History of the Artesian Well

The Artesian Well, located between 4th Avenue E, and Jefferson Street (former Diamond Parking Lot), is at 415 4th Avenue E.  It is reported the well was constructed between 1895 and 1915 on the former railroad station site, now Olympic Outfitters. 

 

The well is 1.8-inch in diameter and flows approximately 10 gallons per minute.  A geophysical report done in 1997 determined the well to be 90 feet in depth.  This report is available at  http://www.oly-wa.us/Artesians/Resources.php. 

 
This artesian well was drilled through impermeable material (e.g. clay) where the water is under enough pressure to force it to the surface without pumping.  The water is free flowing and not treated.  See illustration below on how an artesian well occurs.

 

Looking to the Future:

In 2011, the City Council approved short term improvements to improve accessibility to the well.  These improvements involved:

• Maintaining the well as free flowing
• Providing three dedicated parking stalls for vehicles
• Protecting the outfall pipe from potential damage
• Improving the well discharge situation
• Providing an elevated bench for resting water containers
• Providing trash cans
• Adding a community announcement board
• Improving the hard surface so it is smooth for wheel chairs and eliminates trip hazards

Visit the construction page to see how Public Works is embarking on these improvements, designed to enhance the community's experience at the Artesian Well.