The Long Way
San Diego County
A colorful playground structure stands against a clear blue sky.
Plate I. Art installation, National City Free Water Station. From areasontosurvive.org

National City Free Water Station

National City, San Diego County, California. Free water station.

Details

Map. National City, San Diego County, California. Larger map
Where
In front of 1928 E 4th St, and scattered throughout El Toyon Park, National City, CA 91950. Directions
Getting there
Between the 4th St. overpass and the El Toyon Park Recreation Center.
Fees
Free.
Access
The water is drawn directly from a nearby well and tested for quality weekly; the source is free to anyone and everyone in the community.
Walk-in or reserve
The public is welcome to use this water, even those from outside of National City.
Managed by
Sweetwater Authority water district (in partnership with the City of National City).
Established
1977.

The free well-water station on East Fourth Avenue delivers an average of about 728 gallons a day, drawn from a well a few hundred yards away; the public, even those from outside National City, fill jugs here.

Notable Events

  1. 1977The Sweetwater Spigot was first established on Diversion Street; it later relocated to Fourth Street. areasontosurvive.org
  2. 1977Sweetwater Authority took over ownership of the wells when the district formed; part of its deal with the City of National City was maintaining one free water station. nbcsandiego.com
  3. 1977South Bay Water and the City of National City purchased the Sweetwater Divisions of California American Water Company with voter support; possession of the privately owned company's water system facilities was accomplished on August 30, 1977. sweetwater.org
  4. 2025In a collaboration between the City of National City, Sweetwater Authority, ARTS, and Artist and Exile, five student-interns were guided through design, coordination, fabrication, and installation of public artworks at the Sweetwater Spigot and El Toyon Park. areasontosurvive.org

People

  • Addie E, ARTS Youth Intern who created Mother Nature’s Conversion of Conservation.
  • Camila M, ARTS Youth Intern who created Nexus of Vitality.
  • Ciara L, ARTS Youth Intern who created Winding Poppies.
  • Leo R, ARTS Youth Intern who created Gulp Before a Storm.
  • Lino M, ARTS Youth Intern who created The Life Cycle.
  • Jonathan McClain, visitor who filled water bottles with his grandchildren.

Sources

  1. nbcsandiego.com/news/local/free-water-from-well-in-national-city-draws-crowds/96407
  2. areasontosurvive.org/the-state-of-arts/flowing-creativity-learn-more-about-the-ripple-effect-national-city-spigot-project
  3. areasontosurvive.org/ripple-effect
  4. sdarchitecture.org/project/ripple-effect-a-free-community-water-source-in-national-city
  5. areasontosurvive.org/our-impact/community-impact-2025
  6. sdarchitecture.org/project/ripple-effect-a-free-community-water-source-in-national-city
  7. nbcsandiego.com/news/local/free-water-from-well-in-national-city-draws-crowds/96407
  8. sweetwater.org/233/South-Bay-Water-History
  9. sweetwater.org/265/Groundwater