1896
Although many details are unknown about the beginnings of Searcy's water system, the first known system began in 1896 when the Searcy City Council granted an exclusive franchise to Searcy Manufacturing Company to build and maintain a waterworks system.
The original system included a well located in the southeast section of town and a pipe was laid to the center of town. A few years later in 1899 the size of the system was increased when several citizens called for the establishment of an improvement district known as the Searcy Electric Light, Sewer and Waterworks Improvement District No. 1. This district was formed to facilitate and increase the utility services in Searcy. At this time, pumps, pipes, a standpipe, and well hydrants were added.
Mr. W. R. Steward was the first water superintendent. He came to Searcy in 1910 and oversaw many years of growth and improvement to the water system. He remained with the water utility until he retired in 1965. The first water commissioners were E.A. Robbins, Sr., J. F. Headlee, and Henry Patterson.
1896
