Most of the activity in the early years was patchwork to meet specific needs and demands, with little comprehensive planning. Soon, however, rising waters from the river prompted further action. The council passed a resolution on May 28, 1877, which read, "That it is necessary to construct and erect the necessary levees, drains, grades, and sewers to protect property of the inhabitants of said city from injury and destruction by the overflow of the Little Arkansas River." The following day a special meeting resulted in the passage of Ordinance 187 which called for $3,500 in street bonds to be sold to pay for the improvements. (City Council Minutes).

During the next few months the city commenced ditching and grading portions of Wichita and cleaning the gutters. On September 10, 1877, Ordinance 194 passed, approving the grades for the streets, as established by City Engineer O. Mulvey, to aid in drainage. By February 11, 1878, the work was completed and the bonds destroyed. A system to handle the sanitary conditions of the city began taking shape.

Work on sanitation was not finished, of course, and as Wichita grew, the need for better systems became paramount. The Health Committee of the City Council was in charge of sanitary conditions, such as cleaning the gutters, while the Public Improvements Committee dealt with specific improvements, such as the building of culverts, when necessary, out of hardwood lumber, according to the council minutes.

A major plan for improving the sanitation system was presented by the Public Improvements Committee on May 26, 1879. It recommended a comprehensive network of ditches, culverts, and new gradings at vital points throughout Wichita, including plans to significantly expand the ditches to the southern limits of the city toward the river. Some ditches led water to open ground outside the city, but did not take it to Chisholm Creek or the Arkansas River where better disposal of wastes and storm water could occur. Therefore, efforts were made to extend the main ditches to the creek. Bids were taken on July 14, 1879, to extend the ditch from Main Street to Chisholm Creek, and H.F. Butler was awarded the contract for his low bid of seven and one-half cents per cubic yard. For the next year, work on the detailed proposal continued throughout Wichita and on September 13, 1880, the committee announced the completion of the principal work.

But more progress was still necessary. The big ditch on Central Avenue still had not been extended and the council began making plans to implement the project.

On November 8, 1880, the city engineer reported that levels had been completed for the ditch which would allow construction to start. The Street Committee was authorized to extend it to the creek, with the help of the county, which the city felt should participate, at least financially. Councilman Michael Zimmerly informed the council on January 24, 1881, that the county would pay for the ditching to the creek if the city would supervise the work. The Street Committee confirmed his report on February 14, noting the county's willingness to cooperate. The council subsequently authorized the committee to complete the project, working out the necessary arrangements with the county. The committee reported on March 14 that a planning meeting had been held with the County Commissioners. Bids were taken on the 17th and the contract was let, allowing construction to begin.

More action was taken on extending another ditch some time later. It was located at the south limits of the city and would extend from Water Street west to the Arkansas River. On March 13, 1882, a motion to procure land for the project was referred to the Judiciary Committee for study because of complications in obtaining the right-of-way. It reported a week later that it was legal to buy or condemn property for sanitary purposes. This set the stage for the city's future actions to provide sanitation facilities. Following the report the Street Committee was given the matter for action.

The direction of sanitary control in Wichita continued in this manner over a period of years. Ditches were dug out and extended as necessary, with tiling sometimes laid to improve water movement. The curbing and guttering continued to improve the free flowing drainage out of Wichita. An interesting side note is the fact that inflation occurred even in these times. The Public Improvements Committee reported on September 11, 1882, that a contract had been let to Frank W. Todd for the excavation of a ditch from Emporia Avenue south one and a quarter miles for nine and one-half cents per cubic yard, two cents more than the contract in 1879. H.F. Butler won the contract for another extension south of the city for ten and one-half cents per cubic yard on September 24, 1883. This project received county assistance since it extended beyond the city limits. The Public Improvements Committee reported on October 22 that the county had appropriated $500 for cutting the ditch, plus $127.60 for city work on a bridge approach.

The water system was also beginning to operate by this time and was used to clean out the gutters. Often, however, this caused additional problems of standing water. As a result, on August 13, 1883, the council empowered the Waterworks Committee, along with the Health Committee chairman, to "take such action as they deemed proper in mitigating the bad effects arising from the flushing of gutters by the hydrants." (City Council Minutes).

Problems of sanitation continued to mount as the city grew. On April 14, 1884, the city attorney was instructed to draw up an ordinance protecting the purity of water in the Little Arkansas by prohibiting the dumping of filth, brush, and litter. Then, on May 26, an ordinance passed which prohibited people from putting anything in the gutters, avenues, or streets on Douglas Avenue or Main Street, the major thoroughfares of the city. These were some of the first acts dealing with pollution in Wichita.

During this time the use of sewers also began to be considered. Private individuals were granted the rights-of-way to install pipes or sewers upon petition to the council. Requested by the council, the city engineer prepared a set of specifications and cost estimates for a sewer on the first alley south of Douglas Avenue, which was presented on June 9, 1884. But rather than taking action on it, the information was filed for use by citizens wishing to construct a sewer.

The matter grew worse and complaints continued about filth and litter. The Health Committee reported on the complaints on July 14, 1884, urging the city to take action to keep Wichita in good sanitary condition. The Public Improvements Committee cleaned ditches while the Health Committee developed a plan of flushing the curbs and gutters at least twice weekly, which the Street Committee then implemented.

A general discussion on the sewerage of the city was held by the City Council on August 25, 1884. It was one of the first times the city had considered its overall sanitation needs. Although no action was taken, council minutes indicated growing concern. More sewers were installed by private citizens under supervision of city officials as the council continued to permit private sewers to be built. And, as more sewers and ditches were placed, the problem in the main ditches grew. The biggest ditch on Topeka Avenue was accumulating material along with standing water, creating severe problems. Complaints by a citizens' delegation from south Emporia Avenue finally prompted a special committee to be set up on June 29, 1885, of three councilmen and the city engineer "to investigate and offer solutions to nuisance of the ditch," according to the minutes.

The response from this committee led to the first major sewer installations in Wichita. The committee reported on July 13, 1885, with a split decision. Councilman P.V. Healy submitted the majority report which recommended a flume made up of good white oak lumber be constructed in the ditch. An estimated cost for 3600 feet was set at $4500. Councilman J.C. Richey gave a minority report. He recommended only spending money for an established system of sewerage to be constructed of a suitable and durable material, not wood. The council decided to