 Although HRWC's present structure has existed since 1945, its creation was related to earlier events.As with any growing metropolis throughout the last century, the former City of Halifax had struggled to meet the ever-increasing demands of its residents for clean, safe drinking water.In 1861, after serious degradation, the water supply system was purchased by the City from a private company and operated in one form or another for 75 years, without ever resolving its maintenance and wastage problems.