Mid-1940s
The small town of Las Vegas begins to experience a water crisis. As population and water demand grow, city officials become concerned about a dwindling groundwater supply.
1947
Hoping to curb groundwater use, the Nevada Legislature creates the Las Vegas Valley Water District to begin using the state's Colorado River allocation to provide water to Las Vegas and Clark County.
1954
The Water District begins operations.
1955
The first Colorado River water from Lake Mead flows through Las Vegas pipes. The first of four water pumps is able to deliver 3.5 million gallons of water per day. When all four pumps are in service, they supply nearly 14 million gallons a day to the valley.