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Deputy Water Ditch

Tender to Superintendent

(1878-85)

• In the spring of 1878 Mulholland took a job as a deputy Zanjero,

or “water ditch tender” with the Los Angeles Water Company. The

principal ditches ran along the western side of the Los Angeles

River.

• When Fred Eaton accepted the role as City Engineer in Dec 1885

Mulholland became the Superintendent of the water company

• During torrential flooding in Dec 1889, Mulholland endeared

himself to the citizens of Los Angeles by providing water after

the 3.5 ft dia Zanje Madre conduit was severed and fill with sand

on Christmas Eve. He was awarded a gold watch by a grateful

water company, which he carried the rest of his life.