An evaporative media system having multiple media stages each served by a separate pump is disclosed. In one aspect, the evaporative media system has a first media stage and a second media stage. A first pump is provided that is configured to deliver water from the first compartment of the water storage tank to the first media stage. Additionally, a second pump is provided that is configured to deliver water from the first compartment of the water storage tank to the second media stage. Additional media stages and pumps may be provided as well. The disclosed configuration eliminates the need for individual staging valves, provides a higher level of operational redundancy, reduces electrical consumption, and can be provided at a lower cost, as compared to many existing systems.