The newly built Turitea Dam was officially declared open by the Mayoress, who cut the ribbon. After inspecting the dam the party were given afternoon tea. In July 1888, the Palmerston North Borough Council accepted a scheme to bring water from the Tiritea Stream to the city at a cost of £18,350. The contractors were Coates and Metcalf of Hamilton. This original dam was situated seven miles east of Palmerston North and the water was piped first to a reservoir on Tiritea Hill and then to the city over the Fitzherbert Bridge. The second dam was constructed in 1906-1907 and then was raised in height (shown here) and re-opened on 17th February 1913, submerging the original dam. The present dam was constructed in 1957.