the florence water works was constructed in 1879 and finished in 1880 by the city water works company, a private venture owned locally. that company defaulted on its loans, and in 1887, it was purchased by the american water works company. american operated private water companies in many cities, including south omaha and denver. american started construction on the minne lusa pumping station that year, and it was opened by mayor james dahlman on august 1, 1889. a private owner took control of the local operations in late 1895, reopening the business as the omaha water works. american provided ice produced from missouri river water and distributed throughout the region.