The geyser was formed as a result of a well drilling attempt while Hunter was developing a health resort at the springs.

[4] As a result, the bacterial mat communities at the hot springs have been studied and analyzed by microbiologists from around the world.

[6][7] The geyser, still heavily promoted by the local Chamber of Commerce as a "must see" destination, stopped erupting for several years after June 2009, possibly due in part to the nearby geothermal development by the Town of Lakeview to supply the Warner Creek Correctional Facility with water for heating.

[8] Proposed further development of the site for geothermal power generation purposes threaten the entire hot springs wetlands.

In 1923, he purchased the 40-acre (16 ha) parcel that included the hot springs with the intention of developing a health resort.

[1] As Hunter started to develop the site in 1923, he was not satisfied with the amount of hot water the springs produced naturally, so he had three wells drilled on the property.

Two of the geysers stopped erupting while Old Perpetual continued every 40 to 120 seconds, depending on the seasonal water table level,[1] until 2009.