[1][2] The Waterworks was commissioned by Mr. Frederick Lugard, the then Governor General of Nigeria, in 1915 at Obun Eko Area of Lagos.
Experimental wells dug in Lagos Mainland had proved to be of higher quality that those in the Island.
[4] To commence the scheme colonial authorities acquired 151 acres of land at Iju on Aworiland from the Egba United Government on a lease for 999 years.
Water was distributed to colonial Lagos through a cast iron trunks mains pipeline with a 28-inch diameter.
The initial beneficiaries were European residents of Ikoyi and then Lagos Island but gradually pipe water reached others areas including Ijora, Apapa, Iddo, and Ebute Metta.
Further increase in capacity occurred in 1954 to serve Ikorodu rd, Ikeja and Eastern Lagos and abstraction of water was extended to the Ogun River.