Water & Power

When Sahuaro Ranch was built, and for some years afterward, water and electricity had to be provided by the owners themselves, often at great expense.

Drinking water was obtained from a groundwater well located in the back yard of the Main House, underneath what is now the wood-frame rear addition. In 1898, when the addition was built, the well was enclosed, and storage tanks and a windmill were erected atop the roof. This gave the Main and Guest Houses indoor plumbing well before most other Arizonans were able to enjoy such a luxury.

Electricity came later to the ranch. Sometime around 1901, a gasoline generator is believed to have been installed to supply power for lights and fans in the two houses. After the Smith family took over the ranch in 1927, they built this Pump House (directly ahead of this sign) and installed a generator that produced all the electricity used on the farm.

On the Ranch Today

Today Sahuaro Ranch receives its drinking water from the City of Glendale, the well inside has been covered and is no longer usable. Electricity is now supplied by Salt River Project, which began service to the ranch around 1930.