The council accepted the majority report, but empowered the committee to continue the investigation of the system's capacity. Another test was held on July 6 for the council, the mayor, and the fire fighters in order to test the system’s fire-fighting capabilities. This and other evaluations continued for a period of several months. Finally, on October 9, 1883, the committee reported, claiming, "Your committee, to whom was referred the testings of the waterworks, beg leave to report that they think the works should be accepted." The council cast a 3 to 2 vote to accept the report, with Zimmerly and Brown in opposition.

On October 22, the council finally voted 4 to 2 to accept the waterworks. Both Zimmerly and Brown again opposed the motion, feeling the system was not adequate, and Smyth abstained from voting. The waterworks had been finally completed, despite the dissent.

With the new waterworks and the subsequently improved fire-fighting abilities, the city proceeded to reorganize its volunteer Fire Department. The name was changed from "Frontier" to "Deluge" in 1882, and the company soon obtained a hand-drawn ladder-and-hose truck which was much more efficient than the bucket and ladder equipment of the original company. It was the first step toward a professional department, which was organized in 1886 with A.G. Walden as fire marshal. Initially receiving $50 a month, Walden held the position (later retitled Chief of the Fire Department) for 31 years until November 1917. And, according to an analysis of the city, "With the efficient fire department and the system of water works, insurance policies will not command a premium." (Andreas, 1883).

Wichita's rapid growth and improved facilities drew attention from outside sources. The editor of the Fort Scott Daily Monitor visited the city and in July of 1883 wrote about it "for the benefit of those who have never been there," amazed at what the 12-year-old city of 10,000 had to offer, "The bright star of the west actually shines forth in all its glory, at the confluence of the Big and Little Arkansas rivers, in the center of the great wheat belt of the continent. Because you have not seen it, do not doubt. Perhaps you have never seen the majestic cities of the Old World, nevertheless they are there, shedding forth their influence and power. So too, you must grasp by facts the coming city of the great west, Wichita, the city of running water." (Eagle, 6/26/1883).

The city had indeed accomplished a great deal. A water supply allows cities to grow and now Wichita had obtained access to that crucial resource. But the journalistic rhetoric was not so well accepted by citizens. Now that they had the water they desired, they also wanted better service and quality. Shortly after its acceptance by the council, the new company came under attack.

A variety of complaints against the company arose over the first few years. On May 12, 1884, the council resolved, after hearing complaints, that the Water Committee investigate the amount of water pressure at a large fire in a local church. The committee reported on June 9 that the "Water pressure was poor." (City Council Minutes). An investigation of a different fire was instigated soon after. Although no definite conclusions were reached showing the company to be at fault, questions were raised.

The quality of the water also became an issue. On February 9, 1885, the council unanimously passed a resolution to have water from the Emporia Avenue mains analyzed by a chemist. Six samples of water were sent to a chemist in Chicago, and on April 27, 1885, the analysis was submitted to the council with Councilman McAdams reporting that the water was good and better and more healthful than water from the average drive well. However, this report did not satisfy many for long.

On May 11, 1885, the city attorney filed a written opinion with the council stating that due to the lack of pressure, he found the waterworks ordinance totally void. Two weeks later the Waterworks Committee found "no reason to complain." Committee members believed the water seen in their wells was not as bad as it looked and the lack of sufficient pressure was due to accumulation of dirt and sand at the end of the main, "which should be frequently blown out." (City Council Minutes).

The report satisfied the public and the council for less than three months. On August 24, 1885, a special committee of P.V. Healy, Smyth, and F.R. Stone was set up to investigate the Wichita Water Company's water supply. At the same meeting, the Health Committee reported that underground water should be used, not surface water, and suggested that all drive wells be at least 30 feet deep. For unknown reasons the special committee was replaced on September 28, 1885, by one comprised of McAdams, J.P. Allen and J.C. Richey, before having a chance to make a report. The new committee suggested on October 12 that the city clerk notify the company not to use any water from the Little Arkansas River except in cases of fire. Before further action was taken, a fight occurred on the issuance of a new franchise.

On June 29, 1886, at a regular Monday night council meeting Ordinance 370 was proposed. It would have granted to Francis Tiernan of Fort Scott, Kansas, the right to build and operate new waterworks in the city of Wichita. The proposed company would be allowed to compete with the existing company. The ordinance specified costs which the new company could levy against the city and citizens and stated that, if passed, the work would be completed by January 1, 1887. A special meeting of the Waterworks Committee was scheduled for the next day. The Wichita Daily Beacon, established in 1884, covered the story and claimed public support for the new company, "From what we can gather of public opinion, we find that with due guarantees in regard to quality and quantity of water, and the source of supply, the feeling is strong in favor