Dominguez Water Corporation Collection

The Dominguez Water Company was founded in 1911 in an effort to provide a reliable source of water to the Rancho San Pedro lands. The first board included Henry O’Melveny, Kaspare Cohn, and representatives from the Watson, Carson, and Del Amo families. Even with a growing consumer base, the cost of maintenance and operations kept the company from earning a profit. In 1914, the winter flooding damaged pipes, wells, and equipment. The earthquake of 1933 also damaged the pumping plant and equipment. By 1936, the company was heavily in debt to the Dominguez Estate Company and the County Superior Court ordered the Water Company to sell its assets to the Estate Company. The following year, it was incorporated as the Dominguez Water Corporation, a subsidiary of the Dominguez Estate Company.

In 1940, the Water Corporation was granted public utility status, which allowed it to expand its service area to locations outside of Los Angeles, including the Antelope Valley and Kern County. In the 2000-2001 fiscal year, the Water Corporation was purchased by the California Water Services Group and ceased operations as a stand-alone utility. Major figures in the Corporation included Superintendent Egbert P. Tallon, his son Thomas Tallon, and Resident Engineer George Hand.

The collection was received in the late 1980s with the help of Professor Judson Grenier. It was likely transferred from the original pumphouse on Alameda Street in Compton. Additions to the collection have been made by archival staff members.