This well researched and documented book recounts the unique history of water and water distribution in early San Antonio, Texas. The founding of San Antonio in 1718 was due to the presence of two major sources of water --San Pedro Springs and the headwaters of the San Antonio River. From these Spanish engineers designed seven major acequia systems that followed sometimes barely perceptible land contours downward. The history and remarkable expertise of those early engineers is recounted here. Photographs and maps of early San Antonio and urban San Antonio add to the story. The manuscript was completed shortly before the renown local San Antonio archaeologist died at the age of 70 years.