Public control Los Angeles Department of Water and Power

the john ferraro building, ladwp headquarters in downtown los angeles

the leader in fight end private control of water supply fred eaton. eaton proposed tax revenues enable city of los angeles provide water residents without charging them use of water directly. eaton’s views powerful because of distinguished record of achievement in both private , public sector. during eaton’s nine-year term superintending engineer of los angeles city water company, headed large expansion of company’s water system. eaton left position in 1886 when elected city engineer. in new public position, eaton devoted time updating , expanding sewer system. eaton felt los angeles city water company not serving citizens of los angeles because of high rates, , because company paid dividends stockholders instead of improving water system. in 1897, city engineers began creating plans updated water system while city council informed los angeles city water company lease not renewed beyond expiration date, july 21, 1898. in 1898, city began talks los angeles city water company taking on company’s current water system.

throughout negotiations, became clear necessary current senior employees of los angeles city water company keep jobs in order ensure water system continue operate. not guaranteed, however, william mulholland, eaton’s protégé , man took on job of superintending engineer when eaton elected city engineer, have position working city-owned water system. mulholland not popular city officials because did not produce records city requested during negotiations. near end of talks between city , water company, discovered neither requested records nor map of water system existed. mulholland, supposed in charge of non-existent records, never fan of paperwork , claimed had memorized of necessary information, including size of every inch of pipe , age , location of every valve. mulholland secured job city when demonstrated ability recall information. once mulholland assured job city, intervened company’s principal stockholder, advising him accept city’s offer of 2 million dollars system.