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1815 48 METROPOLITAN W,\TER UI'STRICT at the west portal of the Colorado River tunnel, was broadcast over the Columbia Broadcasting System. Pumping at Intake continued until the filling of Gene reservoir on January 14, 193n. Testing of pumps at Gene plant was started and the first water delivered to the Coppcr Basin reservoir on January 31st. This resel'voir was filled on February 27th, and water was first released through, .the outlet gates on March 13th, in small volume, for the purpose of filling the siphons and testing the canal between Copper Basin and Iron Mountain. On March 30th, larger flows were released from Copper Basin, the fore bay at Iron Monn- tain plant was filled, and pumping started.at that plant on April 5th, sufficient water being pumped to fill the Eagle Mountain fore bay . The first pump operation at Eagle was on April 10th. Pumping at all plants except Hayfield continued intermittently to test out equipment. and fill reservoirs, with occasional shutdowns to adjust equipment and inspect structures. On ,July 25th the pumps at Hay- field were started and operated sufficiently to test and adjust thE main pUlllping and control equipment, the water pumped being turnEd out of the aqueduct at the San Gorgonio wasteway just east of the San Jacinto tunnel. . The San Jacinto tunnel was completed, cleaned up, and ready for water in October 1939. On October :31st pumping was resumed at Hayfield and the first water reached Lake Mathews on November 2nd. All plants havc been operated since t.hat date to supply water for testing and conditioning aqueduct st.ructures, filling the terminal reservoir, and adjusting equipment in preparation for regular operation. No difficulties of a serious nature were encountered in starting up the pumping system. During the past year of intermittent oper- ation there have been some severe storms with heavy lightning, in the main aqueduct area. The protective system has functioned properly under all conditions and there was praclically no damage to any of the equipment during this period. The successful operation of this pumping system, which is the largest ever installed and involves pumping equipment of unprece- 1 dented size, reflects the careful thought and planning given to e,'ery phase of the design, manufacture, and construction of the entire installation. Tests of Aqueduct Pumps During the year 1939 field tests of unusual thoroughness and precision were carried out on the pumps in the five pumping plants.