800 South 500 East Artesian Park

On the corner 800 South and 500 East is situated a small park were every day hundreds of people stop to fill their water jugs with water flowing from an artesian well. Many travel miles to get their drinking water that they believe is superior to all others. Pubic Utilities has received calls from consumers living as far as Ogden, but who knows there may be individuals who travel even greater distances to partake of this water.

Containing numerous minerals with a total dissolved solids of about 700 to 1,000 parts per million. Those who fill their gallon bottles or even larger containers swear on the benefits of drinking this water.

The well dates back to pioneer times, when it was a stock water hole. It is said that oxen used to transport granite slaps from Little Cottonwood Canyon to the LDS Temple stopped at the well site for rest and water.

Salt Lake City filed an underground water claim with the State Engineer on March 14, 1936 for the natural flow ranging from 2 to 20 gallons per minute from a 2 inch well casing at a total depth of 130 feet between January 1 to December 31 each year.The claim noted the water was used for domestic and culinary purposes and also furnishes the supply for a public drinking fountain. The priority date was listed as 1890.

The current park improvements were make in the fall of 1979 at a cost of $79,450 converting an area that was described as being neglected for years, being unpleasant and creating hazards such as wet sidewalks and traffic congesions. At that time the filling stucture was constructed.  In 1983 the well casing and plumbing was upgraded.