Early 1900s
Las Vegas is a hub for the San Pedro, Los Angeles and Salt Lake City Railroad, a predecessor to the Union Pacific Railroad. The railroad forms the Las Vegas Land and Water Company in 1905 to sell land and provide water to Las Vegas' growing population. Water in this period comes from wells and the underground Las Vegas Springs, which bubble to the surface.
1922-1942
The Colorado River Compact allots a small amount of Colorado River water to Southern Nevada. This supply goes largely unused, as the valley continues to rely on wells and springs.