Water Works Environmental Education Center

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WWEEC History

Built in response the great downtown fire of 1884.

Probably no class of public improvements contributes more to the general welfare of populous communities than those designed to furnish an abundant supply of wholesome water under a pressure adequate for fire protection, and for its delivery at all points where it may be needed for general uses. Palatka is favored in this direction to a degree surpassing that of probably any other City in the State. The Palatka Water Works is a Florida corporation, organized to supply the City and its inhabitants with water for the extinguishment of fires, and for domestic, manufacturing and other purposes. The entire works were constructed during the winter of 1886-87 by the firm of Wheeler & Parks, of Boston, who have had a large experience as engineers and builders of water works in many States of the Union. The works were put into operation about April 1st. The source of supply is White Water Branch, a clear stream in the town of Palatka Heights, fed by copious and never failing springs, yielding in the driest seasons over one million gallons daily of pure, soft water, and ample in quantity for a population of twenty to twenty-five thousand.

From 1886 to 1986 the Palatka Water Works could provide up to one million gallons of water a day to the City of Palatka for local use and fire protection. When it was closed, the building and grounds fell into disrepair. In 1997 a diverse group of volunteers, the Water Works Committee, started obtaining grants and donations. These funds and materials made it possible to survey the archaeology, restore the building, improve drainage, landscape the grounds, re-roof the “garden shed”, cap abandoned wells, and build sidewalks and restrooms.

In 1999, a grant was acquired to repair the roof and re-point the outside brickwork. With additional donations from many area businesses, organizations, and individuals, the first phase of restoration was accomplished in 2002. Since then, the interior of the building has been re-pointed, an amphitheater and restrooms constructed, an on-site nature trail developed, a large "water wall" exhibit installed inside, gopher and box turtle habitat, and a community organic garden has been established and planted. More is being planned for the future.