Early settlers, in the Versailles, Tenth District area, found the natural water sources clean and useable for all needs.

Beginning on the east side of Versailles Knob and on the north side of the Tennessee Valley Divide, the Harpeth Valley Creek westward through the District. It joins the Harpeth River at its headwaters east of Eagleville. The Harpeth Valley Creek with several branches joining provides drainage for the District and is a major supplier to the Harpeth River. Sinking Creek, Yellowhammer Creek and Alexanders Creek are located within the District and are mentioned as boundary lines in early grants and deeds. They are active today. Alexanders Creek is the only one that flows south.

Some springs were cleared and walled up with steps built down to the water level and became known as walk-in wells. Two such wells were in used in the 1920's. Both were located on the Old Columbia Dirt Road: one near the home where Sam Boyd (formerly Rob Free home) now lives; the other in front of the present Frank Cooper home. Springs provided water for local use and were available to travelers along the Columbia Dirt Road.

Other springs were opened along hill sides, by placing hewed logs, resembling troughs below, providing a pool of water. Some were piped into homes, resulting in the first inside water supply. A spring located behind the Bob Jackson place was used in this manner. Numerous wet weather springs also existed.

As population increased the demand for more convenient water for household use increased. Hand dug or open wells made use of underground streams, but often captured surface water. These were approximately tree to four feet square, twenty to thirty feet deep, planked on all sides to prevent came in.

Two ways of obtaining water from these wells were very popular. One method was using a log or drum known as a windlass mounted in a bracket with a handle on the sides for turning, a rope and bucket attached. Turning the windlass in the water then turned in the opposite direction causing the water to be drawn to the surface. Some operated with two buckets, one being lowered, the other returned to the surface. Another method was the sweep. This consisted of a long pole mounted on a fulcrum weighted on one end with a rope and bucket on the other. The weight exceeded the weight of a bucket filled with water. The length of the pole was in direct ratio to the depth of the well. Open wells were numerous in the Tenth District. The Garrett, Nance, Jackson and Ransom home places had this type of well. Some remain in use today.

Bored or drilled wells next became popular. Several citizens were using these almost exclusively for water supply designed tp eliminate surfaced water. Bored or drilled wells served two major purposes: reduced pollution from water used for household purposes and provided a convenient and continuous water supply These were major steps toward health improvement--growth increased pollution. Today virtually no wells would pass health standards. A bored well was located at or near every house within the Tenth District. The Rockvale area was an exception. Three wells served this area during dry months for many years. The most used was located on the east side of the Rockvale-Eagleville Pike across from the store. Another at A.A. Scott's home and a third near the Pencil Mill site, which was discontinued upon the closing of the Mill. Other than rainwater caught in tanks from rooftops and used for bathing, wells provided residents with the best quality water for that area.

As demand for more water and safer water increased, a fifty-mile water utility district was created. In the Fall of 1967, the utility was in operation. Some commented that, "At last water on a desert." The water district was merged with the Consolidated Utility on 22 January 1979. Most all other water sources are polluted past approval by the Health Department.

Information from maps and interviews of knowledgeable persons.