affairs has continued to expand and improve Hudson's water supply. In 1926, a chlorinator was installed to address contamination issues. In the 1930s, the water supply system was expanded, including the addition of a well, well pumps, and a well house. Water softened using lime and soda ash was first delivered to Hudson residents in late 1931 and an additional well was added in the 1940s.

A 750,000 gallon water storage tank was built behind the Acme plaza in 1965. And, in 1969 a new water treatment plant was constructed on route 303, replacing the old one that had been in operation since 1912.

History from: "A History of the Water Supply, Village of Hudson" by W. L. Schwartz, Superintendent, Water Plants Department, January 9, 1980 (Box 1, Folder 1)

From the guide to the Hudson Water Department records, 1902-1980, 1915-1925, (Hudson Library & Historical Society)