A pressurized water distribution system that is configured to provide even water distribution to evaporative media pads within an evaporative cooler, the pressurized water distribution system comprising: a pressurized flow path portion including at least one pressurized water channel, a plurality of outlet holes, and at least one inlet hole; and a non-pressurized flow path portion including at least one non-pressurized flow path in fluid communication with at least one of the plurality of outlet holes, wherein the at least one pressurized water channel includes a plurality of pressurized water channels, each being in fluid communication with a corresponding one of the plurality of outlet holes, further comprising a water distribution system lid at least partially defining the pressurized water channel, the plurality of outlet holes, the inlet hole, and a plurality of non-pressurized gravity distribution water channels, wherein the water distribution system lid includes: a first edge; a second edge opposite the first edge; a third edge ( 142 C) between the first and second edges; and a fourth edge opposite the third edge; wherein the plurality of outlet holes are proximate to each of the first, second, third, and fourth edges (142A, 142B, 142C, 142D) characterized in that between the first and second edges, the first, second, third, and fourth edges ( 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D) defining a central aperture, so air may flow through the aperture in the water distribution system lid and through side surfaces of the housing, and is configured to come into contact with primary evaporative media pads on the sides and supplemental evaporative media pads around the aperture. a pressurized flow path portion including at least one pressurized water channel, a plurality of outlet holes, and at least one inlet hole; and a non-pressurized flow path portion including at least one non-pressurized flow path in fluid communication with at least one of the plurality of outlet holes, wherein the at least one pressurized water channel includes a plurality of pressurized water channels, each being in fluid communication with a corresponding one of the plurality of outlet holes, further comprising a water distribution system lid at least partially defining the pressurized water channel, the plurality of outlet holes, the inlet hole, and a plurality of non-pressurized gravity distribution water channels, wherein the water distribution system lid includes: a first edge; a second edge opposite the first edge; a third edge ( 142 C) between the first and second edges; and a fourth edge opposite the third edge; wherein the plurality of outlet holes are proximate to each of the first, second, third, and fourth edges (142A, 142B, 142C, 142D) characterized in that between the first and second edges, the first, second, third, and fourth edges ( 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D) defining a central aperture, so air may flow through the aperture in the water distribution system lid and through side surfaces of the housing, and is configured to come into contact with primary evaporative media pads on the sides and supplemental evaporative media pads around the aperture. a first edge; a second edge opposite the first edge; a third edge ( 142 C) between the first and second edges; and a fourth edge opposite the third edge; wherein the plurality of outlet holes are proximate to each of the first, second, third, and fourth edges (142A, 142B, 142C, 142D) characterized in that between the first and second edges, the first, second, third, and fourth edges ( 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D) defining a central aperture, so air may flow through the aperture in the water distribution system lid and through side surfaces of the housing, and is configured to come into contact with primary evaporative media pads on the sides and supplemental evaporative media pads around the aperture.