The Way It Was
First Pilarcitos Waters Too Late for the Fireworks
June 1862 was a time of frantic activity as construction of Upper Pilarcitos Dam
neared completion. The dam and aqueduct—the City’s first on the Peninsula—
were rushed into service to time the water’s arrival with the July 4th festivities.
The water didn’t make it for the fireworks but flowed in early on July 5.
However the new supply wasn’t enough, and the dam was soon replaced. It lies
submerged behind its larger successor, the 1866 Lower Pilarcitos Dam, still in
operation. Today Pilarcitos Reservoir water serves Half Moon Bay and can also
be diverted to Crystal Springs Reservoir.
6 currents | MAY/JUNE 2017
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