Artesian Well Park

Artesian Well Park is a small pocket park located at the intersection of 800 South and 500 East in Salt Lake City, Utah. The park's centerpiece is a natural artesian spring fed by an underground aquifer that extends from Red Butte Creek underneath the University of Utah. This spring has been a source of water for the local community for over a century.

The park's history dates back to the early settlement of the Salt Lake Valley. During the construction of the Salt Lake Temple, the site served as a watering hole for oxen traveling between Little Cottonwood Canyon's granite quarry and the temple construction site. While the exact date of the well's drilling is unknown, the city filed a water claim for it in 1936.

In the mid-1970s, the city acquired the land surrounding the well and developed it into a public park. The park underwent renovations in 2019 to enhance accessibility and improve the overall user experience. The redesign included 360-degree access to the well with multiple spigots capable of filling five-gallon jugs.

The water from the artesian well is regularly tested and monitored by the Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities to ensure it meets federal and state requirements for drinking water. While the water is generally considered safe for consumption, it does contain low levels of naturally occurring perchlorate.

Artesian Well Park serves as both a functional water source and a community gathering space. Its historical significance and continued use make it a unique feature in Salt Lake City's urban landscape.