IV

p and Irrigation Paper No. 161 Series L, Quality of Water, 13 

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

JNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

CHARLES D. WALCOTT, DIBECTOB

UALITY OF WATER

IN THE

OHIO RIVER BASIN 

AND AT ERIE, PA.

BY

SAMUEL JAMES LEWIS

WASHINGTON

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 

1906
Water-Supply and Irrigation Paper No. 161 Series L, Quality of Water, 13 

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

CHARLES D. WALCOTT, DIRECTOR

IN THE

UPPER OHIO RIVER BASIN 

AND AT ERIE, PA.

BY

SAMUEL JAMES LEWIS

Bran<Ji,

- Survey, ^ 

Bex 3106, Capitol Station 

Oklahoma City

WASHINGTON

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 

1906
CONTENTS.

Introduction.............................................................. 9

Ohio River basin above Pittsburg, Pa........................................ 10

Allegheny River basin.................................................. 10

Description of basin................................................ 10

Allegheny River basin above Conewango Creek........................ 12

Port Allegany, Pa.......................................... 12

Smethport and Eldred, Pa.................................. 12

Olean,N. Y............................................... 12

Bradford, Pa.............................................. 13

Salamanca, N. Y........................................... 13

Mount Jewett, Pa.......................................... 14

Kane, Pa................................................. 14

Conewango Creek __.________________________ _____.___._...___.____ _ 14

Jamestown, N. Y. ......................................... 14

Allegheny River from Conewango Creek to Oil Creek.................. 15

Warren, Pa............................................... 15

Tidioute and Tionesta, Pa................................... 16

Oil Creek......................................................... 16

Titusville, Pa.............................................. 16

Oil City, Pa............................................... 17

French Creek...................................................... 18

Corry, Pa................................................. 18

Union City, Pa............................................ 18

Cambridge Springs, Pa...................................... 19

Meadville, Pa.............................................. 19

Allegheny River between French Creek and Clarion River............... 21

Franklin, Pa.............................................. 21

Emlenton, Pa............................................. 21

Clarion River...................................................... 22

St. Marys, Pa.............................................. 22

Johnsonburg, Pa........................................... 22

Ridgway, Pa.............................................. 22

Brockwayville, Pa.......................................... 23

Clarion, Pa................................................ 23

Allegheny River between Clarion River and Redbank Creek............. 24

Parker, Pa................................................ 24

Redbank Creek.................................................... 25

Dubois, Pa................................................ 25

Reynoldsville, Pa.......................................... 25

Brookville, Pa............................................. 26

New Bethlehem, Pa........................................ 26

Mahoning Creek................................................... 27

Punxsutawney, Pa......................................... 27

3
4 CONTENTS.

Ohio River basin above Pittsburg, Pa. Continued. Page. 

Allegheny River basin Continued.

Allegheny River between Redbank Creek and Kiskiminitas River........ 27

Kittanning, Pa............................................ 27

Ford City, Pa.............................................. 27

Kiskiminitas River basin............................................ 27

Conemaugh River.............................................. 27

Johnstown, Pa............................................. 27

Indiana, Pa............................................... 29

Kiskiminitas River below Conemaugh River....................... 29

Vandergrift, Pa............................................ 29

Allegheny River between Kiskiminitas River and Pittsburg............. 29

Summary of conditions in Allegheny River basin....................... 29

Monongahela River basin............................................... 30

Description of basin................................................ 30

Tygart River above Buckhannon River............................... 31

Elkins, W. Va............................................. 31

Belington, W. Va.......................................... 31

Buckhannon River................................................. 31

Buckhannon, W. Va........................................ 31

Pickens, W. Va............................................ 32

Tygart River below Buckhannon River............................... 32

Philippi, W. Va............................................ 32

Grafton, W. Va............................................ 32

West Fork River..................._.............__..........:...._ 33

Wes|on, W. Va............................................ 34

Clarksburg, W. Va......................................... 35

Salem and Wallace, W. Va.................................. 36

Shinnston, W. Va.......................................... 37

Monongahela River from Tygart River to Cheat River.................. 37

Fairmont, W. Va.......................................... 37

Morgantown, W. Va........................................ 38

Cheat River....................................................... 39

Parsons, W. Va............................................ 39

Tunnelton, W. Va.......................................... 39 '

Point Marion, Pa.......................................... 40

Monongahela River from Cheat River to Youghiogheny River........... 40

Waynesburg, Pa........................................... 41

Fairchance, Pa............................................ 41

Uniontown, Pa............................................ 42

Greensboro to Monongahela, Pa.............................. 43

Monongahela, Pa........................................... 44

Youghiogheny River basin.......................................... 44

Youghiogheny River above Casselman River...................... 45

Oakland,Md.............................................. 45

Terra Alta,Md............................................ 45

Addison and Somerfield, Pa................................. 46

Casselman River............................................... 46

Flaugherty Creek at Keystone Junction, Pa................... 47

Meyersdale, Pa............................................ 47

Meyersdale to Confluence, Pa................................ 48

Confluence, Pa............................................. 48

Youghiogheny River below Casselman River....................... 48

Indian Creek, Pa. ..................... .^.................... 49

Connellsville, Pa........................................... 49
CONTENTS. 5

Ohio River basin above Pittsburg, Pa. Continued. Page. 

Monongahela River basin Continued.

Youghiogheny River basin Continued.

Youghiogheny River below Casselman River Continued.

West Newton, Pa.......................................... 50

McKeesport, Pa............................................ 50

Monongahela River below Youghiogheny River........................ 52

Greensburg, Pa............................................ 52

Braddock, Pa.............................................. 53

Homestead, Pa............................................ 53

Summary of conditions in Monongahela River basin.................... 53

Agencies commonly supposed to counteract the effects of pollution............... 54

Natural filtration...................................................... 54

General statement.................................................. 54

Filter galleries..................................................... 55

Woburn, Mass............................................. 55

Lowell, Mass.............................................. 55

Indianapolis, Ind........................................... 56

Columbus, Ohio............................................ 56

Findlay, Ohio............................................. 56

Springfield, Ohio........................................... 57

Grand Rapids, Mich........................................ 57

Summary................................................. 57

Filter cribs........................................................ 57

Tarentum, Pa............................................. 57

Montrose near Brilliant, Pa.................................. 57

Hulton, Pa................................................ 59

Sharpsburg, Pa............................................ 60

Etna,Pa.................................................. 60

Millvale, Pa............................................... 61

Wildwood, Pa............................................. 62

Summary. ------------------------------------------------ 63

Filter wells........................................................ 63

General discussion.......................................... 63

Gallipolis, Ohio............................................ 64

Conclusion........................................................ 64

Self-purification ........................................*............... 65

Oxidation, dilution, and sedimentation............................... 65

Acid mine drainage................................................ 69

Public water supply at Pittsburg............................................ 73

Ohio River basin between Pittsburg, Pa., and Big Sandy River.................. 74

General statement..................................................... 74

Chartiers Creek........................................................ 75

Washington, Pa........................................... 75

Canonsburg, Pa........................................... 76

Ohio River from McDonald to Beaver River.............................. 76

McDonald, Pa............................................ 76

Sewickley, Pa............................................. 76

Coraopolis, Freedom, and Monaca, Pa........................ 78

Beaver River basin.................................................... 78

Shenango River................................................'... 78

Greenville, Pa............................................. 78

Sharon, Pa............................................... 78
b CONTENTS.

Ohio River basin between Pittsburg, Pa., and Big Sandy River Continued. Page.

Beaver River basin Continued.

Neshannock Creek................................................. 80

Mercer Pa............................................... 80

Newcastle Pa............................................. 80

Connoquenessing Creek............................................. 83

Butler, Pa................................................ 83

Evans City, Pa............................................ 84

Grove City, Pa............................................ 84

Ellwood City, Pa.......................................... 84

Beaver River..................................................... 84

Beaver Falls, Pa.......................................... 84

Ohio River between Beaver River and Fish Creek......................... 85

Chester, W. Va............................................ 85

New Cumberland, W. Va. .................................. 86

Wellsburg, W. Va. ........................................ 86

Wheeling, W. Va.......................................... 86

Moundsville, W. Va........................................ 87

Fish Creek............................................................ 87

Hundred, W. Va.......................................... 87

Littleton, W. Va........................................... 87

Board Tree and Cameron, W. Va........................:... 87

Fishing Creek......................................................... 88

Smithfield, W. Va......................................... 88

Pine Grove, W. Va......................................... 88

Ohio River from Fishing Creek to Middle Island Creek..................... 89

New Martinsville, W. Va................................... 89

Sisterville, W. Va.......................................... 89

St. Marys, W. Va........................................... 89

Middle Island Creek................................................... 90

West Union, W. Va......................................... 90

Ohio River from Middle Island Creek to Little Kanawha River.............. 90

Williamstown, W. Va...................................... 90

Marietta, Ohio............................................ 90

Parkersburg, W. Va........................................ 90

Little Kanawha River basin.................................._..._..... 91

Little Kanawha River............................................. 91

Hughes River...... ............................................... 92

Pennsboro, W. Va. ........................................ 92

Cairo, W. Va.............................................. 92

Ohio River from Little Kanawha River to Kanawha River................. 92

Point Pleasant, W. Va. .................................... 92

Kanawha River basin.................................................. 93

New River basin.................................................. 93

Bluestone River............................................... 93

Graham, Va.............................................. 93

Pocahontas, Va........................................... 93

BlueGeld, W. Va........................................... 94

Greenbrier River.............................................. 94

Durbin, W. Va............................................ 95

Marlinton, W. Va........................................... 95

Ronceverte, W. Va ........................................ 95

Alderson, W. Va........................................... 95

Talcott, W. Va............................................ 95
' CONTENTS. 7

Ohio River basin between Pittsburg, Pa., and Big Sandy River Continued. 

Kanawha River basin Continued.

New River basin Continued. Page.

New River from Greenbrier River to Gauley River................ 95

Hinton, W. Va............................................ 95

Gauley River..................................................... 96

Kanawha River from Gauley Bridge to Elk River..................... 97

Montgomery, W. Va....................................... 98

Elk River........................................................ 98

Sutton and Clay, W. Va.................................... 98

Kanawha River at and below Charleston............................. 98

Charleston, W. Va......................................... 98

St. Albans, W. Va......................................... 99

Ohio River from the Kanawha River to Big Sandy River................... 99

Guyandot and Mud rivers.......................................... 99

Ohio River at Huntington, W. Va................................... 100

Twelvepole Creek.................................................. 101

Dunlow, W. Va........................................... 101

Wayne, W. Va............................................ 101

Big Sandy River basin................................................. 101

Tug Fork of Big Sandy River....................................... 101

North Fork, W. Va........................................ 101

Welch, W. Va............................................. 102

Panther, W. Va........................................... 102

Williamson, W. Va........................................ 102

Big Sandy River below Tug Fork.................................... 103

Kenova,W. Va........................................... 103

Summary of conditions below Pittsburg.................................. 103

Erie, Pa.................................................................. 104

Index.................................................................... 109

ILLUSTRATIONS.

Page.

PLATE I. A, Pumping station at Parker, Pa., showing condition of building; B, 

Dam and reservoir of public supply at Reynoldsville, Pa., showing 

flimsy construction............................................. 24

II. A, Intake of public supply at Brookvillc, Pa.; B, Tygart River at Tygart

Junction, W. Va., showing nature of stream bed.................... 26

III. River profiles.................................................... 30

IV. A, Collecting galleries, Pittsburg filter plant; B, Main conduit, Pittsburg

filter plant .................................................... 72

V. A, Characteristic view on New River, W. Va., showing rapid flow; B,

Head of Bluestone River, W. Va., showing existing conditions ........ 94

VI. Tug Fork of Sandy River, near Panther, W. Va., public supply intake:

A, Half mile above intake; B, 50 feet below intake. ............... 102

FIG. 1. Map of Allegheny River basin, showing population of towns ............. 11

2. Map of Monongahela River basin, showing population of towns..-.--... 30

3. Map of Erie, Pa., and Erie Harbor, showing proposed improvement in

water supply.................................................... 107
QUALITY OF WATER IN THE UPPER OHIO RIYER BASIN 

AND AT ERIE, PA,

By SAMUEL JAMES LEWIS.

INTRODUCTION.

This paper discusses the quality of water on the most important tributaries of Ohio River 

in Pennsylvania, New York, West Virginia, and Maryland, and the nature of the water 

supply at Erie, Pa. The amount and character of the pollution is described and the results 

of drinking contaminated water as shown by typhoid statistics are indicated. The conditions on the tributaries of Ohio River in Ohio are discussed in Water-Supply and Irrigation 

Paper No. 79, United States Geological Survey, pages 129-187.

The water supplies and sewerage of small towns high up toward the head of a large drainage system do not in many cases receive the attention they should. Epidemics of a waterborne disease which affect large municipalities near the mouth of the river and therefore 

attract attention must necessarily have their origin in the pollution of the watershed above. 

It is evident, therefore, that adequate sanitation of the small towns and a water supply as 

carefully guarded as that of a large city would prevent disease at its very source and be far 

less expensive than the costly battles which are waged against epidemics in huge centers of 

population after disease has broken out.

Typhoid fever statistics for small towns in this section are seldom available and are more 

or less unreliable at best. The few figures given show the existence of virulent typhoid fever 

in most towns of the drainage areas in certain years, and as these towns drain into the 

streams the liability ofthe water to infection is evident.

The significance of typhoid fever death rates will be better understood from the statistics 

presented below, which have been collated from a number of cities having excellent water 

supplies.

Typhoid statistics of cities with good water supplies.

City and year.

Boston, Mass.:

1902...........................................

1903...........................................

1904...........................................

Brockton, Mass. : 

1900...........................................

1901...........................................

1902. ..........................................

1903. ..........................................

1904. ..........................................

Population.

560,892

600,929

614,522

44,873

46.601

Total 

deaths.

11,678

10,632

10,757

475

495

567

Typhoid 

deaths.

143

142

119

135

6

6

8

Total 

death 

rate per 

1,000.

20.82

19 70

17.69

17.54

10.17

10.99

11.03

12.17

Typhoid 

death 

rate per 

100,000.

25.6

24.8

23 8

19.8

22.0

13.9

11.1

17.1
10 WATEE IN UPPEE OHIO BASEST AND AT EEIE, PA.

Typhoid statistics of cities with good water supplies Continued.

City and year.

Cambridge, Mass. : 

1900. ..........................................

1901. ..........................................

1902. ..........................................

1903. ..........................................

1904. .......'...................................

Fall River, Mass.: 

1900...........................................

1901. ..........................................

1902. ..........................................

1903. ..........................................

1904...........................................

Jersey City, N. J.: 

1902. ..........................................

1903...........................................

Lawrence, Mass.: 

1900. ..........................................

1901...........................................

1902. ..........................................

1903. ..........................................

1904. ..........................................

Newark, N. J.: 

1902. ..........................................

1903...........................................

New York City. : 

' 1900. ..........................................

1901. ..........................................

1902. ..........................................

Yonkers, N. Y.: 

1900. ..........................................

1901...........................................

1902. ...... ..................... .............

Peculation.

91,886

94,084

96,334

98,639

100,998

104,863

108,311

111,872

115,549

119,349

215,921

219,462

62,559

64,874

67,275

69,766

72,348

258, 176

265,394

2,053,979

2,095.686

2,139,632

47,931

Total 

deaths.

1,547

1,574

1,454

1,501

1,444

2,143

2,223

2,290

2,047

4,026

1,250

1,118

1,163

1,204

4,831

849

Typhoid 

deaths.

15

10

17

14

23

15

14

27

29

44

on

12

11

23

61

372

412

399

2

Total 

death 

rate per 

1,000

16.83

16.73

14.30

21.04

19.82

17.15

18.64

18.82

19 98

17.23

17.26

18.43

20.66

1Q AQ

16.89

Typhoid 

death 

rate per 

100,000.

16.3

17.6

14.2

22.8

14 3

19 4

19 C

94 3

20 4

16.4

17.6

1 Q e

16.3

15 2

19 4

oq r.

1C 1

19 7

18.6

10.4

U O

OHIO RIVER BASIN ABOVE PITTSBURG, PA. 

ALLEGHENY RIVER BASIN.

DESCRIPTION OF BASIN.

Allegheny River drains a quick-spilling area. The stream carries so much silt and 

other debris as the result of the rapid run-off that it is generally muddy. This, together 

with the sewage which it receives from numerous municipalities, makes it a poor source 

of domestic water supply. The towns at the headwaters have not generally used river 

water for public supply, but lower down, where pollution is greater, the ilnpurified water 

is supplied at many places. Springs are numerous and are much used, sometimes supplying towns as large as.Bradford, which has 17,000 inhabitants. They fail, however, in dry 

seasons. Population is sparse, there being but 11 towns having over 5,000 people. Fig. 1 

shows the location and approximate population of nearly all the towns within the drainage 

area.

The investigations prosecuted by the city of Pittsburg looking toward filtration of Allegheny River water showed conclusively that the nature of the watershed permits very 

little or no opportunity for self-purification by the processes which are usually more or
ALLEGHENY RIVER BASIN. 11

less effective in rivers. Furthermore, "such is the peculiar character of the river, such 

the character of the watershed, that infection introduced at much more remote points 

than Oil City may be actively dangerous to the health of Pittsburg." « If this be the 

case, what is to prevent infection of towns higher up on the river by the sewage and drainage of others at less distance above them than Oil City is from Pittsburg? It can not be 

urged as a palliative of conditions on Allegheny River that most of the towns are not 

sewered, for, owing to the nature of the topography, very heavy rain will drain contamination from every town on the watershed into the river. It has long been established that 

the increase in turbidity in such a stream has a direct relation to the increase in the quanO Population less than

f) Between-2OOO *Mi5OOO\ f

~

FIG. 1. Map of Allegheny River basin, showing approximate population of towns.

tity of bacteria. The work of Mr. Copeland, of the Pittsburg filtration commission, b 

shows conclusively that bacteria abound in the turbid waters of the Allegheny and that 

those bacteria which can come only from extensive sewage pollution are generally present. 

There are always a number of cases of typhoid fever within the drainage area of the Allegheny, and the topography of the country is such that sewage or drainage containing 

typhoid bacteria may be delivered to any point down the river within one or two days. 

It is obvious that infection anywhere on the watershed may readily reach any point below.

oSedgwick, W. T., Report Filtration Commission, Pittsburg, p. 19. 

6 Ibid., p. 348.
12 WATER IN UPPER OHIO BASIN AND AT ERIE, PA.

ALLEGHENY RIVER BASIN ABOVE CONEWANGO CREEK.

Port Allegany, Pa. (population, 1,000). Has a gravity supply from three small impounding reservoirs (capacity about 3,000,000 gallons) fed by Skinners Run and its tributaries. The daily consumption is about 100,000 gallons. This is a naturally safe surface 

supply, as the drainage area is all uninhabited forest land. In time, safety will require 

regular policing of the area. The town is not sewered.

There have been few borings for ground water. The best is the 75-foot well at the Sartwell House. The water from this well is much harder than that from the public supply, 

which contains almost no mineral impurities and would be excellent for any industrial 

purpose. Field assays of water from Port Allegany are given below. Typhoid-fever 

figures for Port Allegany are not sufficiently full to be worth quoting, as they merely 

establish the presence of typhoid fever in 1897, 1898, and 1899.

Smethport and Eldred, Pa. Gravity supplies are in use at Smethport (on Potato Creek) 

and at Eldred (population of each, 1,000). Neither has a sewerage system. Typhoidfever statistics are not available for Smethport, and those for Eldred are so meager that 

they are of little value.

Typhoid mortality at Eldred, Pa-.

Year.

1C95 ................

1 CQ7

Total 

deaths.

Typhoid 

cases.

2

24

Typhoid 

deaths.

1

2

Year.

1898.-...-...-...-..

1899................

Total 

deaths.

..........

6

16

Typhoid 

cases.

.7

2

Typhoid 

deaths.

1

Field assays of water from Port Allegany, Eldred, and Smethport, Pa. 

F Parts per million.]

Determination.

Sulphates (SO.O ....................................

Chlorides (Cl) .......................................

Port Allegany.

Public 

supply.

0

27

0 

Trace. 

20 

19 

0 

5.6

75-foot well 

at Sartwell 

House.

0 

5 

(a) 

35 

130+ 

84

( b ) 

11

Eldred.

Public 

supply.

0

17

( b ) 

28 

51 

44 

Trace. 

5.6

Smethport.

Public 

supply.

0 

122 

Trace 

0 

10 

13 

0 

4.2

a Very slight trace. b Slight trace.

The Eldred water is somewhat harder than most of the spring waters of this section. It 

would be excellent for any purpose, the incrusting solids being practically all carbonate of 

lime,.which is not present in quantity sufficient to cause trouble in a boiler. The supplies 

from Eldred and Smethport would be well adapted to industries requiring especially pure 

water, like paper making. The high color of Smethport water points either to a marshy 

drainage or to a foul condition of the reservoir.

Olean, N. Y. At one time the water supply of Olean was pumped directly from the river; 

which receives typhoid-fever infection from the sources mentioned above. The supply since 

1889 has been obtained from driven wells, but connection has been made with the river 

for emergency. In 1896 and 1897 the wells were increased from a very few to 50, making 

the use of river v/ater unnecessary until very recently. The population of Olean, according 

to the Twelfth Census, is 9,462.
ALLEGHENY RIVER BASIN.

Typhoid mortality at Olean, N. Y.

13

Year Total 1 ear' deaths.

1894........................... 79

1896........................... 120

Typhoid 

deaths.

2

1

4

4

Year.

1897 ..........................

1898..........................

1900..........................

1901..........................

1902..........................

Total 

deaths.

99

82

130

110

117

Typhoid 

deaths.

1

1

1

2

3

It is evident that even high up on the headwaters, where no large towns pour their sewage 

into the stream, the raw water is unhealthy for drinking. The improvement in condition 

after the enlargement of the ground-water system is noteworthy. The town is sewered, and 

the wastes from the large tanneries located there discharge directly into the stream. It is at 

this point that the first extensive pollution enters Allegheny River.

Bradford,Pa. An unusually large spring furnishes water for Bradford (population, 17,000), 

on Tuneangwant Creek. The plant was purchased by the city from the constructing company some years ago. In 1904 the debt was completely paid, in spite of a 40 per cent reduction in the water rate in 1904 and a 28 per cent reduction in 1901. Three masonry reservoirs, with a capacity of 59,000,000 gallons, impound the waters of a number of small springfed streams. The drainage area of these streams is large; over 12,000 acres immediately 

adjacent to the streams are now owned by the city, which maintains a strict patrol of this 

area. It may be considered reasonably certain that no immediate pollution of the Bradford 

water supply is likely. The daily consumption is now about 1,800,000 gallons, or 96 gallons 

per eapita. The use of meters is increasing steadily, and the management appears to be 

efficient. There is also an auxiliary system of artesian wells averaging 175 feet in depth, for 

use in time of drought, from which the supply seems practically inexhaustible. The town 

has both sanitary and storm sewers, draining into a little stream which ultimately finds its 

way into the Allegheny. It is clear that disease germs may be discharged into the Allegheny 

from Bradford.

Typhoid mortality at Bradford, Pa.

Year. Total 

deaths.

157

Typhoid 

cases.

Typhoid 

deaths.

5

4

4

Year.

1899................

1900................

1901................

Total 

deaths.

163

172

149

Typhoid 

cases.

3

20

Typhoid 

deaths.

3

15

5

That Bradford, in spite of the excellent character of its supply, may occasionally have an 

outbreak of disease that will greatly increase the infection in its sewage is shown by the figures for 1900. The public supply is a very pure and soft water; the high color shown in the 

assay (on p. 14) is probably due to the nature of a portion of the drainage area.

Salamanca, N. Y. Salamanca, (population, 5,000) derives a very excellent gravity supply from springs and has connections with the river for pumping in periods of drought. The 

village is practically free from typhoid fever, the annual saving probably representing much 

more than the rate of interest on the plant, besides the saving in lives.

Typhoid mortality at Salamanca, N. Y.

Year.

1894

189 r>

Total 

deaths.

04

Typhoid 

deaths.

2

0 ,

°

0

1

Year.

1897..........................

1898..........................

1901 ..........................

1902..........................

Total 

deaths.

65

Typhoid 

deaths.

0

0

0

2
14 WATEE IN UPPEE OHIO BASIN AND AT ERIE, PA.

Where the annual deaths for a period of years are so few, it seems likely, in the absence of 

specific information to the contrary, that the occasional mortality from typhoid fever is due 

to other than water-borne infection.

Mount Jewelt, Pa. At Mount Jewett (population, 1,000), on the headwaters of Kinzua 

Creek, the public supply is piped from springs to two large tanks. There is no sewerage system. The only available figures showing typhoid-fever mortality for the village are those 

for 1902, when there were two deaths from typhoid fever. In the absence of definite knowledge as to the source of infection in these cases, no conclusion can be drawn as to the character of the water supply. There is no doubt, however, of the nature of Mount Jewett's 

contribution to the Allegheny drainage. The field assay below shows that the public supply is very similar to that of Bradford, pure and soft, and suitable for any industrial or boiler 

purposes.

Kane, Pa. Kane (population 5,000) has a sewerage system discharging into a small branch 

of Kinzua Creek, which empties into the Allegheny just above Warren. This run also 

receives drainage from Clarendon, a village of about 1,500 population, which has no public 

water supply, and is said to have many cases of typhoid fever. The water supply of Kane 

is similar to that of Bradford. It is derived from a number of springs along Kinzua Creek, 

and is collected in two reservoirs on that stream and pumped to a standpipe, elevated over 

300 feet above the intake, supplying about a half million gallons a day. There are four 

wells, averaging 100 feet in depth, at the waterworks, used in case of shortage. The entire 

watershed is protected under an agreement with the landowners along the stream quite up 

to its source, whereby no sources of pollution such as cattle pens, privies, and slaughterhouses and no dwellings are permitted within 200 feet of the stream. It is believed 

that the watershed is being kept reasonably clean. No figures showing typhoid mortality 

are available for Kane.

For use in boilers, Kinzua Creek water is stored in a large reservoir, making an auxiliary 

supply entirely separate from the public supply. This creek water is never used for drinking purposes. The field assays below show pure spring waters:

Field assays of puolic wate/ supplies at Bradford, Mount Jewett, and Kane, Pa. 

[Parts per million.]

Determination.

Turbidity. ................................................................

Color ....................................................................

Bradford.

0

61

(a)

0

13

12

0

6.2

Mount 

Jewett.

0

22

Trace.

0

13

12

0

4.9

Kane.

0

0

7

17

0

5

a Very slight trace. 

CONEWANGO CREEK.

Jamestown, N. Y. Conewango Creek, which enters Allegheny Kiver at Warren, carries the 

sewage of Jamestown, N. Y. (population 25,000), where there are numerous industrial enterprises, all of which pour their wastes into the creek. In the most densely populated districts 

of the city the buildings are directly on and overhang the stream, so that dejecta from typhoid 

patients in these buildings enter the creek directly and are carried down Allegheny Kiver. 

That there is some pollution of this kind at Jamestown is shown by the typhoid mortality 

figures herewith
ALLEGHENY RIVEK BASIIST. 15

Typhoid mortality at Jamestown, N. Y.

Year.

1891 ...........................

1892...........................

1896...........................

Total 

deaths.

240

395

306

224

Typhoid 

deaths.

10

10

3

Year.

1897..........................

1900..........................

1901..........................

1902 ..........................

Total 

deaths.

267

260

280

296

259

Typhoid 

deaths.

1

5

9

6

1

ALLEGHENY RIVER FROM CONEWANGO CREEK TO OIL CREEK.

Warren, Pa. The public supply of Warren (population 10,000) was formerly derived 

entirely from Morrison Run, a small spring run about 4 miles from the city. In recent 

years drilled wells have been added to this source. During about eight months of the year 

(October to June) a gravity supply is furnished from a 3,500,000-gallon earth-reservoir, situated on the run about 4 miles from the city. The average daily consumption is about 

1,100,000gallons. The dam is of rubble masonry, 26 feet 6 inches high; the bottom of 

the reservoir is of clean sand. The watershed is uninhabited, being almost virgin land. 

There is one farmhouse at the lower edge of the drainage area, which has been sewered out 

below the reservoir at the expense of the water company. Although there is no regular 

patrol, it would seem, from an inspection of the drainage area, that little danger of pollu- 

"tion exists. Five drilled wells, 58 to 66 feet deep, about 40 feet from low-water mark of 

Allegheny River, are pumped during the summer. The close proximity of the wells to the 

shore has caused considerable local anxiety as to the possibility of the river water seeping 

into the wells, as the town sewers into the river above and below. There is reason to suppose that no such seepage occurs. Analyses show that the waters from wells and river 

are radically different.

Field assays of well and river water at Warren, Pa. 

[Parts per million.]

Determination.

Chlorides (CD .....................................................

Public supply, wells 

58 to 66 

feet deep.

0

5

(")

105

134

( b)

11

State 

Hospital 

well, 66 

feet deep.

0

5

96

130+

96

6.4

Allegheny 

River.

040

122

.5

47

54

<")

5.6

a Estimated. 6 Very slight trace. c Slight trace.

The ground waters are similar, and, like uncontaminated ground waters, are very clear and 

almost colorless. The river water shows the characteristic mineral content of the streams of 

this section very similar to that from French Creek, Oil Creek, Clarion River, and Redbank 

Creek, subsequently noted. There are but 46 parts per million of total hardness. The color 

is very high, and is due partly to the marshy drainage of portions of the river bottom and 

partly to oil and acid wastes received at Riverside, which probably contribute the traces of 

sulphuric acid and iron. The well waters also are hard. There is a layer of blue clay about 

17 feet thick between the river bed and the gravel stratum whence the wells draw their supply. The movements of underground waters are such that wells of this depth probably
16 WATER I1ST UPPER OHIO BASEST ANT> AT ERIE, PA.

draw upon water not seeping from the stream but flowing in the ground toward the river; in 

order that river water may enter the wells the natural flow of the underground water would 

have to be reversed. This is clearly shown in Professor Slichter's paper on The Motions of 

Underground Waters/' For industrial uses requiring small mineral content, such as steam 

making, the river water is best. The well waters will cause scale in boilers if not treated.

There is a well-developed sentiment at Warren with regard to the public health. The 

local board of health compiles each year a report of vital statistics, which shows that in 1904 

there were 3 deaths from typhoid fever. An interesting study was made of the water supply 

of typhoid fever patients during this year. It was found that of the 27 cases reported 12 

used water from private wells in whole or in part, 5 used city water, and the remainder 

used water derived from various sources. Much credit is due to the public-spirited citizens 

of this town for the attention they are giving to problems of sanitation and public health, as 

well as to the management of the public water supply. The only typhoid mortality figures 

at hand are obtained from the reports of the health officer, as follows:

Typhoid mortality at Warren, Pa.

Year.

V

1900 ......................................................................

1901 ......................................................................

1902. .....................................................................

1903 ......................................................................

1904 ......................................................................

Total 

deaths.

110

112

103

Typhoid

cases.

10

18

29

20

27

Typhoid 

deaths.

2

2

1

1

3

Excepting for the sudden rise in 1902, these figures compare favorably with typhoid mortality rates in most towns using pure water supplies. Again, the evidence is strong as to 

the kind of pollution going into the Allegheny.

Tidioute and Tionesta, Pa. Between Warren and Oil City the population is scattered, 

there being along this stretch of the Allegheny but two villages, Tidioute and Tionesta, each 

of about 1,000 inhabitants. At these places the supply is obtained by gravity from springfed reservoirs in the adjoining hills, and there is no sewerage. As the villages drain directly 

into the river it is very likely that more or less infection enters the stream at these points 

at all times.

The two supplies are very different, though both are pure and excellent for any purpose. 

The Tionesta water is similar to the Bradford and Kane supplies. The Tidioute water contains carbonates, mainly those of either magnesium or the alkalies, with a little calcium. 

These are both greatly superior to the river water for any industrial uses. (See assay on p. 15.)

OIL CREEK.

Titusville, Pa. At Oil City the Allegheny River receives the drainage from Oil Creek, 

on which the largest town is Titusville, with a population of about 8,000, with sanitary 

sewers discharging into Oil Creek. Much oil-well pollution also enters at this point. The 

public supply is entirely from ground water pumped from a system of 10 wells, 50 to 68 feet 

deep, located at the station on Oil Creek, about 1| miles above town, and is so abundant 

(2,500,000 gallons daily) that very few meters are in use.

oSlichter, C. S., Water Supply and Irr, Paper No. 67, U. S. Geol. Survey, p. 28 et
ALLEGHENY RIVER BASIN.

Typhoid mortality at Titusville, Pa.

17

Year.

1896.................

1897.................

1898.................

Total 

deaths.

94

100

Typhoid 

cases.

2

3

3

Typhoid 

deaths.

1

2

1

Year.

1899................

1900................

1901................

1902

Total 

deaths.

91

90

84

Typhoid 

cases.

18

20

10

10

Typhoid 

deaths.

1

4

1

This very excellent showing seems to testify to the purity of the water supply. The Oil 

Creek water (see assay on p. 18) is typical of this section and, although somewhat hard, is 

far superior to well water for use in boilers, as it contains few impurities besides a little carbonate of lime. The Oil Creek water, as previously noted, is very similar to that of Allegheny River. The high color is duo in great part to the extensive oil-well pollution at this 

point. For industries requiring water with little mineral content, neither of these waters 

would be satisfactory.

Oil City, Pa. Oil City (population 13,000) is situated at the junction of Allegheny River 

and Oil Creek. Up to four years ago the public water supply was pumped directly from 

Allegheny River without purification. It was not until the high typhoid-fever rate had 

become notable that a change was made in the source. Ten wells were drilled to a depth 

of about 50 feet at a point a mile below the town, and the water is piped to a large covered 

well 140 feet from the river bank. This well is walled with logs, spaced a quarter of an inch 

apart, in 3 feet of the loose gravel at the bottom; above this the sides are bricked up tightly. 

About 2,000,000 gallons a day are pumped from this protecting well, through a 24-inch 

main, 1| miles to tanks and delivered hy gravity to the consumers. In order to guard 

against a repetition of the scarcity of water experienced in the fall of 1904, four more 

wells are about to be drilled near those now in use. The weak point in the system is the 

fact that raw river water can be pumped at any time. In June, 1904, when water was 

scarce in this section, it was deemed necessary to use the river water, and official notices 

were accordingly printed in the * newspapers early in June, warning all consumers of the 

temporary change. At the end of about ten days the well water was again used. No figures are available as to the effect of this change on the typhoid-fever rate, but data are at 

hand for the period in 1901, when the city well water was similarly contaminated with raw 

river water. Of 63 cases of typhoid fever occurring at that time, 39 originated in the city 

and 33 of the 39 used the polluted city water.

Typhoid mortality at Oil City, Pa.

Year.

1894.................

Total 

deaths.

156

132

Typhoid 

cases.

49

199

51

37

Typhoid 

deaths.

16

9

30

8

Year.

1898................

1899................

1900................

1901................

1902................

Total 

deaths.

127

172

163

201

118

Typhoid 

cases.

36

73

98

63

16

Typhoid 

deaths.

4

6

7

6

3

The notable outbreaks in 1893 and 1895, when so many deaths from this cause occurred 

in the city, are examples of the ravages of this preventable disease. The residual typhoid 

cases are too numerous, remaining strikingly uniform until 1901, when the change was 

made from the polluted river water to the present ground supply. The decrease in the 

number of deaths is ample proof, if any were needed, that the raw river water contains the 

specific germ of typhoid. 

IBR 161 06 2
18 WATEK IN UPPER OHIO BASIN AND AT ERIE, PA.

Field assays of water from public supplies at Tidioute, Tionesta, Titusville, and Oil City, Pa., 

and from Oil Creek at TitusviUe, Pa.

[Part per million.!

Determination. Tidioute.

0

45

a 10

20

61

5.6

Tionesta.

17

Tract.

0

18

21

0

4.8

Titusville.

22

( 6)

94

130+

100

a5

10

Oil City.

0

Trace.

64

61

77

13

Oil 

Creek at Titusville.

a ^n

1.5

46

36

5.6

a Estimated. & Slight trace.

The Oil City water is much softer than the Titusville supply, Neither, however, is as

good as the pure spring waters of Tidioute and Tionesta.

FRENCH CREEK.

French Creek enters the Allegheny at Franklin, a little below Oil City. Four towns of 

considerable size drain into it Corry, Union City, Cambridge Springs, and Meadville, Pa.

Corry, Pa. Corry (population about 8,000) obtains water partly by gravity from a 

spring-fed reservoir and partly from deep wells. A number of circumstances have combined to give the reservoir water a poor reputation.

Typhoid mortality at Corry, Pa.

Year.

icno

1895

1899

Total 

deaths.

93

Typhoid 

cases.

5

2

Typhoid 

deaths.

3

1

These figures are so meager as to be useless except to show that typhoid fever was present 

in Corry in the years given. It may reasonably be conjectured, in the absence of information to the contrary, that there was at least as much of the disease in years for which figures 

are not available. It is not known how much sewage from Corry gets into French Creek. 

With more care in policing the watershed this stream should make a good supply: it is 

probable, however, that it will be entirely abandoned in favor of the ground water.

It would seem likely, from the absence of turbidity (see assay on p. 19), the extremely low 

color, and the high total hardness, that the well water is being used very largely, if not altogether, as the spring waters of this section are usually low in mineral content. This water is 

strikingly similar to that of the city supply at Warren and would give the same trouble in 

industrial uses (p. 15).

Union City, Pa. Union City (population about 3,000), located about 10 miles below 

Corry, has a gravity supply from a spring-fed reservoir (see assay on p. 19). The old 

mains are largely wood, and are about to be replaced throughout with cast iron. A pumping 

station at the intersection of French Creek with the main street supplies French Creek water 

for fire purposes. It is so connected as to pump into the mains in times of scarcity. The 

town would do well either to build a larger reservoir for gravity supplies or to install a mechan-
ALLEGHENY RIVER BASIN. 19

ical filter to handle French Creek water. The town sewers into French Creek, and there is 

no pretense at sanitary inspection of its drainage area. With the pumping station in a position to pump dangerous water into the mains at all times, no confidence can be felt in the 

supply under present conditions. There is a striking similarity between the reservoir water 

and the creek water in all points, and it is especially significant that their chlorine content 

is practically the same.

No figures of typhoid-fever mortality are obtainable for this town except for 1894, when 

there were two deaths.

Cambridge Springs, Pa. Fourteen miles below Union City is Cambridge Springs, a summer resort which has about 1,500 permanent inhabitants, and is annually visited by many 

people. The water of the public supply has been pumped from three drilled wells 66 to 100 

feet deep, but as this gains color after standing a short while it has fallen into general disrepute, and its use has been practically abandoned, French Creek water being pumped instead. 

As Union City sewage pollutes this relatively small stream only a short distance above Cambridge, it is extremely inadvisable for this town to resort to such a supply. If typhoid-fever 

infection should be carried down the creek to Cambridge Springs and pumped into the city 

supply enough cases may occur in a single summer to destroy the reputation of the town as a 

summer resort. Interest in the public supply is now at a standstill. Most residents who 

can do so are drinking mineral water from the numerous wells and springs which have made 

the place well known. The present unsatisfactory condition of the supply should be speedily 

remedied either by drilling for a new ground-water source or by filtration of the French 

Creek water. Without such precaution a serious epidemic of typhoid fever will some day 

occur in Cambridge Springs. The town sewers into French Creek.

Field assays of public supplies of towns on French Creek. 

[Parts per million.]

Determination.

Color ......................................................

Sulphates (SO,,) ...........................................

Corry.

0

5

la')

92

130 4-

96

(b )

5.6

Union 

City.

212

(°)

75

40

5

Q

French 

Creek at 

Union City.

n

106

57

61

50

0

5 6

Cambridge 

Springs.

0

22

41

61

223

c5

42

a Very slight trace. b Slight trace. Estimated.

The alkalinity of the Cambridge Springs supply is so much greater than the calcium present 

as to point to the probable presence of the carbonates of magnesium and the alkalies. This 

water is by no means bad for boiler uses, being strikingly similar in hardness to that of French 

Creek.

Meadville, Pa. The danger of using French Creek water is greatly intensified at Meadville 

(population 10,000), about 15 miles farther down the stream. In addition to the farm 

drainage along its course, sewage from Cambridge Springs and Union City pollutes the creek 

continually, and during those seasons of the year when the turbidity is high it is utterly 

impossible to use the water without filtering it. Conditions became so very bad that in 1901 

steps were taken to introduce a ground-water supply. It is of interest in this connection to 

quote from the Report of the Board of Water Commissioners of the City of Meadville for 1901:

On the one hand it was asserted that the waters of French Creek were polluted, nonpotable, and 

dangerous to human life. On the other hand there were those who contended that the waters of French 

Creek were pure and wholesome. Chemical analyses made by the most eminent water specialists in 

America demonstrated that the water of French Creek for domestic use could hardly be worse.
20 WATER IN UPPER OHIO BASIN AND AT ERIE, PA.

Typhoid mortality figures are as follows:

Typhoid mortality at Meadville, Pa.

Year.

1893.................

1894.................

1895.................

1896.................

1S97.................

Total Typhoid 

deaths. cases.

.......... 3

9

122 10

122 7

Typhoid 

deaths.

1

4

2

1

Year.

1898................

1899................

1900. ...............

1901................

1902................

Total 

deaths.

93

172

169

174

175

Typhoid 

cases.

24

27

52

48

Typhoid 

deaths.

2

12

5

8

11

The present supply was recommended by Messrs. Hering and Fuller after consideration of 

the alternative proposition of filtering French Creek. It is derived from sixteen 8-inch wells 

45 to 60 feet deep, drilled in the water-bearing gravel underlying much of the valley of Cussewago Creek, a layer of clay between the surface soil and the gravel affording considerable 

protection against surface seepage. From these wells the city is pumping about 1,500,000 

gallons a day. By putting down 9 additional wells 4,000,000 gallons may be made available. 

The pumping station and much of its machinery is new and is the latest step in the improvement that has marked Meadville's progress since the city acquired the water-supply plant. 

Under present conditions the supply must be considered as good as any of its kind in the 

country. If its use should beccome universal in the town typhoid fever would be practically 

wiped out in a year or two. The experience of the local board of health in 1904 was encouraging. There were 29 cases reported, 2 of them foreign, as against 87 for 1903 and 48 for 

1902. It should be remembered that the new water supply was first used late in 1902, the 

city water previous to that time having been pumped from French Creek. Of the 27 cases 

properly chargeable against the town in 1904, 15 occurred in the third and fourth wards, 

where most of the wells whose water is used for domestic purposes are located. These wells 

draw from ground vvater contaminated by old buried cesspools.

Field assay znd analyses of public supply at Meadville, Pa. 

[Parts per million.]

Determination.

Turbidity ......................................................

Nitrites

Field

assay.

0 

5 

0.5 

92 

87.5 

115 

« 10 

9

Analyses by George C. 

Whipple, New York.

Aug. 14, 1901.

0 

0 

0.10

127 

120

.001 

.006 

.000 

.000

Aug. 21, 1901.

0 

0 

0.15

127 

119 

3.0

7.2

ffEstimated.

This water requires a little treatment; for boiler uses the creek water is much better. The 

figures of albuminoid and free ammonia show that there is very little nitrogen in the water, 

and the absence of nitrates and nitrites shows that no organic matter had recently been 

added to it. For drinking purposes it is excellent.
ALLEGHENY RIVER BASIN. 21

ALLEGHENY RIVER BETWEEN FRENCH CREEK AND CLARION RIVER.

Franklin, Pa. Conditions similar to those at Meadville have caused like difficulties at 

Franklin (population 7,000), on Allegheny River at the mouth of French Creek. The supply for some time was obtained by gravity from several springs, the water being impounded 

in a clean, well-constructed reservoir lined with paving brick, and of a capacity of 11,000,000 

gallons. The watershed is unpopulated and is policed immediately about the reservoir. 

The amount of water impounded is, however, totally inadequate in dry seasons for the 

needs of the town. Nine wells have been drilled in sets of three, connected by a 12-inch 

line to the pumps, and so equipped with gate valves that any well or set of wells can be 

closed while the rest are being pumped. The results are fairly good, but it is likely that a 

stratum of ground water containing more storage than the one now drawn upon will have to 

be prospected for, as the present wells become low in dry times. During the last season's 

drought pumping from the wells had to be stopped entirely for a time, when a temporary 

plan of natural nitration was attempted. A trench about 6 feet across and 8 feet deep was 

dug at a right angle to the river bed, and the river water was pumped into it and allowed 

to percolate through the ground until it reached the stratum into which the wells were 

drilled. Not proving very successful in yield the plan was abandoned. This was perhaps 

fortunate, for it is not probable that this contaminated river water was purified by the 

process, as the wells average but 40 feet in depth. The idea is similar to that of Doctor 

Imbeaux, Ingenieur des Fonts et Chaussees, of Nancy, France, who built an "open canal 

through the gravel and conducts through it the river water parallel to the gallery and on the 

opposite side of it from the bank of the river; this has the effect of making both sides of the 

filter gallery equally effective. This method has been entirely successful."a A similar 

supply at Albion, N. Y., was condemned by the State engineer as unsafe. The city wells 

were located near a canal carrying polluted water, and in order to augment the yield from 

the wells, the water company dug trenches from the canal, which reached to the waterbearing gravel that supplied the wells. The State engineer held that the supply would be 

dangerously polluted by the infiltration of the canal water and ordered the trenches 

closed. &

Six additional wells, spaced farther apart than the present bores, would probably yield 

enough additional water to supply the town at all times.

Field assay of public supply at Franklin, Pa.

Determination.

Color....................................

Parts per 

million.

0

5

0

85

Determination.

Total hardness (as CaCO3 ) .............

Sulphates (SO3) ........................

Chlorides (Cl) ..........................

Parts per 

million.

75

90

3

13

This water is not so good for boiler uses as the creek or river water, nor is it suitable for 

industries requiring extremely pure water.

Emlenton, Pa. Notwithstanding the pollution that comes in from Franklin and above it, 

Emlenton (population 1,000) is pumping raw Allegheny River water every day in the year 

as a water supply. An analysis of Allegheny River water at the Emlenton intake was made 

in 1902 for the State board of health and is relied upon by the people of the town as showing 

that the water is safe for drinking. This conclusion is not justified by the analysis, which 

is given below. The river is known to be grossly polluted by sewage containing pathogenic 

bacteria; the nitrate figure in the analysis shows considerable past pollution, and it remains

aBechmann. M., Purification of water for domestic use: Trans. Am. Soc. Civil Eng., vol. 54, Pt. D 

(International Engineering Congress), p. 184. 

&Eng. News, Oct., 1904.
22 WATER IN TIPPER OHIO BASIN AND AT ERIE, PA.

to be proved that this past pollution is completely inocuous. Certainly no assurance of 

safety can legitimately be derived from one or two analyses. Emlenton sewers into Allegheny River.

«

Analysis of water from Allegheny River at Emlenton.a

Determination. Parts per 

million.

70

1.1

.16

Determination. Parts per 

million.

0.02

.02

oRept. Pennsylvania State Board of Health, 1902, p. 45. 

CLARION RIVER.

A number of important towns are located along Clarion River, which empties into the 

Allegheny a few miles below Emlenton.

St. Marys, Pa. St. Marys (population 4,000) is on Elk Creek, one of the headwater 

streams of Clarion River. It is supplied by a gravity system from reservoirs on Laurel and 

Silver runs, the reservoirs being filled by pumping. Frequent analyses of this water have 

been made at various times for the local water company, which takes considerable pride in 

keeping it in good condition. It is claimed that there is no typhoid fever here. The water 

is excellent for any purpose, either domestic or industrial. It does not seem likely that 

much drainage from this town gets into Allegheny River.

Johnsonburg, Pa. Johnsonburg is a town of about the same size as St. Marys, situated 

directly on Clarion River, near its source. The water supply is pumped from a small reservoir about 1J miles from the town. This reservoir is located on Powers Run, a mountain 

stream with a very uniform rate of flow, and of exceptional purity so far as mineral contents 

go. The daily consumption is about 75,000 gallons. No dwellings or privies are allowed 

along the banks of the stream, but this precaution is offset by the presence of pig yards, 

barns, and chicken yards. During every rain, and for some time after, the run is polluted 

by washings from these pens. Similar conditions exist lower down, at a small settlement 

containing about 12 families. During the summer of 1905 a contractor's camp was 

located directly upon the stream at the headwaters. Many cases of typhoid fever are 

reported in the town and the water is in bad repute, yet the meager figures obtainable as to 

typhoid mortality indicate a very fair water supply.

Typhoid mortality at Johnsonburg, Pa.

Year.

1895.................

1896.................

1897.................

Total 

deaths.

Typhoid 

cases.

4

2

1

Typhoid 

deaths. Year.

1898................

1899. ...............

1902................

Total 

deaths.

23

43

45

Typhoid 

cases.

1

5

Typhoid 

deaths.

1

1

1

With intelligent inspection of this watershed Johnsonburg should have a water supply 

as good as any in the country. As it is the conditions may readily cause an epidemic of 

typhoid fever. The field assay (p. 24) shows the Powers Run water to be exceptionally 

pure and excellent for any industrial purpose. For domestic use it would be very good if 

not contaminated, as shown above.

Ridgway, Pa. Clarion River above Ridgway (population 3,500) is polluted by the 

domestic sewage from Johnsonburg and by contamination from the paper mills there, as 

well as by the wastes from a very large tannery. The public supply of Ridgway is derived 

partly from a spring-fed reservoir on Gallagher Creek and partly from two wells, 92 and 94
ALLEGHENY KIVER BASIN. 23

feet deep, at the lower edge of the town, from which excellent water is pumped. These 

wells became infected a few years ago through a defective casing, which allowed leakage 

from adjoining sewers. Upon analysis the water was pronounced unsafe, and though the 

casing has since been replaced the supply is still somewhat under suspicion by the townspeople. The mineral analysis shows no unusual features for a water drawn from this 

depth. If used without treatment, it would give trouble in boilers. The Gallagher Creek 

supply becomes scanty in times of drought, so that the pumps at the wells are now furnishing nearly all the water to the reservoir, from which it is brought into the town by 

gravity. The, figures available to show typhoid fever mortality are too few to serve as a 

basis for any conclusions as to the character of the water other than to prove that the town 

is not free from the disease and that its sewage therefore probably contains typhoid bacilli. 

The most serious outbreak was in 1895, when there were 36 cases of typhoid fever'with one 

death.

Tn order to determine the effect of the industrial pollution mentioned, a sample was 

taken from Clarion River about a quarter of a mile below the tannery. It was so highly 

colored as to be unreadable by ordinary means, appearing black in the river, its shade being 

equivalent to an iron color of 4 parts per million. It is practically a slightly diluted tan 

liquor at this point. Except for the difference in color and alkalinity traced to the tanning 

wastes the two samples at Ridgway are strikingly alike. The influence of the sulphite 

wastes from the Johnsonburg papef mill is noticeable in the high sulphur trioxide figure.

Broclcwayville, Pa. Brockwayville (population 1,700) is located on Little Toby Creek, a 

tributary of Clarion River, entering a few miles below Ridgway. It has a spring-run 

gravity supply from a small reservoir on Whetstone Creek, 5 miles below the town. There 

is little interest in the matter in the village. The company officials state that the watershed is not populated in any way; but as there is no way of guarding against pollution of 

the reservoir, the supply can not be called wholly satisfactory. For manufacturing purposes the water is far superior to that of Toby Creek, which receives considerable mine 

drainage, as shown in the field assay (p. 24).

The public supply is typical of the spring waters of the section. The assay of water 

from Toby Creek shows the influence of mine drainage in the high sulphates and iron contents and in the nearly complete neutralization of the. natural alkalinity of the stream by 

the acid drainage. This water is not suitable for domestic purposes and would cause 

much trouble in boilers from incrustation and corrosion. The iron is probably present as 

ferrous sulphate.

Clarion, Pa. The largest town on Clarion River is Clarion (population about 2,500), 25 

miles from the Allegheny. Its supply is obtained partly by gravity from a reservoir upon 

McLains Run, and it is said that Clarion River affords part of the supply by pumping and 

treatment with a mechanical filter. The sample analyzed seems too soft to have come out 

of the river. The McLains Run water should be a very satisfactory supply if the quantity 

remains sufficient during the dry season. The field assay shows the public supply to be a 

very fine soft water suitable for any purpose. The town sewers into Clarion River.

The figures available to show typhoid fever mortality at Clarion are few, but the large 

number of cases and high percentage of mortality show clearly enough that the polluted 

river water has been in use.

Typhoid mortality at Clarion, Pa.

Year.

1896. . ....................................................................

1898. .....................................................................

1899

1900

Total 

deaths.

23

30

18

Typhoid 

cases.

19

16

25

26

4

Typhoid 

deaths.

1

2

1

1
24 WATEE IN UPPER OHIO BASIN AND AT ERIE, PA.

Field assay of public supplies in Clarion River basin. 

[Parts per million.]

Determination.

Chlorides (Cl) .......................

St. Marys.

0

 35

0

0

13

q

6

Johnsonburg.

0

106

0

0

22

12

0

4.8

Ridgway.

0

3

119

130+

133

a 28

26

Brock, 

wayville.

0

27

( c)

0

13

14

0

2.6

Clarion 

River.

0

45

0

0

18

0

4.4

Clarion.

0

0

113

130+

63

41

30

Toby 

Creek.

a5

17

84

90

7

104

6.1

a Estimated. 6 Very slight trace. " Slight trace.

ALLEGHENY RIVER BETWEEN CLARION RIVER AND REDBANK CREEK.

Parker, Pa. Parker (population about 1,000) is built in a line along the Allegheny 

River front and on top of the bluff overlooking the rwer. The waterworks station is at 

the extreme southern end of the town, the intake being well out in the middle of the stream. 

All sewage and drainage from the village finds its way into the stream immediately above 

the intake. Besides this there are two slaughterhouses located on Toms Run, which enters 

into the Allegheny a few hundred yards above the northern edge of the town. The sewage 

of Emlenton is emptied into Allegheny River a short distance farther upstream. The 

pumping station is a ramshackle building, filthy inside and out (see PI. I, A). A privy in 

the building is located at the edge of the shore, so that every rain washes pollution into the 

stream right at the intake. This is one of the grossest cases of ignorance and uncleanliness in 

water supply that has been noted in the course of this investigation. The pumping station 

is so located as to supply water contaminated not only with all the pollution from above, 

but also with that at the very doors of the town. Reliable figures as to typhoid fever here 

would be extremely valuable. During the few hours spent in the town 6 cases were located. 

This plant was installed about thirty years ago and has been in continuous operation since. 

It is said that the cleaning which the tank has just received was the first that it has had in 

many years. The first cost of the pumping plant could not have been more than the few 

hundred dollars necessary to purchase the tank and the small gas-engine which is doing the 

pumping. The plant should be replaced by a ground-water system similar to those of 

Warren and Oil City.

Field assays of water from. Allegheny River at Parker, Pa.

Determination.

Turbidity ...............................

Color ....................................

Iron (Fe) ................................

Parts per 

million.

ab

7

2

59

Determination.

Sulphates (SOa) ........................

Parts per 

million.

59

54

«5

26

a Estimated.

The field assay of water from the river at Warren (see p. 15) showed 5.6 parts per million 

of chlorine at Warren, agreeing very closely with the 5.0 parts per million shown by the 

analysis at Emlenton, several miles above Parker. The very high rise in the chlorine at 

Parker is probably traceable to the salt used at the slaughterhouses at Toms Run and 

seems to point to direct pollution of the river above the intake from this source.
U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY WATER-SUPPLY PAPER NO. 161 PL.

A. PUMPING STATION AT PARKER, PA, 

Showing condition of building.

**k», ^ =Sf*>r-'¥i 

l-CA"/*^'" "~AV£^feF^ * *:-^ '.

B. DAM AND RESERVOIR OF PUBLIC SUPPLY AT REYNOLDSVILLE, PA. 

Showing flimsy construction.
ALLEGHENY KIVEK BASIN. 25

REDBANK CREEK.

Redbank Creek, an important tributary of the Allegheny, enters the main stream at Redbank Furnace, about 15 miles below Parker. There are four towns of consequence on this 

tributary drainage area Dubois, Reynoldsville, Brookville, and New Bethlehem.

Dubois, Pa. Dubois (population 10,000) has a gravitj' supply from large reservoirs that 

impound the waters of Anderson and Wolf creeks. The Anderson Creek reservoir, 9 miles 

from town, has a capacity of 150,000,000 gallons, the daily consumption being 1,000,000 

gallons. There was no shortage here in the summer of 1904 at the time when drought was 

felt throughout this section. The supply is allowed to flow "wild" through the mains into 

town, and the excess goes on to Wolf Creek reservoir, where it is collected for storage, to be 

pumped back in time of need. The watershed is cleared of habitation, is partly owned by 

the company, and is patrolled at all times by a paid constable. The reservoirs are cleaned 

twice a year, and it is claimed that all cases of typhoid fever are traceable to the use of private wells, nearly all of which have been abandoned. Judgment as to the water supply 

of Dubois can hardly be definite in view of the meager figures at hand as to typhoid fever. 

The water seems to be good.

Typhoid mortality at Dubois, Pa.

Year.

1897. ................................................................................

1900 ................................... ............................................

1901 .................................................................................

Total 

deaths.

66

138

151

Typhoid 

deaths.

2

3

This water shows (see assay on p. 20) a bright red coloration after being heated to boiling point. This is probably due to the presence of iron as iron carbonate, which loses carbon dioxide on heating, leaving the red ferrous oxide as a precipitate in the water, FeCO3 

CO2=FeO, which combines with oxygen in the water to form Fe 2O3 as a red precipitate.

Before the present large reservoir was in service, three deep wells, now plugged, were sunk, 

in search of an additional supply. Neither quantity nor quality was satisfactory. The 

town sewers into Sandy Creek, a tributary of Redbank Creek.

Reynoldsville, Pa. Ten miles below Dubois is the town of Reynoldsville (population 

about 5,000). It has a surface supply from two small reservoirs, one of which is held in 

reserve. The one actually in use covers about three-fourths of an acre and does not appear 

to be in good condition, being apparently foul on the bottom and sides. The primitive character of the works is shown in PL I, B. The earth dam is but a temporary structure and 

the spillway a rough boxing of planks. The pool impounds the little run on whose course 

it is built, and receives the flow of two springs besides. There is evidently but a few days 

storage, and the supply is inadequate. In the fall of 1904 the prevalent scarcity led to the 

drilling of two wells right at the pumping station, the water from which is said to be a little 

harder than the spring water. These are not in operation at the present time, being held 

in reserve.

Typhoid mortality at Reynoldsville, Pa.

Year.

1899. ................................................................................

1902. ................................................................................

Total 

deaths.

38

44

Typhoid 

deaths

0

1

\Vith the reservoir in its present condition, the water supply is certainly not beyond suspicion. The land around this reservoir is all in cultivation, and there is no policing of the 

drainage area. An assay of the water is given on page 26.
26 WATEE IN UPPEE OHIO BASIN AND AT EEIE, PA.

Brookville, Pa. Brookville (population 2,400) is a rapidly growing lumber town, located 

between the confluence of the North Fork and Sandy Creek. The town supply is pumped 

directly from the North Fork, without purification, into three 3,000-barrel steel tanks, 

whence a daily consumption of about 290,000 gallons flows by gravity into the mains, so 

that there is little or no opportunity for sedimentation. A field assay is given below. 

PI. II, A, shows the pumping station and conditions at the intake, which is in the mill pOnd 

about 30 feet out from the bank. The pond is a stagnant pool whose surface is littered with 

scum, chips, logs, oil, and lumber-yard refuse, and at the time the sample was taken presented 

a most uninviting appearance. Judging by the high-water mark here conditions must be 

much worse when the spring freshets sweep debris from the whole course of the stream into 

the pond. A mile upstream, at another sawmill, are located the houses of a few families 

right on the stream. The water has a high color, doubtless due to the rubbish mentioned 

above.

The few statistics available as to typhoid fever show the constant presence of the disease, 

sometimes in high rates.

Typhoid mortality at Brookville, Pa.

Year.

1895.................

1896.................

1897........ .....

1898................

Total 

deaths.

34

Typhoid 

cases.

3

13

1

11

Typhoid 

deaths.

2

2

Year.

1899................

1900................

1901................

1902................

Total 

deaths.

36

28

Typhoid 

cases.

6

3

3

8

Typhoid 

deaths.

2

2

Sandy Creek, although most offensively polluted at Reynoldsville by the tannery, presents a perfectly clear appearance at this point.

New Bethlehem, Pa. Near the mouth of Redbank Creek is New Bethlehem, a town of 

about 2,000 population. Here there is a very good, well-equipped water-supply plant. The 

water, which is rather hard and of the limestone type, is pumped from Redbank Creek into 

a settling basin holding approximately 180,000 gallons, whence a small gas pump raises it 

into a small mechanical filter. Washout gates on the distributing mains are used for flushing out any deposited matter. The reservoir and filters are covered, being brick and cement 

structures, and intelligent supervision is exercised over the entire plant. The supply seems 

to be good and to give satisfaction. The machinery is all modern. The low alkalinity of 

this water in the presence of so much calcium carbonate probably results from the acidity of 

chemicals added in the filtration process. This supply should cause no trouble in boilers 

and should be available for many other industrial uses.

Field assays of public supplies from towns in Redbank Creek basin. 

[Parts per million.]

Determination.

Chlorides (CD ...........................................

Dubois.

0

96

1

0

15

19

0

2.2

Reynoldsville.

0

35

(«)

Some.

30

24

Trace.

3.9

Brookville.

0

90

Trace.

0

20

21

0

3.9

New Bethlehem. >

0

27

(B>

33

39

12

c20

8

Very slight trace. i> Slight trace. Estimated.
U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY NO. 161 PL. II

A. INTAKE OF PUBLIC SUPPLY AT BROOKVILLE, PA.

. TYGART RIVER AT TYGART JUNCTION, W. VA. 

Showing nature of stream bed.
ALLEGHENY RIVER BASIN. 27

MAHONING CREEK.

Punxsutawney, Pa. Mahoning Creek flows through a sparsely settled country; the only 

important town on it is Punxsutawney, with a population of 4,375 in 1900. This obtains a, 

gravity supply from Clover Run, whose water is used without purification. The Punxsutawney water is of the usual spring type, the great difficulty with it being its occasional turbidity. A slight amount of patrolling would make the supply quite safe. The only typhoid-fever data available for Punxsutawney arc for 1902, when there were two deaths from 

this cause.

Field assay of water from Punxsutawney, Pa.

Determination.

Color....................................

Parts per 

million.

a 15

90

0.5

0

Determination.

Chlorides (Cl) ..........................

Parts per 

million.

21

0

5.6

^Estimated.

ALLEGHENY RIVER BETWEEN REDBANK CREEK AND KISKIMINITAS RIVER.

Kittanning, Pa. Kittanning (population about 4,000) pumps from Allegheny River and 

is now installing a nitration plant, after passing through a painful experience with typhoid 

fever. The disease may be said to have been continuously epidemic here for years, as 

shown by the following figures, the number of deaths being among the highest in the country.

Typhoid mortality at Kittanning, Pa.a

Year.

1899. ...................

Deaths 

per 

100,000.

189

-o

Deaths 

Year. ' per 

100,000.

1900. .................. 128

1901................... 24

Year.

1903 ...................

Deaths 

per 

100,000.

109

160

Ford City, Pa. Ford City, Kittanning's near neighbor, had a similar experience in 

the epidemic conditions prevailing from March 24,1903, to January 23,1904, in which period 

eleven deaths from typhoid fever occurred, in an estimated population of 3,000.

KISKIMINITAS RIVER BASIN.

( ONEMAUGH RIVER.

Johnstown, Pa. Johnstown (population about 60,000) is on Conemaugh River, the principal tributary of the Kiskiminitas. It has a sewerage system draining into the river. 

The Johnstown Water Company, which furnishes water to about 7,600 private consumers, 

takes its supply principally from mountain runs, the water being impounded in an extensive system of storage reservoirs having a maximum capacity of 283,000,000 gallons. There 

is also an intake on Stony Creek for use at times of low water. The drainage areas s> re owned 

to a great extent by the Johnstown Water Company and the Cambria Steel Company, and 

are said to be regularly patrolled by special constables in the employ of these corporations.

The daily consumption is about 6,000,000 gallons. With the amount in storage the town 

usually has an abundant supply without drawing on Stony Creek; but the drought in the 

fall of 1904, which proved so serious throughout this section, necessitated the use of creek 

water after public notice. Since then the storage capacity of the reservoirs has been

aEng. News, Feb. 11, 1904.
28 WATEE IN IJPPEE OHIO BASIN AND AT ERIE, PA.

increased 131,000,000 gallons, and still another reservoir, with a capacity of 220,000.000 

gallons, is in process of construction.

The Cambria and Morrellville Water Company, with about 500 consumers, takes its water 

from one reservoir and one deep well. The Cambria Steel Compaq's supply, from mountain 

reservoirs and from Conemaugh River, is said to be used exclusively for industrial purposes.

The'typhoid fever mortality at Johnstown is shown bjr the following table:

Typhoid mortality at Johnstown, Pa.

Year.

1891............................................................

1892. ...........................................................

1893. ...........................................................

1894. ...........................................................

Population.

23,300

23,800

Total 

deaths.

Typhoid 

deaths.

1896

1897

1898............................................................; 32,000

Typhoid 

death

rate per 

100,000.

46

22.;

56

42

64

108

35

Approximately one-third of the cases of typhoid fever are among nonresidents under 

treatment at the hospitals, and the remaining two-thirds are about equally divided between 

those who do and those who do not use the supply of the Johnstown Water Company. 

There is no doubt that insanitary local conditions and the use of well water are responsible 

for a considerable percentage of the typhoid fever, but the distribution of the disease over 

the entire city among consumers of the public supply and other factors indicate that the 

supply is not blameless. Stony Creek is so grossly polluted above the intake that it is 

absolutely unfit for domestic use in its raw state. Comparison of the Conemaugh River 

water with the mountain water indicates that the latter is decidedly the better.

Field assays of water in Kiskiminitas River basin. 

[Parts per million.]

Determination.

Color ..........................................................

Indiana.

0

40

(a)

30

37

47

&5

8.2

Public

supply.

0

96

1

0

22

11

0

4.5

Johnstown

Conemaugh 

River.

0

22

1

68

63

8

56

7.7

.

100-foot 

well, 

Hotel

Crystal.

0

27

(a)

35

60

170

41

141

Very slight trace. > Estimated.

The Johnstown public supply is very soft and pure; but the high color suggests some 

marshy drainage. The water of Conemaugh River is much harder and makes serious 

trouble in boilers, and is, besides, so contaminated at times as to make its use for domestic 

purposes inadvisable without nitration. The well water is very much harder than the city 

supply.
ALLEGHENY RIVER BASIIST. 29

Indiana, Pa. Indiana (population about 5,000) on Marsh and Whites runs, branches of 

Two Lick Creek, which drains into Conemaugh River, has an unfiltered suppl} from the 

creek.

The chief trouble with the water supply seems to be the lack of sanitation on the creek. 

As far as mineral contents go, the water is of fair quality.

KISKIMINITAS RIVER BELOW COMEMAUGH RIVER.

Vandergrift, Pa. Vandergrift (population about 5,000) has a combination spring and 

well water supply, and Apollo, near by, pumps from Kiskiminitas River. Both drain into 

the Allegheny, and the typhoid-fever figures given indicate the character of this contribution to the river water.

ALLEGHENY RIVER BETWEEN KISKTMINITAS RIVER AND PITTSBURG.

The quality of the water of Allegheny River below Kiskiminitas River is described under 

the heading "Natural filtration," page 57.

SUMMARY OF CONDITIONS IN ALLEGHENY RIVER BASIN.

The work of the Pittsburg filtration commission showed conclusively that in a watershed of the "quick-spilling" class, like the Allegheny, even a scattered population, not collectively a great number as compared to a great city, can and does pollute the main stream 

to a degree that makes its water undesirable and dangerous for drinking.

The foregoing study shows that typhoid fever exists in some form at all points on the 

river and its important tributaries. Owing to the character of the physical features of the 

country this contamination may enter the stream at any point and be delivered in virulent 

form at any other point below. The profile sheet (PI. Ill) shows that the slope of Allegheny River is rather abrupt. The elevations used in platting in many cases represent only 

approximately the actual level of the river, and the distances are partly scaled from a map. 

This inaccuracy of data is of no consequence in a chart drawn to the scale shown, the actual 

differences being far too small to plat, so that the, profiles given faithfully represent actual 

conditions.

At Port Allegany, near the source of the stream, the elevation is 1,479 feet; at Franklin, 

where French Creek joins the main stream, the elevation is 969 feet, a drop of 510 feet in 

145 miles, or about 3.5 feet per mile. This is not an exceptionally steep grade, many irrigation canals of the West, built in earth, having a fall, roughly speaking, of 1 to 5 feet per 

mile, without ordinarily acquiring a velocity sufficient to damage their banks. In view 

of the resistance offered to the flow of water in the open channel by rocks and unevennesses 

of surface,.it is evident that the velocity given by the slope of the river bed is not sufficient 

to account for the rapid delivery of storm water to a point near Pittsburg.

The character of the watershed is a factor whose importance can be surmised when one 

recollects the numerous and destructive floods in this stream. The sides of the valley 

through which the river flows are steep and the soil does not absorb water readily. Besides, 

numerous side gorges dissect the country in every direction, with slopes so abrupt as to 

deliver storm water in torrents to the main stream. Even the larger tributaries have very 

steep grades. This is clear from the profiles of the comparatively large tributaries, French 

Creek and Clarion River. Between Corry and Franklin, where it enters the Allegheny, 

French Creek descends 457 feet in a distance of about 70 miles, making a grade of about 

6.5 feet to the mile a slope about twice as steep as that of the main stream. Clarion River, 

between Ridgway and its mouth, a distance of 58 miles, has a fall of 514 teet, or 8.9 teet to 

the mile. The facts seem to be, therefore, that a valley with a gradient in the main as 

low as 3.5 feet to the mile will deliver storm water very rapidly if its side slopes are steep 

and covered mainly with a somewhat impervious soil.

The significance of these conditions and the justness of the judgment thereon by the 

filtration commission's experts will be made clear by the following description of the Monongahela River drainage.
30 WATER IN UPPER OHIO BASIN AND AT ERIE, PA.

MOXONGAIIELA RIVER BASIN.

DESCRIPTION OF BASIN.

Monongahela River is formed by the junction of several streams, the largest being the 

Youghiogheny, which enters at McKeesport. Above this point the largest tributary is 

Cheat River, which furnishes the greater portion of the water in the Monongahela the year 

round. The drainage area of this stream as well as that of West Fork and of Tygart River, 

other tributaries of the Monongahela, is very sparsely populated, the towns being few, 

small, and far between. The total population of the Monongahela River drainage area in 

1900 was almost identical with that of the Allegheny, each consisting of about 184,000 

people.

PITTSBURG

ffomestead(

FIG. 2. Map of Monongahela River basin, showing population. 

TYGART RIVER ABOVE BUCKHANNON RIVER.

Tygart River is a rapid stream flowing over naked rock (PI. II, 5, p. 26) in nearly the whole 

of its course, through very thinly inhabited country. The heavy timber in its drainage 

area was cut long ago, so that very little lumbering is now carried on there, with its too 

frequent accompaniment of pollution of the running streams. The profile of this river 

(PL III) points to the fact that on account of the rapidity of its flow there can be but little
MONONGAHELA RIVER BASIN. 31

self-purification of its water, the pollution not being detained long enough in the water to 

permit much sedimentation.

Ellcins, W. Va. The town nearest to the source of Tygart River is Elkins (population, 

about 2,500), whose water supply is pumped directly from the river without purification. 

A field assay of this water is given on page 33. In view of the very scanty population above 

Elkins, a little intelligent sanitary inspection should insure a good supply, the water being 

as a rule exceptionally pure and clear. There is, however, more or less pollution at all 

times from privies and farms along the stream, putting the city in the position of drinking 

from a beautiful reservoir of clear water which is liable to contamination by every one 

working along the river. The sewage of Elkins drains into Tygart River, and as the flow 

of the stream is swift the harmful character of this contribution is not much lessened in 

the short time it traverses the 15 miles between Elkins and Belington.

Belington, W. Va. Belington, a town of possibly 800 population, draws its supply 

directly from Tygart River. It seems certain that more or less pollution from Elkins 

sewage is bound to come down as far as Belington; besides the same liability to careless 

or wanton pollution that exists above Elkins would operate to make the water unsafe for 

Belington. Sanitary inspection of the stream is needed. A field assay of water from 

Tygart River at Belington is given on page 33.

BUCKHANNON RIVER.

Buckhannon River enters the Monongahela at Tygart Junction, about 12 miles below 

Belington, carrying at least as much water as Tygart River does up to that point.

Buckhannon, W. Va. The only town on this tributary is Buckhannon (population, 

2,500), whose water .supply is drawn directly from Buckhannon River, which is backed up 

for several miles above the city by an old milldam. The intake of the pumping station is 

above the points of exit of the sewage from the city. The plant is operated in connection 

with a modern ice plant using sterilized water. The same laxity exists here as at Belington and Elkins as regards sanitary inspection of the stream.

Field assays of water from Buckhannon and from Buckhannon River. 

[Parts per million.]

Determination.

Turbid. ty ..............................................................

Color. ..................................................................

Iron (Fe)................. .............. ...... ............. ...... .

Chlorides (Cl) .........................................................

Buckhannon.

40-foot City supwell, ply.

0 

45 

2.5 

102 

130 

83 

5 

29

0 

35 

Trace. 

0

28 

12 

0 

9

Buckhannon River 

at Tygart 

Junction.

0 

50

(») 

0 

32 

12 

0 

9

" Slight trace.

The well water is obtained from a well that some years ago catised a typhoid epidemic 

by becoming infected with drainage from neighboring privies. The water is characteristically hard and would be very poor for any industrial or domestic use, and the liability 

of the well to pollution from infected drainage makes it best to avoid it as a source of water 

for drinking. The two analyses of the river water show practically the same mineral content and indicate that it is a very excellent water, suitable for any manufacturing or boiler 

purposes.

The great objection to the Buckhannon water lies in the deliberate pollution that goes 

on all along the river above the town. For 40 miles above Buckhannon the stream winds
32 WATER IN UPPER OHIO BASIN AND AT ERIE, PA.

through forest country having a very scanty population scattered along the banks. There 

are eight or ten little villages along the course of the stream, and every one of them has at 

least two or three privies overhanging the water.

Pickens, W. Va. Pickens, a town at the head of the river, having a population of a few 

hundred, is built on the steep slopes of a little valley draining into the stream. At the 

railroad station the privy stands directly over a tributary within 40 yards of the 

main stream. Farther downstream, at the mill, there are two or three more privies 

located directly on the stream itself. With this pollution going down the river, reinforced every few miles with more, it is difficult to see how Buckhannon water can be 

safe. The only protection the consumers have is the 7-mile sedimentation basin into 

which fhe river at Buckhannon has been turned, giving the pollution a chance to settle.

Field assays of water from Pickens, W. Va. 

[Parts per million.]

Determination.

Turbidity. 

Color.....

10-foot 

well.

76

100-foot 

well.

62

Spring.

19'

104 

78

a 10 

19

a Estimated.

The spring furnishes a typical water of this class soft and pure. The high mineral 

content of the shallow well points to a characteristic rock water, the rock being within a 

few feet of the surface and dipping down the hill to where the 100-foot well is located. 

The latter is used in boilers with unsatisfactory results, as might be expected from the 

assay.

TYGART RIVER BELOW BUCKHANNON RIVER.

PMlippi, W. Va. The village of Philippi (population about 1,000) is located on Tygart 

River, about 15 miles below Belington and about 12 miles below Buckhannon. As the 

sewage from the towns already mentioned pollutes the stream, it is not believed that the 

Philippi supply is safe, pumped as it is directly from the river without purification. It 

should be borne in mind that while these streams do not receive a great deal of pollution 

from any one of these towns, the amount of water in the river beds becomes very low in 

the summer and fall, so that the beneficial effects of dilution, if there are any, must be 

very slight, and at the same time sedimentation and storage probably play no part at all 

in the purification of the water, owing to the high velocity of the streams.

Although the water is naturally very pure and these little towns are about 15 miles 

apart, it seems certain that purification in a stream so small and rapid is not sufficient to 

warrant the use of the water for drinking after infection from even a few families has 

entered the stream. Although the drainage area as far down as Grafton is so sparsely 

inhabited that pollution from all sources except city sewage is extremely slight, the rugged 

nature of the country allows storm water to enter the stream very rapidly, increasing the 

liability to wash down infection. Nevertheless, the water remains very clear a great deal 

of the time, there being comparatively little fine soil to be washed away.

Grafton, W. Va. Grafton (population about 5,000) is about 20 miles down the river 

from Philippi. The city supply, amounting to about 500,000 gallons a day, is drawn 

direct from the Tygart River without purification. As very little sewage is added to the
U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

Cheat ft/ver

Muttons Knob lpena St. George Albright

/so 

\PtMorion

Moriongahe/a ftiver

14O8

IOOO

crrf

fiygarf Junction

Weston 

Clements

Gnafton airmont Va

80

rf^rr/l

'""""""""-I

MM

IOOO

o

'<

mc/-\

^ cj^jr"'^

w y?(?

20

Meyersdale

753 

O 

Greensboro fa \Homestead 

Allegheny ffiver

Q

\PortAllegany

RIVER PROFILES.
MONONGAHELA RIVER BASIN. 33

stream from Philippi, there is a stretch of about 35 miles that may be regarded as relatively free from pollution above Grafton. Distance, however, in the absence of conditions 

permitting sedimentation, is of no avail in purifying river waters, and it is believed that 

this water is not safe for drinking purposes without treatment. There is so much wanton 

defilement in small amounts along the stream that anyone who follows its course from its 

source to Grafton will not be inclined to drink the raw water at any point. The city of 

Grafton has never taken proper care of its water supply. Until a few years ago the intake 

of the city system was a little below the town, so that the people of the town were drinking 

a dilution of their own sewage. The consequent high typhoid rate resulted in the removal 

of the intake up the stream, by which the conditions were somewhat improved. Filtration of the supply, however, is absolutely necessary to make the water safe.

The change in chemical content below Belington is striking, the hardness and alkalinity 

both being reduced about 50 per cent at Tygart Junction and the hardness still further 

reduced at Grafton. The reduction is probably due to the acid mine drainage along the 

course of the stream neutralizing the alkaline carbonates to a great extent and causing 

the precipitation of some of the calcium carbonate. The amounts of these present are so 

very small that this water is exceedingly pure, usable for any industrial purpose in its raw 

state.

Between Grafton and Fairmont the river flows through a country that is somewhat 

more rolling than that at the headwaters. There is little population, only a few hamlets 

being on the stream. It is noticeable, however, that every one of them has houses draining into the stream, so that pollution in small quantities is constantly entering it. There 

are no public supplies at these points, the inhabitants all using individual wells.

Field assays of water from Tygart River at points in West Virginia and of well water from

Colfax, W. Va.

[Parts per million.]

Determination.

Turbidity ................................

Color.....................................

Iron (Fe) .................................

Sulphates (SOs) ........................

Chlorides (Cl) ...........................

Elkins.

0

83

0

0

9

ton.

0

180

4

45

23

0

9

Junction.

0

35

0

0

21

13

0

 14

Grafton.

0

22

Trace.

0

14

0

Q

Co

53-foot 

well.

0

17

10

52

139

96

0

19

Ifax.

36-foot 

well.

0

0

0

133

139

14

155

34

a Estimated.

The well waters are both in the rock, possibly in the coal seam which was uncovered 

at the depth of about 35 feet in building the abutments for the bridge at this point. They 

are both very hard. That of the 53-foot well destroys tinware rapidly, probably by the 

action on the metal of free CO2 in the water. It is possible also that the iron is present 

as ferrous bicarbonate (FeH (CO3) 2), which is decomposed in contact with the metal, 

giving off a little free CO2 .

WEST FORK RIVER.

At Fairmont Tygart River unites with West Fork River to form the Monongahela. 

West Fork River is a stream of very different character from the one just discussed. As 

may be seen from the profile sheet, it is practically a series of pools connected by the running stream, with a very slight fall, so that purification may go on to a great degree by 

the influence of sedimentation and storage. The stream is also very turbid during a large 

IKK 161 06 3
34 WATER I1ST UPPER OHIO BASIN AND AT ERIE, PA.

portion of the year. This adds to the possibility of purification by the heavy particles 

settling in the pools and carrying down the bacteria.

Weston, W. Va. The city of Weston (population 3,000) is nearest the head of the stream. 

Above it there is no sewage and a scattered and scanty population. The public supply is 

pumped directly from West Fork Kiver, about 200,000 gallons a day being used. The 

supply is to be criticised in three respects. In the first place, it becomes very scarce during 

the summer. Secondly, the turbidity is high at certain seasons of the year. The drainage area of this stream is different from that of Tygart River in that there is a deeper soil 

and much more land in cultivation, so that the frequent rains wash down much fine yellow 

clay, which settles very slowly in the water. The third objectionable feature, hardly less 

serious than the insufficient quantity, is that besides the organic matter which is washed 

into the stream above Weston from the dwellings and farms along the shores, the stream 

is wantonly polluted above the intake of the waterworks. There are several privies on 

the other side of the river from the waterworks just a few feet above the dam.

On the whole, a great deal of improvement is needed in the town's water supply before 

it can be said to be satisfactory. The water company is contemplating the purchase of a 

mill site farther up the river, which will add about 40,000,000, gallons of storage. If this 

purchase is made and vigorous measures are taken to police the area adjacent to the river, 

the result will be an immense improvement in the quality of the water.

The quality of ground water which it is possible to develop here for municipal use is indicated by the field assays, given herewith, of water from three deep wells sunk in search of oil 

and gas. The quantity of water obtained from these wells is ample. In quality the water 

is fairly good for drinking purposes, though too high in mineral matters for commercial use. 

The wells are located rather close together, the Irvin and Woodford wells being on opposite 

sides of the river, about a quarter of a mile apart and the Maxwell well about 2 miles distant. The remarkable agreement in the quality of the waters of the two former would seem 

to indicate that the}7 are from the same water horizon. It is believed that a chain of wells 

sunk to the depths indicated would yield an ample water supply for the town of Weston. 

Such a supply could not, however, be used in boilers without treatment.

Field assays of ground water from Weston, W. Va. 

[Parts per million.]

Determination.

Color....................................................................

Chlorides (Cl) ............................................................

Ervin 

well; 700 

feet deep.

0

20

2

53

392

0

488

Woodford well; 

700 feet 

deep.

0

20

2

65

393

0

499

Maxwell 

well; 635 

feet deep.

0

35

0

28

104

440

0

426

These waters are all hard rock waters, suitable for drinking purposes, but high in incrusting and corroding solids, and therefore unfit for use in boilers. The chlorides corrode the 

tubes rapidly, and no treatment has yet been discovered that will prevent this action.

The water of West Fork River itself is very similar in mineral content to that of the two 

streams discussed above. The field assay is supplemented by an analysis furnished by the 

Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company made in October, 1900:
MONONGAHELA RIVER BASIN. 35

Field assay of water from West Fork River and analysis of water from pool.

Field assays.

Color....................................

Parts 

per million.

02

70

0

tr.

3o

30

0

12

Analysis.

Parts 

per million.

54

6

13

19

22

2

a Estimated. 

REMARKS BY ANALYST: Full of organic matter; rotten odor; unfit for use.

When the stream becomes very low in the fall, it is of uninviting appearance in the pools, 

and this feature makes the present supply most unsatisfactory.

Clarksburg, W. Va. Clarksburg (population about 6,000) is about 22 miles down West 

Fork Eiver from Weston. The city supply is pumped without purification from West Fork 

River. Between Weston and Clarksburg there is considerable rural population, the land being rolling and fertile. Although farm pollution takes care of itself to a large extent, a portion at least of the drainage from the farms finds its way into Elk Creek and West Fork 

River. The most important factor of pollution, however, is the sewage from W'eston. If 

there were always plenty of water in the river its extremely low rate of flow might insure 

sufficient detention of the sewage to cause a high degree of purification. The stream becomes so nearly dry, however, that, as at Weston, isolated pools have to be drawn upon for 

the city supply at certain seasons of the year. Plans are under way for rebuilding the Clarksburg pumping plant and adding to it a settling basin. If efficiently operated this will 

improve the appearance of the water and probably lower the bacterial content to some extent. 

It is not believed, however, that this water is safe for public supply without filtration. It is 

claimed \>j the townspeople that it is not used for drinking, spring and well water being sold 

and used extensively. A similar claim is made in nearly every town in West Virginia that 

has a bad water supply, but in most cases the statement is not warranted by the facts. 

Experience has shown that no matter how bad the quality of the water, if it has not an 

offensive appearance and odor, and frequently if it has, a large percentage of the population 

on the taps will drink it habitually, trusting to luck to escape disease. It is safe to assume 

that every dangerous public water supply in West Virginia and there are many of them 

which it is claimed by the residents is used only for washing, is being drunk by precisely 

those who should not drink it the poorer inhabitants, who can not buy pure water or 

take care of themselves after they are infected.

West Fork River water would not be unusually difficult to filter, the experience of the 

Hotel Waldo with a small Loomis apparatus, with alum sedimentation, being very eneouraging. This device is in the form of a compact tank inclosing a so-called cutting plate or 

diaphragm screen, through which the sand has to pass up and down in washing, breaking up 

the dirty material caught on the sand. An assay of the water treated with this apparatus 

shows a remarkable improvement in quality, due largely to the heating of the raw water.

Three analyses of ground water from wells at Clarksburg are given below. These waters 

are derived from widely different levels, the shallowest being in one of a group of flowing 

wells 46 feet deep at Union Heights. This well furnishes water for domestic use, but like 

the 160-foot well of the Standard Milling Company its yield is not sufficiently great to make 

it important for anything but private supply. Not until the drill is sunk to the extreme 

depth shown at the Hotel Waldo 500 feet is a body of water found great enough to stand 

pumping. Its quality, however, approximates that of mineral water, its chlorine and iron
WATER ITS' UPPER OHIO BASIN AND AT ERIE, PA.

contents being extremely high. The well, which is a 4-inch one, was pumped all summer 

and supplied a large portion of the town until the excessive drought of 1904 so exhausted 

the stratum as to necessitate a stoppage of pumping. It would seem, however, that an 

adequate city supply could be obtained by drilling a number of wells; but the expense of 

this system and the fact that the water is unfit for boiler use indicates that it would be 

better and cheaper to install a plant for mechanically filtering the water of West Fork River.

Field assays of water from Clarksburg, W. Va. 

[Parts per million.]

Determination.

Total hardness (as CaCOs) .............................

Chlorides (Cl) ...........................................

46-foot 

flowing 

well, 

T. J. 

Francis.

0

0 

0

88 

104 

312 

0 

60

160-foot 

well, Standard Co.

0 

17 

6.5 

56

257 

(c) 

19

500-foot 

well, 

Waldo 

Hotel.

0 

27 

24 

64

381 

0 

423

West Fork 

River.

Raw.

(a) 

88 

bl. 5 

0 

63 

20 

HO 

9

Filtered.

0

17

0 

21 

14 

0 

4

a Decided. 6 Estimated. Very slight trace.

The well waters are too high in mineral contents to be used in industrial plants without 

treatment. The river water is shown in its natural state and as improved by filtration with 

the Loomis apparatus, the process rendering it extremely soft and the diminution in bacterial content making the effluent safer for drinking. It is not known whether the process 

can be made cheap enough for use on a large scale.

Salem and Wallace, W. Va. Salem and Wallace, on the branch lines of the Baltimore and 

Ohio Railroad radiating from Clarksburg, present conditions typical of towns that rely on 

ground water for their supply. Salem (population 700) derives its supply from six wells, 

about 100 feet in depth, all in the sandstone, the source of all the drilled-well water in this 

section. The first water stratum is tapped at about 56 feet. Springs in the section are 

neither numerous nor strong and practical!}' all fail in times of drought.

The spring water is considerably more mineralized than the pure mountain springs in this 

drainage area, yet it may be considered a soft water. The public supply (assay on p. 37) is 

very hard, not usable for industrial or boiler purposes without treatment. The high alkalinity suggests the presence of alkaline carbonates, besides the calcium compounds.

At Wallace, W. Va., a little oil town (population 400) there is no public supply. The 

town is built along a little creek draining into West Fork River, and in every case where it 

was possible to do so the outhouses have been constructed to overhang the creek, the latter 

becoming practically an open sewer.

The extensive drilling for oil has developed the geological structure in this section enough 

to show that water may be had at depths ranging from 20 to about 200 feet in large quantity and reputed good quality at the latter depth. The assays (p. 37) are of water from 

shallower wells in common use, the 108-foot well being on a farm at the edge of the town. 

Most of the shallower wells become very low in summer.

The water from the 108-foot well is remarkable for its softness, the probability being 

that the carbonates are present as sodium and potassium carbonates, and that calcium 

and magnesium are lacking. As the great difficulty with the ground waters of northern 

West Virginia is their hardness, which unfits them for boiler uses, this well is important as 

indicating a vein of soft water at this depth. The other water assayed is fair, the incrusting
MONONGAHELA RIVER BASIN. 37

solids being chiefly calcium carbonate. The yield from the well furnishing this is small, 

sufficient only for a half dozen families.

Shinnstort, W. Va. Between Clarksburg and Fairmont there are many small coal-mining 

camps and coke ovens. Shinnston (population 600), on West Fork River, is the largest of 

these places. The public supply is pumped unpurified from the river into a 1,000-barrel 

tank. This is said to be used for fire service only, drinking water being obtained entirely 

from shallow wells 10 to 40 feet deep, the depth depending on the elevation of the top of the 

well, the water in all being derived from beds at the same horizon apparently. The town is 

located just below the Pittsburg coal scam, which is pierced at East Shinnston, about 3 

miles farther northeast, where there are flowing mineral wells. Some years ago a drilling 

made through the first rock (40 feet) by William Blair gave good water in groat quantity. 

There is the usual string of outhouses overhanging the river.

Field assays of water from Salem, Wallace, and Shinnston, W. Va. 

[ Parts per million.]

Determination.

Turbidity .........................................

Sulphates (SO 3) ..................................

Chlorides (Cl) .....................................

Salem.

Spring.

0 

45 

0

56 

19 

0 

19

100-foot 

well.

0 

45 

1 

156

249 

47 

59

Wallace.

42-foot 

well.

0 

10 

Trace.

53 

77 

180 

0 

29

108-foot 

well.

166 

1.25 

0 

25 

103 

0 

29

Shinnstcn.

0 

45 

1.5 

100 

139+ 

73 

47 

59

MONONGAHELA RIVER FROM TYGART RIVER TO CHEAT RIVER.

Fairmont, W. Va. Fairmont (population 5,000), about 30 miles below Clarksburg, 

pumps Monongahela River water for filtration. This was formerly effected by two mechanical filters of the Buffalo type, but during the summer of 1905 two slow sand filters 75 

feet square were installed and are now used. With proper operation of these filters the 

city ought to have an excellent water supply, the mine drainage up to this point not being 

sufficient to make the water objectionable and the other mineral impurities being slight. 

Analyses of the raw and the filtered waters, given below, agree very closely.

Field assays of Monongahela River water at Fairmont, W. Va. 

[Parts per million.]

Determination.

Turbidity.....................

Color .........................

Raw

water.

0

83

0.8

( b)

Filtered 

water.

0

S3

a.8

Determination.

Total hardness (as CaCos) ...

Sulphates (SOa) .............

Raw 

water.

35

14

«5

9

Filtered 

water.

35

14

05

9

o Estimated. b Slight trace.

The three analyses following, furnished by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company, 

show that the variation in quality at different seasons of the year is great enough to cause 

considerable difficulty in handling the water, either in filtration for drinking or in treatment 

for industrial purposes.
38 WATER IN UPPER OHIO BASIN" AND AT ERIE, PA.

Analyses of water from Monongahela River at Fairmont, W. Va. 

[ Parts per million.]

Determination.

Color....................................................................

Sulphuric acid (SO-i) ....................................................

Feb. 26, 

1900.

(al

( c)

8.9

1.8

11.6

9.9

10.3

3.2

0

45.7

June 9, 

1903.

(»)

7.2

2.6

12.8

32

0

70.6

Sept. 26, 

1903.

Slight.

Slight.

25

5

9

65.8

5

23.3

13

146.1

a Yellowish, clay. 6 Yellow, muddy. : Considerable.

The variation in total solids is seen to be as high as 100 per cent between June and September, though the June sample was taken after a heavy rain.

Buffalo Creek, which enters the Monongahela at Fairmont, drains an extensive country having a population of several thousand. The most important town is Mannington 

(population 2,500), which has a very complete waterworks system. The supply is derived 

from 11 wells, 100 feet in depth, driven close together near the creek about half a mile from 

town. As it was feared that summer demands would make it necessary to draw upon the 

polluted waters of the creek, a mechanical filter was installed for treating the creek water. 

It is claimed that up to date it has not been necessary to use the filter. The creek carries 

the town sewage as well as that of Farmington and other small communities, receiving also 

drainage from numerous coal camps along its course. A field assay of the water is given on 

page 39.

It should now be sufficiently evident that from this point on down stream the Monongahela River water is dangerous for drinking purposes unless it can be shown that it has completely purified itself by sedimentation in the lower reaches of the river. The influence of 

the Weston and Clarksburg sewage in a stream so small and so subject to failure as West 

Fork River certainly extends as far as Fairmont. Besides this the pollution from Grafton 

must necessarily add much fresh contamination to the stream above Fairmont. That city 

is considering the removal of its waterworks intake so as to draw from Tygart Rivei, which 

would certainly be better than the present source, for the West Fork contamination would 

thus be completely eliminated.

Morgantown, W. Va. Morgantown (population 1,800), about 20 miles farther down the 

stream, has one of the most complete waterworks systems in West Virginia. The water is 

pumped from Monongahela River into a settling basin, whence it passes to four mechanical 

filters. There is no clear-water reservoir, the filtered water going directly into the mains 

to the average amount of 1,200,000 gallons a day. The water seems to be satisfactory. 

The old gravity supply, from a mountain stream about 6 miles from the town, has been 

allowed to fall into bad repair with the perfection of the filtration plant on the river.
MONOTfGAHELA RIVER BASITf. 39

Field assays of water from Mannington and Moryantown, W. Va. 

[Parts per million.]

Determination.

Color ....................................................................

Sulphates (SO3) .........................................................

Chlorides (Cl) ............................................................

Mannington.

City 

supply.

0 

17 

.5 

52 

63 

163 

*>20 

24

Buffalo 

Creek.

386

(a) 

0

70 

47 

0 

19

M organtown, 

city supply0 

96 

1 

Trace. 

35 

20 

0 

14

a Too high to read. & Estimated.

For industrial purposes requiring a water free from any acid content this water might not 

prove satisfactory at certain seasons on account of the mine drainage emptying into the 

stream. Otherwise it is of good quality, very suitable for a public supply.

CHEAT RIVER.

At Point Marion, Pa., Monongahela River receives its great tributary, the Cheat. This 

fine stream flows for much of its length through a deep canyon in rough country, having 

almost no population on the watershed. There are but three important villages on the 

'stream, none of them having over 800 people. The pollution from these is very slight, 

none of the towns being sewered, so that the most serious contamination is from the sawmills and tanneries on the river. A piofile of Cheat River is shown on PI. Ill, page 30.

Shavers Fork and Dry Fork, which unite to form Cheat River, at Parsons, carry waters of 

good quality which differ only in the trace of sulphate in that of the former. (Assays on 

p. 40.) The higher color of Dry Fork is due to tannery pollution, which persists in the 

main stream a mile or two lower down, as is shown in its equally high color. Both the color 

and the sulphur-trioxide content diminish markedly in the course of the flow to Rowleshurg, about 20 miles down the river, and in this stretch there is also a slight temporary 

diminution of the alkalinity. (See assay on p. 40.)

Parsons, W. Va. At Parsons (population 600), at the junction of Shavers Fork and Dry 

Fork, there are two tanneries, the effluents from which stain the water perceptibly. Sawmills are located at various points along the stream, but, as the merchantable timber will 

soon be gone, pollution from these may be regarded as only temporary. In its present state 

the water of the river is exceptionally fine, not greatly contaminated by sewage, and the 

flow is sufficient to supply a million people. A field assay is given on page 40. The drawback to its use, however, lies in the extremely steep grade of the stream, which is shown on 

the profile sheet. The very rapid fall evidently makes self-purification almost impossible, 

and it is by no means improbable that typhoid fever contamination far up on the headwaters of the stream may be delivered in virulent form at points as far down as its mouth, 

or even in Monongahela River itself.

Tunnelton, W. Va. The divide between the Cheat and the Youghiogheny is very narrow 

at the highest point, which is Tunnelton, W. Va., a village of about 500 inhabitants. There 

is practically no permanent water supply here; the supplies are derived from individual 

wells not over 50 feet in depth, nearly all of which dry up in spells of drought. Much money 

has been expended by the coal company in boring for water, without success; and it may 

yet be necessary to pump from the river, costly as such an expedient may be.

The well assayed (p. 41) furnishes water longer than the majority in dry times. The 

water is of very poor quality for any purpose except drinking. The very low alkalinity
40 WATER I1ST UPPER OHIO BASIIST AND AT ERIE, PA.

would indicate that the calcium present occurs as calcium sulphate and chloride, with similar salts of magnesium, and probably very little alkaline salt.

Point Marion, Pa. Point Marion (population about 600) has diverted a small portion 

of the flow of Cheat River into an earth reservoir some miles above, holding about 1,000,000 

gallons. At Point Marion the mineral content of the water is practically the same as at 

Parsons, 60 miles upstream. The water is of excellent quality for all industrial purposes. 

The daily consumption is about 60,000 gallons, of which half is used by the Baltimore and 

Ohio Railroad Company. Figures as to typhoid fever are available for only two j^ears, but 

their evidence is strong as to the unhealthfulness of the raw water.

Typhoid mortality at Point Marion, Pa.

Year.

1899. ...........................................................

1900

Population.

550

575

Total

deaths.

2

10

Typhoid

cases.

5

15

Typhoid 

deaths.

1

3

The significance of these figures will be understood from the fact that in Allegheny City 

there were, in 1899. 895 cases of typhoid fever reported, the population by the census of 

1900 being 129,000; in other words, 0.7 per cent of the population contracted the disease 

in one of the worst typhoid plague spots in the world, while here in Point Marion in 1899 

0.8 per cent of the whole population and in 1900 2.6 per cent were ill with typhoid fever. 

The evidence is strong that the infection was general. Such conditions are usually chargeable to the quality of the water and seem to settle the class in which raw Cheat River water 

belongs, as the public supply is widely used. Incidentally, the figures are important in 

further suggesting that rivers with such a high rate of flow as the Cheat, and with such a 

quick-spilling watershed, do not purify themselves appreciably in their courses in this case 

about 60 miles.

Field assays of water from Cheat River basin. 

[Parts per million.]

Determination.

Dry 

Fork at 

Parsons.

0

106

aO.5

35

25

0

9

Shaver 

Fork at 

Parsons.

0

61

1

35

17

«20

9

Cheat 

River at 

Parsons.

0

106

0.8

32

19

o20

9

Cheat 

River at 

Rowlesburg.

0

60

1.5

35

14

(»)

14

Cheat 

River at 

Point 

Marion.

0

78

1

35

22

( 6 )

9

a Estimated. 6 Very slight trace. 

MONONGAIIELA RIVER FROM CHEAT RIVER TO YOUGHIOGHENY RIVER.

Where Cheat River enters the Monongahela, at Point Marion, the difference in the clearness of the waters of £he two streams is strongly marked, a sharply denned line appearing 

right across the mouth of the stream where the clear water of the Cheat meets the muddy 

yellow water of the main stream. From this point on to Greensboro, Pa., a distance of 

perhaps 12 miles, the steep slopes of the tributary streams quickly disappear, until the 

Monongahela River becomes practically a series of slack-water basins, extending from 

Greensboro to Pittsburg.
MONONGAHELA RIVER BASIN. 41

Waynesburg, Pa. Waynesburg, with a population of about 2,500, is at such a distance 

from Monongahela River, about 22 miles, as to make its drainage of slight importance in 

the discussion of that stream.

It has a mechanically filtered supply from Tenmile Creek, pumped to a distributing reservoir, and the company is now improving the plant, placing fresh sand and gravel. The 

water is very hard for a surface supply, and is unsuitable for laundry or industrial uses. 

(See assay below.) Although few figures concerning typhoid fever are available, those 

given below show that in the main the filters have been a protection in the past:

Typhoid mortality at Waynesburg, Pa.

Year.

1894 ......................................................................

1895 ......................................................................

1897 ......................................................................

1898 ......................................................................

Total 

deaths.

37

Typhoid 

cases.

7

27

1

8

Typhoid 

deaths.

1

4

1

The figures for 1895 show a general infection, possibly traceable to the water supply.

Fairchance, Pa. The borough of Fairchance (population 1,200), situated between Monon 

gahe'a and Youghiogheny rivers, drains into a small creek emptying into the Monongahela. 

There is no public supply, water being drawn from individual wells of the kind noted below 

The town's contribution to the drainage is not innocuous. Records of typhoid-fever mortality are available for this place only for 1896 and 1897, but they show a grave situation 

in those years.

Typhoid mortality at Fairchance, Pa.

Year.

18% ......................................................................

1897 ......................................................................

Total 

deaths.

20

13

Typhoid

cases.

80

4

Typhoid 

deaths.

8

1

The figures for 1896 point to either a general infection from one source or a general use 

of water from contaminated wells. The drainage from a town with such a record of typhoid 

deaths certainly can not improve the quality of any water.

Field assays of water in Monongahela basin. 

[Parts per million.]

Determination.

Turbidity

Iron ( Fe) ......................................................

Tunnelton. 

W. Va., 

30-foot 

well.

0 

11 

Trace. 

179 

130+ 

10 

106 

70

Waynesburg, Pa., 

public 

supply.

0 

35 

Trace. 

81 

130 + 

97 

<zlO 

5.6

Fairchance, Pa.

39-foot 

well 

(Richey).

0 

57 

0.8 

173 

132 

77 

a 20 

19

77-foot 

well 

(J. W. 

Byers).

0 

22 

1.5 

0

228 

«20 

39

a Estimated.
42 WATEB IN UPPER OHIO BASIIST AND AT ERIE, PA.

Both the Fairchance waters are hard rock waters, unfit for laundry use. The carbonates 

of the 77-foot well are probably those of magnesium or the alkalies. If properly cased 

either one would make a good drinking water, in spite of the red deposit formed by the 

oxidation of the iron a few hours after the water is drawn.

Uniontoiim, Pa. The city of Uniontown, Pa. (population 10,000), has a gravity supply 

from large mountain springs. The water is of excellent quality and suitable for any purpose (see assay on p. 44), but the supply proves entirely inadequate as soon as the summer 

drought sets in. In 1904 the necessities of the town were so urgent that arrangements had 

to be made at considerable cost with the water system of the H. C. Frick Coal and Coke 

Company, which has large coking plants here, by which the water consumers could tide 

over the summer.

An adequate supply for Uniontown must necessarily come from either Cheat River or 

Youghiogheny River, the use of ground water being out of the question. Assays of water 

from wells sunk to various depths at Fairchance and Dunbar show that ground water in this 

section is undesirable for public supply where surface waters can be had. Pumping from 

either river would involve considerable expense for pipe line and machinery. Cheat River 

would always furnish an adequate supply, as shown by the following table of flow: a

Estimated monthly discharge of Cheat River near Uneva, W. Va. 

[Drainage area, 1,375 square miles.]

Month.

1899. 

July.......................................

1900. 

July.......................................

Discharge in second-feet.

Maximum.

2,232 

3,210 

465 

3,070 

6,442

4,610 

1,956 

730 

730 

3,070 

7,270

Minimum.

357 

404 

273 

538 

1,000

730 

273 

190 

190 

273 

1,136

Mean.

1,370 

924 

952 

336 

1,732 

2,387

1,888 

614 

254 

340 

903 

2,682

Run-off.

Second-feet 

per square 

mile.

1.00 

.67 

.69 

.24 

1.26 

1.74

1.37 

.45 

.18 

.25 

.66 

1.95

Depth in 

inches on 

drainage 

area.

1.00 

.77 

.77 

.28 

1.41 

2.01

1.58 

.52 

.20 

.29 

.59 

2.03

Assuming that the number of people to be provided for is 50,000 and that the average consumption is 100 gallons a day, the amount needed would be 5,000,000 gallons a day. The 

foregoing table shows that the lowest actual flow recorded is 190 cubic feet per second in 

September, 1900. This would amount to 122,735,574 gallons a day, an amount sufficient 

to supply Uniontown many times over.

It would be well if Cheat River could be diverted for this purpose at such an elevation 

as to give a gravity supply, but such diversion is impracticable at a reasonable cost, as it 

would be necessary to take water out no nearer to Uniontown than Kingwood, a distance of 

about 40 miles, and as the river runs through a deep ravine it would be necessary to carry 

the pipe line downstream nearly to the Monongahela, doubling its cost. Another scheme 

involves pumping the water up several hundred feet before starting it across country in a

a Water-Sup, and Irr. Paper No. 75, U. S. Geol. Survey.
MONONGAHELA KIVEK BASIN. 43

shorter pipe line. The former plan seems out of the question, owing to the great distance 

to be traversed and the consequent great expense; but if pumping is to be resorted to, it is 

not necessary to make the diversion at a point so far up the river. The topographic sheets 

issued by the U. S. Geological Survey show that the shorter line would begin near Cheathaven, where the elevation at the bank of the river is about 800 feet above sea level. The 

hill immediately southeast of Cheathaven rises to an elevation of about 1,130 feet, so that 

a reservoir on this hill could be filled by pumping about 330 feet. From Cheathaven the 

line would go 15 miles northeastward across the country, approximately parallel to the line 

of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. It can be kept below the 1,100-foot contour without 

tunneling except at two points the first at Outcrop, where the line cuts through the ridge 

for 1,500 feet; the second about 4 miles from Uniontown, where a tunnel three-quarters of 

a mile long would have to be built through the rise at that point. The rest of the line seems 

to present no notable difficulties, the greater part of the town lying under the 1,000-foot 

contour.

If Cheat River were uncontaminated, the above would perhaps be the ideal plan, but in 

view of the figures as to typhoid fever at Point Marion, it is evident that this water would 

either have to be filtered or sedimented with great care. Sedimentation might not be 

completely efficacious, as is shown below, and if filtration is to be resorted to in addition to 

the pipe line the cost is prohibitive. The alternative seems to be to arrange for the use of 

filtered Youghiogheny water from Connellsville. It seems improbable that Indian Creek 

water from the new pipe line under construction by the American Pipe Manufacturing Company for private interests will be available for Uniontown. The work consists of a rubble 

masonry and concrete dam on Indian Creek about 4 miles upstream from the railroad station of that name. The dam is located just below the mouth of Mill Run, where the drainage area of the two streams is about 109 square miles. The structure impounds about 

250,000,000 gallons. The 36-inch supply pipe runs down to the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and follows it to Connellsville, where there is a 10,000,000-gallon distributing reservoir. 

From that point a 30-inch pipe goes to Everson and thence to Radebaugh Junction via 

County Home Junction. Thence it extends toward Pittsburg, its terminus not yet being 

decided on. There is a distributing reservoir at Hawkeye (capacity, 13,000,000 gallons), 

one at Youngwood (capacity, 1,000,000 gallons), and one at Radebaugh Junction (capacity, 

8,500,000 gallons).

The water of Indian Creek, as will be seen later, is excellent. Extension of this line from 

Connellsville to Uniontown, if practicable, would solve the question of that city's water supply most satisfactorily, as the Indian Creek drainage basin could be patrolled at very little 

expense, there being little pollution on the banks of the stream.

Greensboro to Monongahela,Pa. Between Greensboro and Monongahela a large and dense 

population takes its water unpurified from Monongahela River. Brownsville, which pumps 

the river water raw, is only 15 miles above Charleroi. Between these towns the river receives 

the sewage of Brownsville, with about 1,800 population; Bridgeport, with 2,000; West 

Brownsville, with about 1,000; California, 2,500; Coal Center, 1,000; Stockdale, 1,000; 

Fayette City, 2,000, and Bellevernon, 2,000, besides that of a number of smaller communities, aggregating not far from 15,000 people. Charleroi is drinking this dilute sewage raw. 

Its own population is about 7,000. Monessen, below it, has a population of about 2,500, 

and a dozen smaller places are scattered along the stream, so that at Monongahela the water 

contains the sewage from about 26,000 persons.

Typhoid fever mortality statistics for Charleroi are too meager to be of use. The few 

available for Monessen show a state of affairs such as might be expected. Every case visited 

by the medical inspector of Washington County in Monessen was traceable to the use of 

river water.
44 WATER IN UPPER OHIO BASIN AND AT ERIE, PA.

Typhoid mortality at Monessen, Pa.

Year.

1899................ ..... ... .... ..... .... .... ...................

1900...................... .... .... ..... ..............................

1901...................... ......... .... ..............................

1902 ................................ ....................................

Total 

deaths.

30

60

75

Typhoid 

cases.

9

50

17

Typhoid 

deaths.

10

4

9

Even if a number of* these cases were foreign, conditions here are very bad. So high a 

percentage of mortality from typhoid fever means that the town has a highly contaminated 

water supply.

The conditions in all of these towns are bad; each one pumps its water supply from the 

stream raw and pours its sewage back into the stream for the next town below to pump into 

its mains. The, sole protection of the consumers is the natural purification taking place in 

the river.

Monongahela, Pa. At Monongahela, 10 miles below Charleroi, the supply is pumped 

from a filter well on the shore of the river, about 100 feet below low-water mark. The inefficiency of such a form of purification is shown on p. 55, and the water from the filter well 

here is so turbid as to show that it is coming from the river practically without change.

Field assays of water of Monongahela River at Brownsville and Monongahela and of public

water at Uniontown, Pa.

[Parts per million.]

Determination

Turbidity ................................................................

Sulphates (SO3) .........................................................

Monongahela 

River.

Brownsville.

a 10 

180

40 

46.' 6 

27.6 

31 

9

Monongahela.

a 30 

250 

1 

44 

49 

24.9 

38 

6.5

Public 

supply, 

Uniontown.

C

,

C

(

2£ 

1" 

( 

£

a Estimated.

The sulphates shown in the Monongahela River assays are due to drainage from mines and 

wells along the stream, which contribute a little ferrous sulphate and at times a small quantity of free sulphuric acid. The extremely high color is also due in part to this cause, but 

chiefly results from the large amount of sewage in the stream, which makes it practically a 

septic tank. So far as mineral contents go, this is a very fair water for boiler purposes, the 

difficulty being with the varying amount of corrosive acid and sulphate appearing in the 

water at different times.

YOUGHIOGHENY RIVER BASIN.

The Youghiogheny does not carry so much water as the Cheat, but it is, nevertheless, a 

stream of great importance, because of the large population in its drainage area. Its source 

is in the mountains of Maryland, whence it flows northward as far as Confluence, where its 

principal tributary, Casselman River, enters. Up to this point the drainage area comprises 

only chiefly rural communities and the two small Maryland towns of Terra Alta and Oakland, the former with a population of about 800, the latter with about 1,000. A profile of 

the river is shown on PI. Ill, page 30.
MOISTONGAHELA RIVER BASIN. 45

YOUGHIOGHENY RIVER ABOVE CASSELMAN RIVER.

Oakland, Md. Oakland is built along Little Youghiogheny River, and drains directly into 

it. There is no public supply, most of the stores and some dwellings getting water from 

the large Offut wells, pumped by the principal merchants in the town. The water is too 

high in mineral content for industrial uses, for which the Youghiogheny water is much better.

Field assay of water from Oakland, Md. 

[Parts per million.]

Determination.

Color ....................................................................

Chlorides (CD ............................................................

Offut 

well.

1.5

88

150

35

49

39

235-foot 

well (B. 

and O).

0

31

a. 8

0

91

97

a 15

39

Youghiogheny 

River 

2 miles 

from 

town.

0

81

1

0

28

( 6 )

0

9

a Estimated. & Water very faintly acid.

The Offut water, or quasi-public supply, is a typical hard well water from the rock. Its 

use for any purpose but drinking would lead to trouble, unless treatment were resorted to. 

The 235-foot well at the Oakland Hotel apparently contains considerable magnesium carbonate, the total hardness being high, with calcium too small to be determined by field methods. The identical chlorine content is interesting.

The Youghiogheny water is very pure and soft, but even up here near the source of the 

stream the acid of the mine wastes is determinable.

Terra Alta, Md. Terra Alta has a supply of a similar nature, derived from a deep well at 

the planing mill. The water seems too high in incrusting solids to be best for boiler use. A 

very good city supply could be drawn from Terra Alta Lake, about 2 miles from the town, a 

body of water covering several acres, whose shores could be patrolled very easily. This lake, 

as well as Snowy Creek, drains into the Youghiogheny, which carries more or less drainage 

from adjacent farms. Analysis of the waters of the lake and creek are given below.

Field assays of water from Terra Alta, Md. 

[Parts per million.]

Determinations.

Chlorides (Cl) ............................................................

Public

supply 

100-foot 

well.

0

116

90

44

«10

14

Terra

Alta 

Lake.

0

17

0

14

Snowy 

Creek.

0

1

19

0

9

a Estimated.
46 WATER IN" UPPER OHIO BASIN AND AT ERIE, PA.

The public supply is at present piped to but twelve places, but the quantity of water is 

sufficient for many more. The two surface waters would undoubtedly be better, however, 

on account of their softness, if suitable measures could be enforced to keep pollution out of 

them. The high color of the lake water is probably due to vegetable matter in solution, the 

drainage area being well covered, The creek is a very small stream, flowing little water in 

the summer, so that storage would be necessary if it were used for public supply.

Addison and Somerfield, Pa. From Terra Alta to Confluence, a distance of nearly 40 

miles, the population is AT ery scanty, the chief pollution of the stream being from mine 

waters. Several small villages drain into the main stream, the most important being Addison and Somerfield. At neither place is there a public supply, water being obtained from 

individual wells. Addison is about 4 miles from the river and has a population of about 300, 

that of Somerfield being the same.

Field assays of water from Addison and Somerfield, Pa. 

[Parts per million.]

Determination.

i_

Color....................................................................

Iron (Fe) ................................................................

20-foot 

well, 

Addison.

0

17

0

130

139 +

45

25

70

52-foot 

well, 

Somerfield.

0

74

2.5

88

139+

95

15

9

Youghiogheny 

River 

at Somerfield.

0

45

(a)

0

35

15

0

9

a Slight trace.

Both these wells furnish typical hard rock water, unsuitable for laundry or boiler uses, in 

quantity too small to be of importance except for private supplies. The sample of river water analyzed was taken below the National Pike bridge, about 100 yards below the mouth of a 

small creek. The acidity found at Oakland is not present at this point, the mineral contents 

of the stream being precisely similar to those of the West Virginia mountain stream waters 

and of the spring waters considered below. The alkalinity is important in connection with 

the later discussion of the germicidal influence of acid drainage, as it shows that the influence of the acid does not extend far.

CASSELMA.N RIVER.

Casselman River, a typical mountain stream with an exceedingly swift current, drains a 

great deal of coal country, so that its waters are nearly always stained a bright yellow with 

The drainage area is not densely populated, but along the course of the

stream there are many little villages and coal-mining camps, so that in the aggregate the 

drainage is a serious factor. The water supplies of the small communities at the headwaters 

are all derived from springs, though many people use individual wells.
MONONGAHELA BIVER BASIX.

Field assays of waters in upper Casselman River basin. 

[ Parts per million.]

47

Determination. ^weU^

Turbidity ................................................... 0

Calcium (Ca) ................................................ 92

Alkalinity ................................................... 68

Sulphates (SO3) ............................................. 0

Chlorides (CD ................. ............................. 19

Elk Lick 

Spring.

0

5

0

0

49

11

0

19

Boynton 

Spring.

0

0

35

12

0

14

Flaugherty 

Creek at 

Keystone 

Junction.

0

36

(°)

0

35

16

0

9

o Slight trace.

Flaugherty Creek at Keystone Junction, Pa. Flaugherty Creek, which enters Casselman 

River at Keystone Junction, above Meyersdale, presents a typical normal water of this 

section, soft and pure. It is a very rapid little stream, draining an area having but little 

population. Nearly all the inhabitants, however, chiefly coal miners, are collected along 

the creek, and all their wastes go into the stream sooner or later. This section is rich in 

springs of the type shown, and a group of these may yield enough water to supply 2,000 or 

3,000 people, as at Meyersdale.

Meyersdale, Pa. This town, with a population of about 3,000, has a gravity supply from 

a spring-fed reservoir in the hills about 5 miles distant. The water is piped to near-by 

hamlets, supplying in all about 4,000 people, and until recently, in seasons of drought, 

proved sufficient in quantity. It is probably as free from contained solids as any natural 

water.

Field assays of waters from Meyersdale, Pa.

[Parts per million.]

Determination.

Public 

supj-ly at 

Meyersdale.

0

5

0

0

14

6

0

9

Casselman 

RiverS 

miles 

south of 

Meyersdale.

02

122

«5

0

91

7

<«20

19

a Estimated.

It is evident from several points in the assay that Casselman River receives much mine 

drainage up to this point. The lack of calcium would indicate the presence of magnesium, 

the alkalinity being so low as to make the presence of any great quantity of alkaline carbonates improbable. The low alkalinity and the trace of sulphates point to the partial 

neutralization of the alkalinity of the unpolluted water by ferrous sulphate and free sufphuric acid from the mines. The small iron content indicates that the sulphate pollution 

results principally from free acid.
48 WATEE IN UPPER OHIO BASLN" AND AT ERIE, PA.

Meyersdale to Confluence, Pa. Between Myersdale and Confluence are several small villages, none having public supplies but Berlin and Garrett. The analyses subjoined show 

that the quality of normal waters here is excellent. They are characteristic of this section.

Field assays of waters collected between Meyersdale and Confluence, Pa. 

[ Parts per million.]

Determination.

Turbidity.................

Total hardness (asCaCO3)

Chlorides (Cl) ............

Laurel 

Creek 

near 

Hays 

Mill.

0 

45 

Trace. 

0 

35 

20 

0 

9

Public Public 

supply, supply, 

Garrett Berlin 

(spring.) (spring.)

Slight. 

122 

0 

0 

42 

17 

0 

9

0

22

( 6 ) 

0 

28 

15 

0 

9

Spring 

at Markleton.

0 

5 

0 

0 

35 

13 

0 

14

Spring 

at 

Ursina.

0 

22 

0 

70 

132 

80 

20 

14

18-foot 

well at 

Casselman.

0 

22 

0 

107 

139 

28.5 

63 

49

20-foot 

well at 

Beachdale.

0 

17 

( 6 ) 

38 

97 

44

(") 

19

20-foot 

well at 

Rockwood.

0 

5 

0 

162 

160 

29 

41 

181

Coxes 

Creek 

at 

Rockwood.

(a) 

113 

0 

15 

35 

14 

a 5 

12

« Decided. 6 Estimated. c Very slight trace.

The first five analyses show normal spring waters of excellent quality for all industrial 

purposes. The high color of the Garrett water is probably due to a foul condition of the 

reservoir, for the town comprises only a few hundred people and the supply is left to take 

care of itself to some degree. The well waters are too hard to be of use for anything but 

drinking. Beachdale is a mere handful of coal-miners' huts and a few farm houses, and 

Rockwood is a village of about 400, with no public supply. The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company pumps Casselman River water to its tank at Rockwood for boiler uses, supplying it to a hotel also. The assay of the shallow well at this point shows the nearness of 

the rock to the surface, the chlorides in particular being unusually high. None of these 

supplies are important for anything but private uses, except perhaps Coxes Creek, which 

enters the Casselman at Rockwood. This is a fine stream, flowing through a lumber country, chips and sawdust in quantity polluting the water. The spring at Markleton is piped 

to the sanitarium at that point, supplying several hundred persons in the summer. The 

Ursina spring fills a 1-inch iron pipe, gushing out under a strong head. Casselman is a hamlet of a few dozen families, all water supplies being either springs like those noted or individual wells.

Confluence, Pa. This town, which stands at the confluence of Laurel Creek, Casselman 

River, and the Youghiogheny, formerly used Laurel Creek as a source of water supply. The 

pollution from coal mines along this creek, however, became so great that a new source of 

supply was found in Drakes Run, an exceptionally pure mountain water (see assay on p. 49) 

rising in practically uninhabited country and flowing through a sparsley populated farming 

section. The town has about 1,500 people, with a very large tannery located on the river. 

The town sewage as well as the tannery refuse all go directly into the stream.

The notable thing about the river assay at this point (see p. 49) is the nearly complete 

disappearance of the mine drainage, the only traces left being the iron content and the comparatively low alkalinity, showing that the acid wastes are not considerable enough to keep 

the water acid more than a short distance below the points where mine drainage enters.

YOUGHIOGHENY KIVEK BELOW CASSELMAN KIVEK.

There is no town of over a few hundred population between Confluence and Connellsville. 

The water supply between these points is derived entirely from individual wells, such as 

those at Ohiopyle, which are not important except as private supplies (see assays on p. 49). 

The water of the 50-foot well at Ohiopyle probably contains some magnesium carbonate,
MOFONGAHELA RIVER BASIN. 49

with iron probably present as a carbonate also. The other well shows a remarkably low 

alkalinity, considering its hardness, perhaps due to the carbonates being almost entirely those 

of the incrusting solids. The deeper well penetrates the sandstone, the shallower one only 

touching the top of the rock.

Indian Creek, Pa. At Indian Creek station the Youghiogheny receives its large tributary 

of that name, a very beautiful and relatively unpolluted stream with a watershed comprising 

about 125 square miles. This creek was seriously considered for Pittsburg's water supply 

by a gravity system, the quality of the water being excellent. The report of Mr. Kuichling 

on the plan showed an estimated first cost of about $13,000,000 for storage reservoir, pipe 

lines, etc., as compared with $2,000,000 or $3,000,000 for a filtration plant.

Field assays of waters from Confluence, Ohiopyle, and Indian Creek. 

[Parts per million.]

Determination.

Confluence.

City supply, 

Drakes 

Run.

0 

27 

0 

0 

21 

14 

0 

9

Casselman 

River.

0 

45 

1 

0 

32 

9 

(a) 

9

Ohiopyle.

50-foot 

well on 

north 

bunk of 

river.

0 

0 

10 

0 

132 

50 

610 

17

19-foot 

well on 

south 

bank of 

river.

0 

5 

0 

57 

132 

10 

15 

44

Indian 

Creek.

0

17 

0 

0 

28 

13 

0 

9

a Slight trace. - 6 Estimated.

This assay shows that Indian Creek is a spring stream carrying pure water like the 

normal waters shown above.

The only available measurement of the Youghiogheny near this point is that made 

during the drought of October, 1892, by Kenneth Alien, for the Frick interests, showing 

a flow of 106 cubic feet per second. By taking the October flow of Indian Creek at 15 

feet, it may therefore be said that the Youghiogheny at the very driest time carries not 

less than about 120 cubic feet per second, while during floods it may carry 2,500 cubic feet 

per second.

Connellsville, Pa. Connellsville, a city of perhaps 9,000 people, is about 28 miles below 

Confluence. Its water supply is pumped from Youghiogheny River for filtration in mechanical filters of the Pittsburg type. The plant seems to be efficiently operated, but there is 

more or less local dissatisfaction with the quality of the water, which contains a strong trace 

of mine drainage. The only remedy for this condition is a new source of supply. The 

new pipe line from Indian Creek, mentioned above, may remove the objection.

Typhoid-fever statistics are not available for any of the towns of this section except 

Connellsville, and even there only for a few years. In 1894, when the population was 

5,629, there were 3 cases and 1 death reported in ConneHsville from typhoid fever; in 

1895 there were 5 deaths from this cause; in 1897, out of a total mortality of 71, there 

was 1 death from typhoid, with 6 cases; in 1898 there were 5 deaths in a total mortality 

of 104, or 4.8 per cent. These figures are too meager to be of much value except to show 

the probable presence of typhoid bacilli in Connellsville sewage, which finds its way into 

the Youghiogheny.

A sample of the city water was taken from a hotel tap, and its assay (p. 50) shows 

that the mineral impurities in the river have greatly increased. The lack of iron and the 

small trace of sulphates indicate that very little mine drainage enters the stream here. 

IRR 161 06 4
50 WATEE IN UPPEE OHIO BASIN AND AT EEIE, PA.

On account of the use of coagulant in the filters it is likely that the raw river water is a 

little softer.

From this point down to Pittsburg the population is dense, towns of from a few hundred 

to a thousand people dotting either shore closely. The sewage and drainage from all these 

places goes into the stream, making it practically a sewer. Ground waters are of poor 

quality a little distance away from the stream, as is shown by the field assay (below) at 

Dunbar, which has no public supply, though the population is about a thousand. This is 

a very hard water, and none of the wells give a very abundant supply. This town could 

very well take water from the Connellsville-Uniontown pipe line suggested above. It 

drains into the Youghiogheny above West Newton.

West Newton, Pa. West Newton (population about 2,500), 15 miles below Connellsville, uses well water as a city supply, the wells being owned by private parties. The wells 

are 190 feet deep, pumping to a tank, whence the taps are supplied by gravity. The 

water is higher in color than it should be for a deep ground water, owing probably to 

fouling in the tank or in the pipes. A field assay of the water is given below.

This is a remarkably soft water, considering the depth from which it comes. It would 

not be suitable for steam making, the high chlorides being very corrosive. Its softness 

and high alkalinity indicate the presence of carbonates and chlorides of the alkalies in 

large quantity.

If care is used in casing the wells this supply should be very fair for drinking and domestic uses.

The few typhoid-fever statistics available for this town indicate that many of its people are drinking water from individual wells.

Typhoid mortality at West Newton, Pa.

1895...--.........---.-...--...-.----..-.---.-.---....-.-.-..-.-......---.

Total 

deaths.

..........

30

Typhoid 

cases.

4

Typhoid 

deaths.

4 

4 

3

It is evident that West Newton also is a contributor of typhoid drainage to Youghiogheny River.

McKeesport, Pa. The largest city on the Youghiogheny is McKeesport, with an estimated population in 1904 of 37,000. The city water supply is the worst on the Youghiogheny watershed. It is a mixture of two waters raw water from the river and well water 

from wells about 40 feet deep. The field assay herewith shows the quality of the mixture:

Field assays of waters from West Newton, Dunbar, Connellsville, and McKeesport.

[Parts per million.1

Determination.

Chlorides (Cl) .........................................

West New 

ton, 190- 

foot wells.

0

78 

0 

38 

42 

340

132.3

Dunbar, 

117-foot 

wells.

0 

17 

Trace. 

119 

139 

132 

59 

29

Youghiogheny River.

Connellsville.

0 

22 

0 

67 

56 

22 

»5 

9

McKeesport.

(a) 

54 

2 

126 

95 

48.5 

108 

9.8

a Slightly cloudy. 6 Estimated.
MONONGAHELA K1VEK BASIN. 51

The dilution of the river water by the pure ground water is insignificant so far as the 

healthfullness of the supply is concerned, the mixture being analogous to seeding a pure 

water with sewage bacteria, a process that produces conditions under which, as is well 

known, the organisms will grow faster for a time than in foul water. When it is remembered that in many of the towns along the stream there is always some typhoid fever, 

and that there is some at some time in all, it is difficult to understand how an American 

community can drink such disease-polluted water. Furthermore, the river valley for 

10 or 15 miles immediately above McKeesport is thickly populated, and small hamlets 

along the stream have outhouses along the banks, so that a trip up the river from' McKeesport ought to convince the most skeptical, by the evidence of their eyes, of the polluted 

character of the supply. These facts can fortunately be supplemented by figures showing 

typhoid mortality at McKeesport for many years.

Typhoid mortality at McKeesport, Pa.

Year.

1893.................................................

1894.................................................

1895 .................................................

1896.................................................

1897.................................................

1898.................................................

1899 .................................................

1900 .'................................................

1901 .................................................

1902.................................................

1903.................................................

1904. ................................................

Population.

34,227 

35,576 

36,925 

38,274

Total 

deaths.

464 

454 

444' 

537 

468 

528 

589 

684 

693 

799 

788 

796

Typhoid

cases.

123 

63 

299 

144 

86 

100 

151 

315 

275 

262 

313 

324

Typhoid deaths.

Number.

8 

29 

13 

8 

15 

14 

23 

29 

30 

43 

48

Rate per 

100,000.

43.8 

40.9 

67.3 

81.5 

81.2 

112.3

It is noteworthy that 162 of the total number of deaths for 1904 from violent causes 

were over 20 per cent. If this ratio were not so high the typhoid percentage mortality 

would be even more serious.

In 1904 the death rate from typhoid fever in McKeesport was 129 per 100,000 of population, or 6 per cent of the total mortality. This figure is enormously high, placing McKeesport in the same class with Allegheny and Pittsburg as a hotbed of water-borne disease. 

Even in the city of Washington, which is popularly thought to be a center of this disease, the 

number of deaths per 100,000 in 1904 was only 47, yet the situation there was considered so 

grave as to necessitate the erection of a filtration plant. McKeesport, like Pittsburg and 

Allegheny, is in the condition of having a continuous epidemic of typhoid fever. The highest 

death rate from this disease in Lowell, Mass., before the change from a polluted river supply 

to ground water, was 112 in 100,000 from 1886 to 1890, inclusive. The highest recorded 

typhoid-fever death rate for Indianapolis was 101 per 100,000 in 1895. This has been lowered year by year to 56 per 100,000 in 1903, which is considered so high as to necessitate a 

change in the source of supply. Pittsburg, whose water supply from Monongahela and 

Allegheny rivers has for years been unspeakably bad, had 144 deaths per 100,000 in 1900,125 

in 1901, 144 in 1902, and 139 in 1903. Grand Rapids, Mich., which has been very seriously 

considering the question of a purer water supply than its present one, has from 31 to 51 

deaths from typhoid fever per 100,000 for the years 1899 to 1903, inclusive. It is evident 

that McKeesport is supplied with water that is dangerous and in no sense potable or fit for 

consumption by human beings. The ground-water supply should be so extended as to furnish sufficient for the needs of the town, or, if this extension is impracticable, Youghiogheny 

water should be filtered. Analyses of Youghiogheny River water made by Pittsburg engineers are relied upon by the city officials to prove its potability. The degree of confidence
52 WATEE IN UPPER OHIO BASIN AND AT EEIE, PA.

which may be placed in them may be shown by a comparison of the dates of collection and 

analysis. The samples were collected January 19, February 3 and 16, and March 3 and 31, 

1903. The secretary of the local board of health states over his signature that the analyses 

were made "about April and May." Therefore all the determinations, except as to inorganic constituents, are worthless, for the conditions under which the samples were kept determined whether the organisms would increase or die out. There may have been, and probably were, thousands of bacteria in the samples when they were collected. By the time the 

samples were analyzed, a few days to a few weeks after collection, the food content of the 

medium may have been exhausted and the organisms very naturally died. If the samples 

had been kept a little longer there would probably have been no bacteria at all left in them. 

To be of value bacteria determinations should be made within six hours after collection of 

the samples.

The principal claim made for the water is the fact that it contains so much iron and sulphuric acid as to make it germicidal to bacteria. The purifying action of the iron sulphate 

is discussed in detail under the heading "Self-Purification" on pages 69-73. In August, 

1905 (see field assay), there were but 2 parts per million of iron in the sample taken, 

although the analyses of the river water referred to show 12 to 44 parts per million. Evidently, as in the Monongahela water, the coagulating action of the ferrous sulphate could not 

be relied upon to go on regularly, on account of the variation in the amount of iron, which 

sometimes went far below the required quantity.

MONONGAHELA RIVER BELOW YOUGHIOGHENY RIVER.

Below McKeesport Monongahela River is lined on both banks with little towns, two of 

which, Braddock and Homestead, have a population exceeding 15,000. Although these two 

are the only large towns along the river, there are so many smaller ones that the banks present 

an almost continuous succession of dwellings and mills. All of these drain into the river, some 

of them by modern sewers. The drainage of a number of towns in Westmoreland County, 

chief among which is Greensburg, also finds its way into the stream through small tributaries, although in comparison with the direct pollution by the towns noted above, those 

away from the river are negligible so far as sewage is concerned.

Greensburg, Pa. Greensburg (population. 6,500) has a gravity supply from a system of 

impounding reservoirs on Chestnut Ridge and Dry Ridge, having a capacity of 75,000,000 

gallons, the daily consumption being from 1,700,000 to 2,000,000 gallons. The supply is 

similar in quality to that of Bradford and Kane, being typical mountain spring water. An 

effort is made here to assure safety from pollution by sanitary inspection of the watershed. 

The company owns 1,200 acres of land on the two main drainage areas, covering nearly all 

the watershed drawn upon, and cooperates with the monastery of St. Vincent, which owns 

one-third of the entire watershed, in guarding the drainage area. All dwellings and farm 

buildings have been cleared off and an arrangement has been made with farmers having 

holdings around the drainage area whereby they are furnished constable's badges and are 

paid $10 a year to warn trespassers off the land. This plan seems to work well and has 

helped to crystallize public opinion in favor of a pure supply. The company claims to be 

supplying about 30,000 people all told, including Greensburg, Derry, Jeanette, Youngwood, 

and Lycippus.

Field assay of Greensburg water. 

[ Parts per million.]

Determination.

n

0

Determination.

Color................... 35

22

6

Determination.

Co>

22

a Very slight trace.
MONONGAHELA RIVER BASIN. -53

Typhoid-fever statistics for Greensburg are too meager to be of use.

Braddock, Pa. Many of the towns along the banks of the Monongahela use water from 

driven wells. Others, like Braddock, pump the river water raw. The danger is at this point 

somewhat disguised by "natural filtration'' through a covered well 20 by 20 feet, situated 

about 30 feet from the river. A drilled well about 40 feet deep in the bottom of the large 

one is drawn on at the same time. From the facts already stated it is evident that the purity 

of the well water will by no means diminish the toxicity of the river water. The work of 

Frankland and Klein shows that disease germs mav live longer in unpolluted well water than 

in surface water. The inefficiency of this form of filtration has already been shown (p. 54 

et seq). It should be abandoned, either for ground water or proper sand filtration.

The only statistics at hand to show typhoid-fever mortality at Braddock are for 1900, 

when, in a population of 15,654, there were 10 deaths from this disease, representing probably 100 cases, enough to show that in that year, and probably in others, typhoid fever was 

prevalent in the town to a dangerous extent.

Homestead, Pa. With regard to the other towns on Monongahela River above Pittsburg, 

the facts are similar as to what they take from the river and what they put back into it. The 

largest is Homestead, with about 15,000 inhabitants, which, after years of costly experience 

with typhoid fever resulting from drinking raw river water, is filtering Monongahela River 

water for its public supply. Its own sewage, however, still pours into the stream for the 

next town below to drink.

SUMMARY OF CONDITIONS IN MONONGAHELA RIVER BASIN.

The discussion of conditions on the Monongahela above McKeesport has shown the dangerous character of the water of that stream for drinking purposes; the discussion of Youghiogheny River drainage shows the existence, at all points along its course where typhoid 

statistics are obtainable, of sewage pollution containing the germs of water-borne disease. 

The smaller stream flow of the Youghiogheny makes dilution of the contamination to any 

great degree impossible, and its high rate of flow over most of its course puts detention out 

of the question until West Newton is reached, coincidently with a great increase in the number of centers of population. From Oakland to West Newton, a distance of approximately 

80 miles, the river falls 1,591 feet, with a slope of nearly 20 feet to the mile. The discussion 

of the Allegheny and Monongahela drainage areas has been sufficient to show that the 

stream flow through this mountain country, with a fall of 3| feet to the mile, is too rapid to 

permit effective sedimentation, and it is clear that the high grade of the Youghiogheny 

River channel puts purification by detention out of the question. Casselman River, carrying the sewage of Meyersdale, has a fall of about 600 feet in about 30 miles, making, roughly, 

a fall of 20 feet to the mile. It seems evident that the sewage of Meyersdale, Confluence, 

and Connellsville are practically unpurified when they come down to West Newton. On 

page 67 it is shown that self-purification of Illinois River is not complete within 100 

miles of the source of the pollution. With a slope about seven times as great, the Youghiogheny above McKeesport is expected to perfectly purify, by one agency or another, 

the sewage of about 20,000 people, in a stream flowing sometimes only about 125 cubic feet of 

water per second, or, roughly, 7,500 cubic feet per minute; while below McKeesport, with 

a very low slope, there is a population of approximately 100,000 to take care of with about 

the same amount of water. What chance is there for complete self-purification in Youghiogheny River in the 15 miles intervening between West Newton and McKeesport?

It has been shown in the discussion of the Cheat River drainage that even so comparatively unpolluted a stream may and does carry typhoid bacilli down from remote and small 

sources of pollution to breed disease in a large proportion of the population drinking the 

water.

In no way can the conclusion be escaped that water from Youghiogheny River used raw 

is in a high degree dangerous to public health. The claim made with respect to the germicidal influence of mine drainage results from a misapprehension of the action of such drainage. Though this water occasionally carries much free acid, the purifying action, such as
54 WATER IIST TIPPER OHIO BASIIST AND AT ERIE, PA.

it is, results principally from the sedimentation which goes on through the coagulating 

properties of the calcium in the water and the ferrous sulphate coming from the mines. 

This action is fully discussed on pages 6.5-73, it being shown that even when most efficient, 

under the most favorable and well-controlled conditions, such purification is not sufficient 

by itself to make a water supply reasonably safe. Finally, if the mine drainage did actually operate to free the water of pathogenic organisms, the typhoid-fever death rate at 

McKeesport, where this water is drunk freely without purification, ought to show the effect 

of such purification. On the contrary, as the figures given above show, the condition there 

is extremely bad and the death rate from typhoid fever is going up.

The foregoing discussion of the Monongahela watershed shows that its waters are as 

badly contaminated and as unfit for drinking as those of the Allegheny.

AGENCIES COMMONLY SUPPOSED TO COUNTERACT THE 

EFFECTS OF POLLUTION.

NATURAL FILTRATION.

GENERAL STATEMENT.

There is'a strong popular belief that a polluted river water will purify itself in a flow of 

from 7 to 30 miles. It need hardly be said that this is not true. Sedimentation, the chief 

factor in the self-purification of natural waters, goes on more rapidly in standing than in 

running water. Many cities which take water from running streams upon whose drainage 

areas typhoid fever is prevalent have been visited by epidemics of the disease. The historical Plymouth, Pa., epidemic, the Mohawk Valley epidemic of 1891, the Lowell-Lawrence epidemic of 1891, all show that a stream polluted with typhoid sewage retains toxic 

material for a long time.

Experiments made with the typhoid-fever organism have shown that it is able at times 

to retain its vitality in potable waters for weeks and months. Even if pollution at any 

particular point should be intermittent, the polluted water might contain the bacilli of 

disease, and its use for drinking purposes is therefore attended at all times with uncertainty and danger. The great majority of towns situated on running streams draw their 

supplies from those streams in too many cases without purification of the water.

The delivery to the people of unpurifled water is nowadays regarded everywhere as extremely dangerous, as such water has too often been found to beu fruitful source of typhoid fever and kindred diseases. There is not a town in the eastern United States taking its water unpurifled from a large stream 

which has not either an abnormal typhoid mortality rate or has been visited by a typhoid epidemic.^

In modern practice it is an axiom that raw surface water is safe as a city supply only 

when the entire drainage area of the stream used is subjected to rigid sanitary control. "All 

surface waters must be considered dangerous, and their use in the raw state for a general 

supply in each particular case either has been, is now, or is likely to be the cause of disease 

and death,"6 except when properly guarded, when they have no superior as water supplies. 

New York City's water supply is impounded from the run-off of a large drainage area from 

which whole villages have been removed, the entire area being cleared of habitation. The 

typhoid-fever death rate of New York City is very low.

The plan of natural filtration, by causing the polluted waters of a running stream to 

seep through the sand and gravel of its own bed, was for a long time considered adequate 

purification; the annual decimation by typhoid fever in towns so supplied has demonstrated 

the ineffectiveness of the plan in its three best-known forms. These are, first, filter wells, 

with permeable bottom and sides, such as are used at Monongahela, Braddock, and many 

West Virginia towns; second, filter galleries, such as those of Lowell, Mass., before 1891, 

and Columbus, Ohio, at the present day; third, filter cribs, in extensive use all over the 

country, and particularly in the vicinity of Pittsburg.

Reliable data as to the efficiency of filter wells are not available. Filter galleries and 

cribs, however,-have long been in use in places where continuous analyses and fairly accuaSedgwick, W. T., Test, Chicago Drainage Canal Com., vol. 3. 

&Kemna, Dr. Adolph. Trans. Am. Soc. Civil Eng., vol. 54, Pt. D, p. 157.
NATURAL FILTRATION. 55

rate statistics of typhoid mortality have been kept, making it possible to determine with 

accuracy what effect natural filtration has on the quality of polluted surface waters.

A very important distinction must be made between galleries and cribs. Cribs are 

invariably located in the beds of more or less polluted streams, the waters of which seep 

through the superincumbent sand into the interior of the structure and are pumped into 

the city mains. Water so obtained is, therefore, practically surface water, the only purification being produced by its passage through a few feet of sand and gravel. Filter galleries, however, being excavated in the river bank, are in a position to impound ground 

water on its way to the stream, besides allowing the seepage of surface water from the river. 

The experience of communities using such supplies goes to show that bacterial purity of 

the supply is directly proportional to the ratio between the ground water and the river 

water in the gallery, as will be evident from facts presented below. Properly speaking, 

therefore, galleries do not effect filtration of contaminated water, being successful only 

when the contaminated water has no access to them, paradoxical as that may seem. This 

point should be kept in mind in accounting for the wide discrepancies in the bacterial 

content of water treated by natural-filtration schemes in various towns.

FILTER GALLERIES.

Woburn, Mass. At Woburn, Mass, (population 4,000), the supply is taken from so-called 

filter galleries impounding ground waters on their way to Horn Pond, which has a drainage 

area of 1\ square miles and a surface of 103 acres. Prior to 1899, when the galleries were 

installed, the typhoid mortality rate was high, as may be seen from the figures below:

Deaths per 100,000 from typhoid fever at Woburn, Mass.

Years.

1871-1875. ...............................

1876-1880. ...............................

1881-1885. ...............................

1886-1890. ...............................

Deaths.

57

25

38

Years.

1891-1895 ................................

1896 1900................................

1901-1903. ...............................

Deaths.

48

13

2

Although conditions did not immediately improve after 1889, the remarkable reduction 

between 1891 and 1903, bringing the death rate from this cause down to only 2 per 100,000, 

shows conclusive!}^ that the galleries are supplying good water. That this is ground water on 

its way to the pond, and therefore more thoroughly purified than river water can ordinarily 

be, is shown by the experience of Lowell, Mass.

Lowell, Mass. Prior to 1891 Lowell took its public supply from filter galleries near the 

Merrimac Eiver. The figures showing typhoid death rate are as follows:

Deaths per 100,000 from typhoid fever at Lowell, Mass.

Year.

1871-1875. ...............................

1881-1885. ...............................

1886-1890. ...............................

Deaths.

98

43

79

112

Year.

1891-1895. ...............................

1900-1903. ...............................

Deaths.

73

25

20

Prior to the abandonment of the galleries in 1891 and the substitution of deep wells for 

the supply the death rate at Lowell from typhoid fever was steadily increasing. The steady 

decrease in the number of deaths since the wells were put in service indicates the badly 

polluted condition of the former filtrate from Merrimac Eiver.

The striking difference in results in these two cases, and the fact that no less than 20 

towns in Massachusetts get their supplies wholly or in part from filter galleries or similar
56 WATER IN UPPER OHIO BASIN AND AT ERIE, PA.

devices, mostly with good effect, shows that a filter gallery is inadequate to purify contaminated river water for drinking. The filtration only clears the water of visible impurities, 

frequently making it doubly dangerous by masking the pollution. The, device, when successful, is merely a form of well that has a much greater collecting surface than an ordinary 

well can have, collecting ground water in the same way as an ordinary shallow well and subject to the same contamination from accidental pollution. When unsuccessful, it is nothing but a device for straining out turbidity and visible impurities in polluted river water, 

frequently making it clear and inviting in appearance, when in fact it is dangerously charged 

with the germs of water-borne disease. A few cases are cited below in support of this 

statement, out of the many instances on record.

Indianapolis, Ind. In Indianapolis, Ind., the number of deaths from typhoid fever per 

100,000 is given by Mr. Fuller in his report on the supply as follows:

Deaths per 100,000 from typhoid fever at Indianapolis, Ind., 1895-1904-

Year.

1897.....................................

1898.....................................

1899.....................................

Deaths.

56

42

4fi

Year.

1902.....................................

1903.....................................

1904.....................................

Deaths.

36

56

82

As a death rate from this disease of over 20 per 100,000 is generally considered sufficient 

to justify a serious investigation of the source of infection, it is evident that the figures given 

put Indianapolis in the class of cities with notoriously bad water supplies. The supply 

is derived from filter galleries about to be abandoned.

Columbus, Ohio. Similar conditions have existed at Columbus, although the figures are 

not nearly so high. In the United States there are so many towns with typhoid death rates 

as high as those, of Pittsburg, with 132, and Allegheny, with 129, that the significance of 

the figures at Columbus is not appreciated as it should be.

Deaths per 100,000 from typhoid fever at Columbus, Ohio, 1898-1903.

Year.

1900

Deaths.

28

23

Year.

1901.....................................

1902.....................................

1903

Deaths.

36

37

34

The supply is partly from filter galleries about to be abandoned.

Findlay, Ohio. Findlay, Ohio, formerly took part of its water supply from filter galleries 

in Blanchard River, also pumping directly from that stream.

Typhoid mortality at Findlay, Ohio, 1897-1903.

Year.

1898. .....................................................................

1900. ....................-.............-....-...---.--.-----..--....-.....

1901 ......................................................................

1902. .......................................-...-...---.----..---.---.....

IQfiQ

Population. «

 

16,000

16, 500

17,000

17,613

18,000

18,500

19,000

Deaths.

8

2

10

16

6

7

5

Rate per 

100,000.

50

12

59

91

31

38

26

o Estimated, except for 1900.
NATURAL FILTRATION. 57

The figures for 1899 and 1900 show a general infection, indicating a polluted water supply 

Sprinyfield, Ohio. In Springfield, Ohio, with a population of 38,253 in 1900, and a

supply in part from filter galleries of this kind, the typhoid fever death rate has been as

follows:

Deaths per 100,000 from typhoid fever at Springfidd, Ohio, 1898-1903.

Year.

1898.....................................

1899.....................................

1900.....................................

Deaths.

24

64

44

Year.

1901.....................................

1902.....................................

1903.....................................

Deaths.

20

51

42

Plainly this is contaminated surface water.

Grand Rapids, Mich. In Grand Rapids, Mich., where water is taken from three filter 

galleries beneath the river bed, the mortality as shown in the table is too high.

Deaths per 100,000from typhoi'd fever at Grand Rapids, Mich.

Year.

1899.....................................

1900.....................................

Deaths.

34

31

42

Year.

1901 .....................................

1902.....................................

1903.....................................

Deaths.

35

51

35

These galleries were installed in 1890, the raw Grand River water being pumped before 

then. The death rate since has risen.

Summary. The evidence shows that filter galleries have no bacterial efficiency, and 

that these to be successful must be so constructed as to impound ground water only.

FILTER CRIBS.

Tarentum, Pa. At Tarentum (population 7,000), about 19 miles above Pittsburg, a crib 

in Allegheny River, designed by Messrs. Chapin and Knowles, is the only means of purification at hand. The sample taken shows such high turbidity as to make it evident that 

the crib is out of commission, probably having been damaged by the spring freshets.

Field assay of water from Allegheny River at Tarentum. 

[Parts per million.]

Determination.

« 30

33

Determination.

CaCO3) ...............

180

11 \

Determination.

I

24.5

4 +

a Estimated.

The statistics of deaths from typhoid fever at Tarentum are too few to justify conclusions 

as regards the supply. In 1896 there were 48 cases; in 1897 there were 27 cases, 2 dying; 

in 1898 there was 1 death from this disease.

Montrose, near Brilliant, Pa. The figures below show the results of analyses of Allegheny River water before and after it had passed through the Montrose crib, 4 miles 

above Brilliant, which furnishes also a portion of Allegheny's water supply.
58 WATEE IN UPPER OHIO BASIN AND AT ERIE, PA.

Analyses showing efficiency of Montrose crib, near Brilliant, Pa. 

[Parts per million.]

Date.

1897. 

July 28

Aug. 9

Aug. 16

Aug. 23

Aug. 30

Sept. 22

Water analyzed.

River water raw

River water, raw ......

Effluent from crib .....

Turbidity.

Muddy...........

Slight............

Slight............

Slight ............

Decided ..........

Slight............

Slight............

Slight............

Very slight .......

Albuminoid 

ammonia.

0.310

.315

.197

.250

.340

.174

.190

.195

.190 

.175

.176

.122

.180

Free 

ammonia.

0.034

.046

.011

.027

.060

.050

.020

.020

.028 

.018

.024

.032

.014

.034

Nitrites.

None.

None

None.

Nitrates.

1.036

1.165

888

.666

.750

.375

.750

.525

1.200 

.750

.600

.675

.712

.300

Chlorine.

9.1

10.2

12.0

14.0

47.0

15.0

12.4

13.0

18.6 

17.5

20.9

21.5

10.8

29.6

Bacteria per 

c.c.

9,150

9,200

700

725

2,225

15, 050

3,050

2,575

4,550 

10, 050

15, 050

17,500

2,250

2,425

It has already been shown that typhoid fever is constantly present in severe form at 

nearly every important town on the watershed of the Allegheny, and the sewage from these 

towns unquestionably carries disease-producing bacilli into the river. The efficiency of any 

plant for purifying the river water may therefore be rated by its effect on the bacterial 

content.

Inspection of the above figures, bracketed together to permit convenient comparison of 

analyses made on the same day, shows that the effluent water usually contains many more 

organisms than the raw water and never appreciably less. Average analyses of the effluent 

water, each representing the average results for one month, follow:

Average analyses of effluent water at Montrose crib, near Brilliant, Pa. 

[Parts per million.]

Date.

1897.

1898.

July. .....................................

Albuminoid ammonia.

0.128

.135

.090

.090

.058

.076

.070

.099

.126

.094

.111

Free ammonia.

0.014

.020

.017

.045

.028

.024

.024

.042

.026

.017

.025

Nitrites. Nitrates.

0.637

.731

.975

.637

1.125

5.000

.675

.300

.225

.975

.562

Chlorine.

30.0

33.0

46.7

119.4

231.0

257.5

120.5

110.0

51.5

24.1

41.8

Bacteria 

per c. c.

97,262

29,250

30,400

13,900

7,967

7,850

43,000

19,300

21,000

Not one of these effluents can be truthfully called a filtered and safe water, and it is evident 

that so far as bacterial purification is concerned the crib might as well not be there. The 

crib is of approved form, about 2,500 feet long, 32 feet wide, and 7 feet deep, its framework 

having been built of 6 by 8 hemlock timbers, laid flat. The timbers are spread by blocks
NATURAL FILTRATION. 59

4 inches thick, spaced about 3 feet apart. It is tightly planked over on top with 3-inch 

planks, but its sides and bottom are open. In placing the crib an excavation somewhat 

larger than the area of the structure was made and the crib was floated over and sunk into 

place. It is covered with stones and coarse gravel with sand upon top. The average 

depth of gravel and sand on the crib is 5 feet. The depth of the crib below the surface at 

low water is 16 feet at the upper end and 10 feet at the lower. Upon two occasions fresh 

sand and gravel have been dumped in places upon the crib to replace material thought to 

have been washed away.

Hulton, Pa. At Hulton, about 11 miles abovs Pittsburg, a crib similar to that at Montrose was built in 1894. Its timbers are 2 by 4 inch hemlock. It is 96 feet long, 16 feet 

wide, and 4 feet deep, and is covered to a depth of about 4| feet with large stones, sand, 

and gravel. The average depth of water at low water is about 7 feet. Here similar exhaustive analyses were made both of the raw water of Allegheny River and of the effluent from 

the crib.

Analyses showing efficiency of crib at Hulton, Pa.

[Parts per million.]

Date.

1897.

A n p- Q

Aug. 23

Sept. 14

Sept. 28

Oct. 5

Oct. 12

Oct. 19

Oct. 26

Nov. 9

Nov. 16

Nov. 23

Water analyzed.

River water, raw. .....

River water, raw. .....

River water, raw ......

River water raw

Effluent from crib .....

River water raw

River water, raw ......

Turbidity.

Slight............

Clear.............

Slight............

Slight............

Slight............

Slight ............

Slight............

Very slight. ...... 

Clear.............

Slight ............

Very slight .......

Very slight. ...... 

Slight............

Clear.............

Decided

Slight............

Albuminoid 

ammonia.

0.215

.108

.208

.130

.185 

.130

.133

.094

.174

.102

.162 

.096

.108

.118

.105

.078 

.080

.060

.084 

.122

.088

.266

.160

.140 

.068

Free 

ammonia.

0.021

.009

.021

.014

.016 

.018

.024

.016

.028

.014

.012 

.014

.010

.005

.012

.010

.014 

.016

.012

.014 

.016

.018

.054

.058

.010

Nitrites.

None.

None.

None.

None.

None.

Nitrates.

0.815

.592

.900

.605

.638 

.528

.450

.450

.900

.750

.775 

.825

.600

.825

.600

.675

.375

.525

.450

.450 

.525

.525

1.200

.825

.675 

.450

Chlorine.

11.7

35.3

11.0

24.0

11.0

44.8

19.7

29.7

20.1

39.0

31.2 

36.8

28.4

39.7

27.9

38.0

37.5 

51.4

35.1

53.4 

34.5

63.1

18.5

62.2

14.4 

60.7

Bacteria per 

c.c.

650

135

525

1,071

1,150 

135

250

68

3,300

2,250

12,250 

6,336

5,700

3,846

90,000

34, 560

87,000 

39, 825

32,000

27,000 

7,800

2,100

15,010

100

15,700 

167

In all but one of these thirteen sets of analyses a reduction of bacterial content is noted 

in the effluent, varying from the 6 per cent, removed September 28, to the 93 per cent, 

removed November 16. The highest efficiency, 93 per cent, is not sufficiently high to warrant the use of this water as a public supply; the lowest needs no comment. Lest it may 

be claimed that some further reduction in bacterial content takes place in the taps the 

following analyses are presented to show the condition of the effluent from the crib, side by 

side with that of samples from the taps in Verona, supplied from this source.
60 WATER IN UPPER OHIO BASIN AND AT ERIE, PA.

Analyses of water from Hulton crib and Verona tap. 

[Parts per million.]

Date.

1897.

Feb. 1

Feb. 16

Water analyzed.

Effluent........---....

Turbidity.

Clear.............

Clear.............

Clear.............

Clear.............

Clear.............

Clear.............

Clear.............

Clear.............

Albuminoid 

ammonia.

0.048

.064

.044

.040

.040

.038

.028

.032

.040

.042

Free 

ammonia.

0.016

.014

.018

.022

.028

.026

.020

.014

.016

.010

Nitrites.

None.

None.

None.

None.

None.

None.

None.

None.

Nitrates.

0.975

.825

.750

.675

.825

.600

.750

.825

.825

.750

Chlorine.

68.1

65.1

22.7

26.0

50.4

52.1

51.8

49.2

44.5

49.2

Bacteria per 

c.c.

48

175

93

444

952

323

333

1,980

861

130

Analyses are available through August, 1898, but it is unnecessary to quote further. It is 

evident that the quality of the water in the taps is sometimes improved and sometimes not. 

In the five cases given three show an increase in bacteria; two a decrease. If pathogenic 

bacilli-are in the water, there is absolutely nothing to prevent this water from carrying contagion from the infected river to every tap in Verona.

Sharpsburg, Pa. At Sharpsburg (population about 7,000), on the west side of the Allegheny, a mile below Brilliant, the supply is derived from the river through a crib 100 feet 

long, 8 feet wide, and 5 feet deep. It has been in use since 1893. There is about 2^ feet 

of river material over it, but it is tight near the top, being open on the bottom and the lower 

part of the sides. Timbers and openings are 6 inches wide. Low water is about 3 feet above 

the top of the crib. There are no analyses at hand of the raw Allegheny water at Sharpsburg, but the average analyses of the Sharpsburg effluent, taken in connection with analyses made to determine the efficiency of the Etna crib, shown below, furnish sufficient data 

for judgment on the supply of the former.

Average analyses of effluent from Sharpsburg crib. 

[Parts per million.]

Date

1898.

July..........

Turbidity.

Albuminoid 

ammonia.

0. 056

.124

.096

.085

Free 

ammonia.

0.019

.016

.016

0.19

Nitrites.

Nitrates.

0.375

.300

. 750

.525

Chlorine.

18.9

19.4

20.5

22.3

Bacteria per 

c.c.

3,710

13,400

25,500

Bacteria 

range in' 

number.

Evidently, whatever may be the nature of the purification this has undergone, its efficiency in removing bacteria is not high. Disease-infected water would therefore pass 

through this crib without sufficiently complete loss of organisms to make it reasonably safe 

for drinking.

Etna, Pa. Comparative analyses of water at Etna show similar conditions. At this 

point there is also a crib in the river. It is a wooden box 40 feet long, 16 feet wide, and 4 

feet deep, perforated with many openings and covered to the depth of about 4 feet with 

stone, river gravel, and sand. The following analyses show the efficiency of the crib:
NATURAL FILTRATION.

Analyses showing efficiency of Etna crib. 

[Parts per million.]

61

Date.

1897.

Sept. 28

Oct. 19

1898.

July 6

Aug. 2

Aug. 16

Water analyzed.

River water, raw ...... 

Effluent ...............

Effluent............... 

River water, raw ......

Effluent...............

Effluent ...............

River water, raw ..... 

Effluent ...............

River water, raw ...... 

Effluent...............

Turbidity.

Slight ............

Clear.............

Very slight ....... 

Very slight .......

Clear.............

Very slight ....... 

Very slight .......

ao.3

Clear.............

o9.0

.09

1.8 

Slight ............

1.6 

Clear.............

Albuminoid 

ammonia.

0.222

.126

.186

.118

.118 

.098

.090

.160

.148 

.122 

.096

.144

.056

.084

.040

.124

.030

.130

.058

.168

.120 

.070

Free 

ammonia.

0.028

.012

.014

.024 

.026

.018

.032

.018 

.022 

.010

.048

.014

.042

.006

.028

.008

.030

.016

.036 

.018

.044 

.026

Nitrites.

None. 

None.

None. 

None.

None.

None.

None.

None.

Nitrates.

.975

.600

.900

.812 

.900

1.500

.600

.750 

.600

1.275

.750

.750

.300

.300

.150

.225

.750

.675

.450 

.525

.675

.525

Chlorine.

21.0

30.2

28.0

42.3

22.1 

28.7 

29.4

41.0

32.0

45.8 

46.1 

48.3

40.0

49.4

23.8

51.5

14.0

48.0

18.7

44.2

30.0 

48.6

18.4 

54.1

Bacteria per 

c.c.

6,125

1,288

2,625

133

5,250 

1,841 

7,200

1,652

28,750

2,730 

27,300 

13,260

75,000

38,220

65,800

5,200

16,400

325

1,630

1,520

239,000 

10,850

159,000 

1,600

« Reciprocal scale.

These analyses indicate a higher degree of efficiency at times than has been previously 

noted, but they bring out strikingly the greatest drawback to crib filtration; that is, the 

lack of regularity in efficiency. During the summer of 1898, when the structure had been 

in place a year and should have shown as good results as it ever will, the efficiency is seen 

to vary from 98 per cent on June 21, already quoted, to less than 7 per cent on July 6. 

Before a city ventures to use the water of Allegheny River it should demand better assurance of purification than this.

Millvale, Pa. At Millvale (population about 7,000), about 4 miles below Brilliant, on 

the western side of the river, there are two cribs, one of which is owned by the Bennett Water 

Company. This crib is 100 feet long, 16 feet wide, and 4 feet deep, built of 2 by 4 inch 

timber, and covered with stone, gravel, and sand. The flow of the current has necessitated 

frequent refilling to replace material washed away. At this crib the bacterial purification 

is so slight as to make detailed figures unnecessary. The averages are given below:

Determinations showing efficiency of Millvale crib.

1897.

Average 

number of 

bacteria in 

river water 

per c. c.

4,600

3,762

69,126

Average 

number of 

bacteria in 

effluent water per c.c.

7,533

4,144

41,669
62 WATEE IN UPFEK OHIO BASIN AND AT EEIE, PA.

That the crib had not improved much by the following August is shown by the fact that 

a sample of the effluent water taken August 2, 1898, showed 18,200 bacteria per cubic centimeter, and a sample taken August 16 showed 19,500 bacteria per cubic centimeter, both 

numbers too large to speak well for the process.

Wildwood, Pa. A large quantity of water is pumped from the Wildwood crib, on Allegheny River, about 1J miles above the Brilliant pumping station, to supply the town of Wilkinsburg, part of Pittsburg, and some neighboring places. The crib is in the middle of the 

river, 304 feet long, 32 feet wide, and 4 feet deep, built of 2 by 8 inch planks, with 2-inch 

open places on top and sides, and open bottom. Upon it and around it there were placed 

large stones to the depth of 1 foot, then 1 foot of coarse gravel, and then 3 feet of river sand. 

There is said to be 30 feet of gravel in the bed of the stream under the crib, which should 

improve the quality of the water. It was installed in June, 1897.

Analyses showing efficiency of Wildwood crib. 

[Parts per million.]

Date.

1897. 

July 13

July 29

4 ntr 11 '

Aug. 18

Aug. 24

Sept. 7

Sept. 27

Water analyzed.

Effluent ...............

Effluent ...............

River water, raw ......

River water, raw ......

Turbidity.

Slight............

Clear.............

Muddy ...........

Slight............

ClGfcir

Very slight. ...... 

Clear.............

Very slight. ......

Clear.............

Slight............

Albuminoid 

ammonia.

0.162

.046

.280

.032

.240

.062

.395

.110

.268

.052

.204 

.060

.122 

.048

.112

.062

.108

.056

.118

.040

Free 

ammonia.

0.016

.012

.031

.023

.030

.018

035

.024

.018

.023

.028 

.028

.014 

.026

.012

.018

.028

.012

.012

Nitrites.

0.003

.001

None.

.005

.001

.004

.003

.003

None.

None. 

.001

None.

Nitrates.

0.015

.010

1.334

.445

.950

.592

.370

.600

.300

.450. 

.375

.600 

.450

2.250

.300

.225

.675

.450

Chlorine.

18.5

9.5

22.0

11.5

14.5

37.5

21 2

15.6

18.1

13.1 

19.9

18.8 

20.3

21.4

21 9

26.2

21.5

25.1

26.2

Bacteria per 

c.c.

520

269

11, 350

59

00

11,200

5,200

7,425 

78

300

825

3,600

148

It is evident, taking the records pair by pair, that this crib has effected a very remarkable 

reduction in the organic content of the river water if the effluent really is filtered river water. 

On August 24 the efficiency was 98 per cent; on September 7, 99 per cent; on September 

14, 96 per cent; on September 21, 80 per cent; on September 27, 96 per cent. During the 

month of October, 1897, it was steadily about 96 per cent. This is as high a percentage of 

efficiency as many mechanical filters make; but a noteworthy difference appears in the drop 

to 80 per cent on September 21. It is impossible to know just why this happened in the 

crib, whereas in the mechanical filter the difficulty could be found and remedied. In other 

words, the crib filter may, as in this case, give wonderfully high efficiency at times even 

most of the time but no one knows when it may fail for a brief period. Its operation is 

uncontrollable and uncertain, and in a stream so badly polluted with pathogenic organisms 

as the Allegheny the risk is too great to be taken. It is unfortunate that typhoid-fever 

statistics are unobtainable for this town except for 1899, when there were 5 deaths from this 

cause in a population of 11,886 (census of 1900), the death rate thus being 42 per 100,000,
NATURAL FILTRATION. 63

If the efficiency previously noted were maintained, there should not be over 25 deaths per 

100,000 from typhoid fever.

Summary. The foregoing statement discusses filtering cribs operating under different 

conditions. Where the crib has been placed in a swift current of water its efficiency is practically too low for serious consideration; under peculiarly favorable conditions, such as 

those at the Wildwood crib, an amazingly high efficiency is realized for a time. The mass 

of data compiled as to the operation of slow sand filters shows that in time, whether it be 

one, two, or three years, the filtering sand and gravel must either become so much clogged 

as to diminish seriously the supply, or the bacteria caught by the particles of sand must pass 

farther and farther into the mass until the effluent is no longer pure enough to drink. It is 

possible to remove the polluted sand from a sand filter and allow the filtering action to 

begin over again on fresh material, but no such removal can occur in the case of a crib 

except through the scouring*of the river bed in time of flood, etc., a very irregular and uncertain agency. The important point is that such a mode of filtration is beyond control by 

ordinary means and is only properly efficient when favorable conditions happen to be met 

more by good fortune than by anything else.

The inefficiency of the cribs at Allegheny and Pittsburg is well known. The city of Allegheny installed a crib in Allegheny River in 1897 at an immense cost. The inefficiency of 

this structure in filtering the polluted water may be seen from the following figures showing 

typhoid-fever mortality:

Deaths per 100,000 from typhoid fever at Allegheny, Pa., 1898-1902.

Year.

1898......................................

1899......................................

1900......................................

Deaths.

38

107

93

Year.

1901.....................................

1902.....................................

Deaths.

101

120

For Pittsburg, filter cribs in Monongahela River supplying the South Side and six boroughs of the city gave the following results:

Deaths per 100,000 from typhoid fever at Pittsburg, Pa., 1898-1903.

Year.

1898......................................

1899

Deaths.

71

110

144

Year.

1901.....................................

1902.....................................

1903.....................................

Deaths.

125

144

139

These figures are worse than Allegheny's. It is evident that the water supplied to these 

consumers was totally unpurified, so far as disease bacteria are concerned.

At Sharpsburg the figures are few, but sufficient to show a general infection every year. 

In 1895 there were 47 cases, with 4 deaths; in 1898,33 cases, with 7 deaths; in 1899, 57 cases, 

with 6 deaths out of a total mortality of 72, or 8J per cent. In 1902 there were 73 cases. 

As the population of the town is only about 7,000, the above figures have startling significance. Evidently in 1902 one person in every hundred had typhoid fever, many of them 

probably through drinking the polluted river water.

The foregoing discussion of crib filtration has reviewed figures showing bacterial purification and typhoid-fever mortality derived from absolutely reliable sources for several cities. 

In every case it has been shown that crib filtration, no matter how excellent the results may 

be at times, is absolutely unreliable as a means of ameliorating a public water supply.

FILTER WELLS.

General discussion. The third method of natural filtration is by wells sunk in river sand 

and gravel, varying in diameter from a few inches to 20 or 30 feet, and so constructed as to
64 WATER IN UPPEE OHIO BASIN AND AT EEIE, PA.

allow the polluted river water to seep through its own bed into the well. As has been 

already stated, this method of filtration produces a water of excellent appearance, but the 

data given relating to filter cribs and filter galleries show that there can be no real purification of the water by this means. It has seemed to be very possible that efficient filtration 

could be obtained by a modification of this plan where local conditions are favorable, as in 

some islands in Ohio River. If wells are drilled to a moderate depth on some of these 

islands of clean river sand, through which the water may percolate before entering -the wells, 

very efficient purification ought to be secured until the outer layers of sand become clogged. 

The frequent scourings to which these islands are subject by the rise and fall of the river 

as well as by its strong current should be favorable to the periodical removal of the clogged 

layers. The idea is not new.

M. Leforte, Ingenieur des Fonts et Chaussees, engaged in improving the water supply of the city of 

Nantes, proposed a dozen years ago to secure artificially the most favorable conditions for natural 

filtration by creating at many places in the'bed of the Loire, a little above the city, islets of fine sand, in 

the middle of which were established wells provided with suitable works for their control, from which 

water was to be taken. Notwithstanding a satisfactory trial of the process it was not applied. a,

The same procedure was suggested by M. Janet, engineer of mines, who recommended 

that water be pumped from the Seine and the Oise to the summits of sandy hills at Montmorency, Fontainebleau, etc., and allowed to percolate to the bottom of the sand to be 

collected, thus making use of a natural filter over 50 meters thick.

Gallipolis, Ohio. It has remained for an American municipality to apply this plan and to 

demonstrate its ultimate inefficiency. The city of Gallipolis, Ohio (population about 6,000), 

gets its water supply from filter wells drilled on an island in the Ohio River. The records 

of typhoid fever mortality show a wonderful temporary efficiency, not a single death from 

this cause being reported during two years, at the end of which former conditions recurred.

Typhoid mortality at Gallipolis, Ohio.

Year.

1897...:.......................

1898...........................

1899---.....-.-......---.......

1900...........................

Total 

deaths.

116

146

101

64

Typhoid 

deaths.

2

3

0

Year.

1901 ..........................

1902..........................

1903..........................

Total 

deaths.

57

83

65

Typhoid 

deaths.

0

8

4

Evidently if the decrease in deaths is to be ascribed to the filtration of Ohio River water 

through this river sand the return to the epidemic conditions shown in 1902 and 1903 must 

have had a similar origin. It is probable that the pathogenic organisms carried in the 

river water have grown completely through the sand, so that even the scouring of the top 

does not carry away all the polluted sand. The experiment shows the uncontrollable 

character of such a purification scheme.

Similar supplies exist at Moundsville, W. Va., and Point Pleasant, W. Va., both described 

later in this paper (pp. 87, 92-93).

CONCLUSION.

Every form of natural filtration so far attempted has been unsuccessful except the rather 

rare type last described, and that was successful only for a time. At many other places 

which could be cited the death rate shows that these devices have no efficiency in removing 

bacteria from polluted water, so that towns which attempt to purify water by natural filtration are likely to spend more money annually in avoiding epidemics of water-borne diseases 

than many times the interest on the cost of an efficient sand-filtration plant.

aTrans. Am. Soc. Civil Eng., vol. 54, Ft. D, p. 184.
AGENCIES SUPPOSED TO COUNTEKACT POLLUTION. 65

OXIDATION, DILUTION, AND SEDIMENTATION.

The conditions on the Monongahela (see pp. 54-55) show the existence of sources of pollution sufficient to make the river water unsafe as a source of public supply without purification, unless complete self-purification takes place in the river. If Professor Sedgwick is correct in his conclusion^ that the population of the Allegheny basin scattered along the main 

stream and its tributaries is practically equivalent under present conditions to an equal 

population massed at the lowest point considered, then the same conclusion applies to the 

more concentrated population of the Monongahela basin with drainage slopes as far down 

as Greensboro steeper than those of the Allegheny. It would seem, then, that the contamination in Monongahela River from above Point Marion is probably equivalent to that of a 

city of 25,000 or 30,000 population located at Point Marion, and the question arises whether 

complete self-purification takes place below that point.

From a drainage area of 11,400 square miles Allegheny River discharges, as is shown by 

official measurements made by the U. S. Geological Survey, from 1,312 cubic feet per second (September, 1903) to 40,000 cubic feet per second or more at flood stages. Monongahela River has a drainage area of 7,625 miles, 67 per cent of that of Allegheny. Its discharge can not be given with accuracy since few figures are available. The discharge of 

the Youghiogheny at Ohiopyle, Pa., measured by Kenneth Alien in 1892, was 106 cubic 

feet per second at a very dry time; Indian Creek, entering some miles below, usually carries 

50 to 100 feet per second, but has been known to go as low as 12 cubic feet per second in 

periods of extreme drought. The table herewith shows the flow of Indian Creek as computed by the Geological Surveyb from data furnished by Charles H. Knight, Rome, N. Y., 

in 1893.

Estimated mean flow of Indian Greek from Augvst, 1892, to Jvly, 1893.

August-...................................... 31.4 February.................................. 659.0

September.................................... 15.2 March..................................... 290.5

October....................................... 12.6 ril...................................... 278.0

November.................................... 48.8 May....................................... 523.3

December..................................... 102.8 | June....................................... 41.3

January...................................... 193.5 ] July....................................... 13.1

The table giving the discharge of Cheat River shows that that stream at times 

carries less than 200 cubic feet per second. In October, when Indian Creek is at its lowest, 

Cheat River carries about 700 cubic feet per second. It may be roughly estimated that 

Cheat River, Indian Creek, and Youghiogheny River together contribute about 825 cubic 

feet per second to the Monongahela in the fall. The discharge of Tygart and West Fork 

rivers aggregates about 75 cubic feet per second. No figures are available for these streams, 

and this is merely a rough estimate based on experience in measuring similar streams. 

Altogether the Monongahela may be said to carry about 900 cubic feet per second in the fall, 

or about two-thirds the volume of Allegheny River at that time. The flood flow of the 

Monongahela is considerably over 40,000 cubic feet per second, or about the same as that 

of the Allegheny. The facts about the Monongahela are therefore as follows:

1. The drainage area of Monongahela River is 67 per cent of that of the Allegheny, and its 

discharge is about 70 per cent of that of the latter.

2. The flood discharge is nearly the same for the two streams.

3. As far down as Greensboro the Monongahela drainage area is rugged, the soil lacks fertility and therefore absorbs very little storm water, and the run-off is rapid.

4. The region is practically deforested.

These facts indicate that the Monongahela, as far down as Greensboro, is by far the quicker

a Kept. Pittsburg Filt. Com., p. 20.

6 Water Sup. and Irr. Paper No. 65, U. S. Geological Survey.

IRR 161 06 5
66 WATER IN UPPER OHIO BASIN AND AT ERIE, PA.

spilling of the two streams, and as it has at its headwaters about the same population per square 

mile of drainage area it will deliver as much pollution to any point above Greensboro in the 

same time or less.

From Greensboro to Pittsburg, a distance of approximately 80 miles, the Monongahela has 

a fall of about 72 feet, or about 0.9 foot to the mile. This is so little compared to that above 

Greensboro that evidently it is on the conditions prevailing in this stretch of the stream that 

self-purification of the stream will depend. The element of time is of the greatest importance in this process. If the rate of flow of the water is so low as to detain pollution a long 

time, then the river will be practically a long, narrow reservoir, affording conditions more or 

less favorable for self-purification. But the rate of flow depends on slope, cross section, and 

quantity of water. The slope of the Allegheny from the mouth of Clarion River to Pittsburg, a distance of approximately 85 miles, is about 1.95 feet to the mile. The lower slope 

of Monongahela River would tend to lessen the velocity of the water and lengthen the period 

of detention. The latter may be said to be inversely proportional to the rapidity of flow, or

Detention=- -, where V =c^/ r s

the Chezy formula usually employed in computation of flow in open channels. If fairly accurate data were obtainable for cross sections of the two streams at numerous points, the formula could be used to express numerically the degree of detention, and hence the degree of 

self-purification going on in a given stream. In this case the lack of such data is complicated 

by the fact that the Monongahela is so completely canalized below Greensboro as to make the 

slope above calculated valueless for this discussion, as the fall of each slack-water basin is 

practically zero. At low water, therefore, the velocity of the water is so very slight as to 

give an enormously high value for detention in the proposed formula, pointing to an infinitely high degree of purification. For streams not canalized the degree of self-purification 

would seem to be directly determinable.

If pollution be supposed to enter the Monongahela at Greensboro only and all sources of 

contamination below that point to be eliminated, the degree of self-purification going on in 

the 80 miles under discussion is so high that it is conceivable that the water might be completely purified. But it is not at all certain that this is the case. It is now agreed by sanitarians that the process of self-purification can hardly be complete and perfect, and that 

therefore it can not be depended upon as sufficient in itself to assure a pure supply.

The main factors in self-purification are evidently oxidation, dilution, and sedimentation, 

and for the last the term " detention" is proposed as more properly expressing the time element necessary. As far as oxygen is concerned it has long been known that the typhoid 

bacillus, the very organism it is desired to eliminate from water, "grows most abundantly in 

the presence of free oxygen," though "it may also develop in its absence."a It is well known 

to bacteriologists that " the great majority of pathogenic bacteria are facultative anaerobes'^ that is, they may develop with or without oxygen. .As to dilution of sewage, Professor Sedgwick believes that 1 gallon of sewage dumped into Illinois River might cause 

trouble in the water supplies below. Without going to this extreme, it is perfectly evident 

that no lines can be drawn between " sufficient" and "insufficient" dilution. It takes little 

sewage, compared to the volume of the stream, to cause an offensive appearance. Very 

little is necessary to poison the water for drinking. The question resolves itself into one 

of the vitality of pathogenic organisms in water, a question discussed later in this paper.

The exact amount of self-purification due to sedimentation can not be stated positively. 

Turbidity has a great influence on purification by sedimentation, for turbid water contains 

many heavy particles which settle to the bottom, entangling and carrying with them great 

numbers of bacteria as they go down. Long detention, therefore, will cause turbid water to 

become not only clearer, but remarkably better in quality, by causing the greater part of the 

pollution to settle to the bottom. In running water sedimentation can not occur to any 

great degree unless the current is retarded by obstacles, natural or otherwise, which convert

a Sternberg, Bact., 1896, p. 358 & Muir and Ritchic, Bact., 1899, p. 23.
SELF-PUBLIC ATION. 6T

the river into a chain of pools, and the greater the number of pools or reaches on the river 

and the closer together they are the more will self-purification be assisted.

The mill pond at Lowell, Mass., is 16 miles long. The well-known epidemic of typhoid 

fever at this place was traced to dejecta, principally from one patient, which entered a large 

brook from an overhanging outhouse, was delivered into the Merrimac, and reached the 

intake of the waterworks. At Lawrence, Mass., an equally well-known epidemic was caused 

by contaminated water which had been kept in the storage reservoir two weeks, with excellent opportunity for sedimentation. At Covington, Ky., the badly polluted water of Ohio 

River is kept at times as long as thirty-two days, yet Covington suffers severely from typhoid 

fever. At New Albany, Ind., the water supplied to the city is stored for a month before it is 

used, yet there is much typhoid fever.a These instances show that sedimentation alone, under 

the best conditions, does not make contaminated water safe. Settling basins alone are not an 

efficient and adequate means of purifying the sewage discharged into a stream.

Decisive evidence on this head is supplied by the schematic representation made for the 

Report of Streams Examination for the Sanitary District of Chicago, showing the belief of 

some water bacteriologists that the polluted water from Chicago is completely purified by the 

time it reaches Averyville. The drawing shows pollution in heavy black shading; lightening 

as the purification goes on, proceeding down the river. The pollution is heaviest at Chicago 

and gradually thins out until it reaches Averyville, when it disappears, to be renewed presently by the sewage of Peoria. This diagram is the result, presented in graphic form, of 

numerous bacteriological analyses of the river water by the commission. The distance from 

Chicago to Henry, where the sewage has very largely disappeared, is about 114 miles; from 

Chicago to Averyville, where apparently it has wholly disappeared, about 142 miles; from 

Peoria, writh its heavy pollution, to Kampsville, where it is claimed that that pollution has 

disappeared, about 150 miles. Therefore, without going into the merits of the Chicago-St. 

Louis controversy at all, it may be said that both parties agree that within about 100 miles of 

the source of pollution self-purification is so incomplete that contamination is recognizable, 

and that the infection of a stream of the character of the Illinois by the sewage of Chicago may 

be dangerous to the health of communities using the infected water raw within that distance.

Conditions on one stream cannot be exactly like those on another. Illinois River, carrying the sewage of an immense population, is not in any respect exactly like the Monongahela. 

Yet a comparison of the two streams brings out similarities. The discharge of the Monongahela has been computed at roughly 900 cubic feet per second or 54,000 cubic feet per minute. That of Illinois River at Peoria at the same season of the same year, in September, 

1903, was about 15,000 cubic feet per second or 900,000 cubic feet per minute. The population of the Monongahela drainage area above and including McKeesport may be assumed at 

about 134,000. That of the Illinois River drainage area above Peoria would probably be at 

least 2,250,000. These figures show the proportion 

54,000:134,000: : 900,000: x, whence 

£=2,233,000,

almost exactly the population of the Illinois drainage area. The volumes of the two streams 

therefore, even allowing for errors in estimating, are practically directly proportional to the 

population served. There are numerous lakes and sluggish reaches on Illinois River where 

the fall is practically zero, so that there is probably as much opportunity for self-purification by detention in that stream as in any. It is unnecessary to enter into further details. 

It is evident that the uncertainty of self-purification on over 100 miles of Illinois River applies with great force to the conditions on the Monongahela, notwithstanding the difference 

in population.

The history of epidemics has repeatedly shown that it is not necessarily an extensive outbreak of typhoid that starts another below it, but that one or two cases may infect a large 

population. A few instances will be given. The typhoid-fever epidemic at Lowell, preo Sedgwick, W. T., Test., Chicago Drain. Com. vol.3
68 WATEE IN UPPER OHIO BASIN AND AT ERIE, PA.

viously referred to, was traced to contamination from but one or two cases. The Now Haven 

epidemic was caused by dejecta from typhoid-fever patients in one family passing into the 

water-supply reservoir. In the Windsor epidemic infection was washed by ordinary rains 

into a small thread of a stream and thence into a larger brook, which delivered it into the reservoir. The epidemic at Ithaca, which attracted so much attention, was due to the washing 

into the city supply of fecal matter deposited on the watershed. Scores of similar cases 

could be cited. The smaller population of the Monongahela is therefore no bar to the spread 

of typhoid fever by the use of the raw water. The industries along the river employ many 

foreign laborers ignorant, uneducated, and of uncleanly habits whose dejecta all go into 

the stream. This fact is well known, and the sole protection of the communities using the 

water has been the germicidal effect of detention in the chain of slack-water basins that constitute the lower Monongahela. It is clear that such purification is not certain nor perfect, 

and that there is grave risk in using this water raw.

The foregoing discussion started from the tentative assumption that no pollution enters 

the Monongahela below Greensboro, and it has been shown that contamination introduced 

at that point may live to reach the mouth of the river. As a matter of fact, however, fresh 

and dangerous sewage pollution enters the stream at hundreds of places below Greensboro, 

sometimes in enormous quantity. The real efficiency of the detention going on in the 80 

miles of slack water is therefore measured by the efficiency of the last basin receiving pollution or the last basin on the river. The above discussion makes it evident that such a basin, 

even several miles long, can not be relied upon to completely purify polluted water.

Nor should it be forgotten that to settle the bacilli to the bottom of the basin is by no 

means to get rid of them. If by any means the mass of corruption at the bottom is disturbed, there is nothing to prevent it from being returned to the stream to be carried down 

to breed disease in towns below. This has been shown by the typhoid epidemic at Detroit, 

which resulted from the disturbance of sewage deposits in the bed of Black River at Port 

Huron. This caused sediment to be carried down St. Clair River through St. Clair Lake 

into the intake of the waterworks.a Professor Sedgwick well sums up the situation as 

follows:

Dams undoubtedly so far as they produce slack water or quiescence favor purification and the disappearance of disease germs for the time being; but if the sediment or sludge is allowed to remain in the 

bottom of the stream and not removed artificially or taken out and put off out of a position of danger 

the chances are good, as experience shows, that in freshets it may be returned to the stream again, become a part of it, travel with it, and produce trouble below. That was the case at Ncwburyport. * * * 

The Merrimac is often a series of mill ponds or a series of quiet lakes in which sedimentation goes on 

nicely, and the water shows great purification at such times, but just as soon as a thunder shower comes 

[scouring takes place with the rise of the stream].

In other words, detention while undoubtedly of very great value in many cases does not 

and can not take the place of steady and regular purification of the stream by such a process 

as sand filtration, so that however great may be the improvement by detention the detained 

water must always be regarded with suspicion and once polluted can not be considered perfectly safe for drinking without being filtered.

It can not be hold that the greater dilution of sewage in the Monongahela in times of flood 

is of assistance in purification. In the first place it is sufficiently evident that mere dilution 

can not be a complete safeguard. In the second place all the beneficial effects of detention 

gained by the slow current in the river may be nullified by a slight increase in velocity.

The addition of such a volume of liquid as passes through the Drainage Canal must often materially 

quicken the flow of the Illinois River. It must, therefore, hinder effective sedimentation, and by 

thus shortening the time required for infectious germs to pass through the river and by interfering 

with their detention aggravate the danger of their arrival at the mouth of the river. * * * The 

t'me allowed in these matters is very important, so that any quickening of flow is a grave consideration."

How much more grave becomes the interference with purification when a stream like the 

Monongahela rises within a few days, as it did twice in March, 1905, from about 9,000 cubic

« Sedgwick, W. T., Test, Chicago Com., vol. 3.
SELF-PURIFICATION. 69

feet per second to over 40,000 cubic feet per second, or from 540,000 cubic feet per minute, 

about six-tenths of the discharge of Illinois River at Peoria, to over 2,400,000 cubic feet per 

minute, nearly three times the discharge of the Illinois. This enormous increase in volume 

is bound to wash out the great mass of pollution that has accumulated at the bottom, which 

will be carried downstream into the water supply of every city that uses the river water raw. 

Any increase in the speed of the current increases the liability to the spread of typhoid fever 

under the conditions given.

ACID MINE DRAINAGE.

There remains for discussion the theory held by some persons that the mine wastes that 

enter Monongahela River along much of its course containing much acid are sufficiently 

germicidal in their effects to insure reasonable safety in the use of this water in its raw state. 

This conclusion is not warranted by the facts.

The mine wastes present in this stream enter principally in the form of ferrous sulphate, 

though free sulphuric acid is sometimes distinguishable. The lime content of the stream is 

considerable, and this, together with the free acid and sulphate of iron, evidently brings 

about a coagulation and sedimentation which also drags down the organic impurities. This 

action is similar to that of the coagulating processes used extensively in mechanical filter 

plants as a preliminary to filtration. As is shown by the tables given below, this process is 

useful in clearing a muddy or highly colored water, such as that of Mississippi River: but 

it is the practically unanimous opinion of engineers that such purification, although exceedingly valuable in many cases and indispensable in some, can be regarded only as a preparation of the water for filtration and is by no means as adequate in itself to assure its safety 

for drinking.

The treatment of the St. Louis water supply by this.process has attracted attention, and 

is regarded by local authorities as sufficient to safeguard the public health. Doctor 

Snodgrass, city bacteriologist of St. Louis, admitted before the American Public Health 

Association, in 1905, that the chemicals are added for coagulating purposes only, and that 

the completion of the process of purification must be accomplished by filtration. This 

treatment of contaminated water for use as a source of city supply, without filtration, can 

be regarded only as a device for diminishing danger, not as a means of abolishing it. " It 

does not provide pure water for the city. It is simply a makeshift."a

Its percentage of efficiency in removing bacteria seems at first glance very high, as is 

shown in the table herewith:

Efficiency of coagulation at St. Louis waterivorlcs in removing bacteria.

Week commencing 

1904. 

March 28. .................................

April 1 ....................................

April 22. ..................................

April 29. ..................................

May 6.....................................

May 13 .................... ..... .....

May 27.......................... .....

July 15.................... .... .

Number 

of bacteria 

in river 

water.

19,000 

187, 500

34,000 

136,500 

22, 500 

103, 500 

45,000 

30,000 

21.000 

16,000 

38, 000 

26.000

Number 

of bacteria 

in outlet 

water.

8,700

8,225 

2,850 

1,800 

37,500 

600 

3, 500 

1,100 

550 

1,600 

4.300

Number 

of bacteria 

in tap 

water.

937 

9,200

1,550 

3,950 

550 

16, 250 

750 

600 

2,000 

500 

650 

323

Percentage Percentage 

of bacteria of bacteria 

removed removed 

between between 

river in- river intake and take and 

outlet. tap.

55

76 

98 

92

, 64 

99 

89 

95. 5 

97 

96 

84

91 

95 

95.5 

97 

98 

85 

98 

98 

92 

97 

98 

08.8

aWeston, Am. Pub. Health, XXX.
70 WATER IN UPPER OHIO BASIN AND AT ERIE, PA.

Efficiency of coagulation at St. Louis waterworks in removing bacteria Continued.

Week commencing 

1904.

Number 

of bacteria 

in river 

water.

27,000

11,000

10, 575

9,150

2,100

17, 750

11, 275

14, 375

25, 475

8,125

40, 000

Number 

of bacteria 

in outlet 

water.

2,500

3,200

4,550

300

300

300

6,100

Number 

of bacteria 

in tap 

water.

1,100

1, 550

590

30

20

75

600

375

950

1,000

Percentage 

of bacteria 

removed 

between 

river intake and 

outlet.

91

77

96

97

91

60

98

99

97

85

87.4

Percentage 

of bacteria 

removed 

between 

river intake and 

tap.

96

89

94.5

99.6

99

99.6

95

97.5

99.8

89

76

94.7

The efficiency of a purification system may very justly be held to be the lowest percentage of removal of bacteria that it accomplishes. On this basis the efficiency of this system 

would be low indeed, sometimes going down to 76 per cent, and apparently not under such 

influences as can be controlled or regulated. The average removal of bacteria at the outlet 

of the sedimentation reservoirs is 79 per cent, and in the city taps is 94 per cent. If the 

latter figure be accepted as the regular daily performance of the process, it can not be considered thorough enough to warrant the use of the treated water without filtration. Effective 

sand filtration will remove over 99 per cent of the bacterial contents of polluted waters. 

The difference about 5 percent may mean a great deal if the original bacterial content of 

the water be high and the sources of pollution not far removed. The experience of Lawrence, Mass., is significant. At this city 93 or 94 per cent of the total number of the bacilli in 

the polluted Merrimac River water were removed by storage in the city reservoir. Nevertheless typhoid-fever epidemics recurred year after year, showing that enough pollution 

was left to spread disease. The death rate from typhoid fever in this city is now one of 

the lowest in Massachusetts, with the filters removing 99 per cent of the pollution. The 

difference of 5 per cent there was evidently the difference between a poisoned supply and 

a healthful one.a

The treatment at St. Louis is made with great care, under the best conditions, calculated 

quantities of chemicals being added to the water, which is sedimented in basins not exposed 

to uncontrolled or irregular variations in depth, wind action, velocity of flow, quantity of 

water, etc. Nevertheless, as shown above, the degree of purification is not sufficient to 

make a water so treated safe without subsequent filtration.

How much efficiency, in the face of the above evidence, can be claimed for the coagulating process going on in the Monongahela River, with every element of the problem dependent on chance? Even if the process were carried on under the most favorable conditions 

purification could not be expected in the Monongahela water, because the chemicals are 

not present in sufficient amount. At St. Louis, iron is added to the water at the rate of 

from one-half to three grains per gallon. The minimum rate, one-half grain, is equivalent 

to 85 parts per million of iron, which is necessary to purify the water in the partial degree 

already described; the water of the Monongahela River generally contains less than one 

part per million of iron, and seldom more than four, b

« Clark, H. W., Am. Pub. Health, XXX.

& Rept. Pittsburg Filtration Com., Analyses, p. 271.
SELF-PUKIFICATION. 71

The possibility that there is enough free acid in the water to destroy pathogenic bacteria 

is worthy of consideration.

The experiments made by various workers to determine the germicidal efficacy of sulphuric acid have been sufficiently numerous and extended to permit definite conclusions 

on the question to be formed. Many years ago Koch a first announced that the cholera 

bacillus was fatally affected by acid solutions. Subsequently, Kitasato^ showed that 

cholera bacilli are destroyed in a few hours by hydrochloric and sulphuric acids. Davainee 

had shown that the bacilli of anthrax are destroyed by sulphuric acid in the proportion of 

1 to 5,000 and that the bacilli of septicemia are destroyed by the acid in the strength of 1 to 

1,500. In Sternberg's experiments of 1885 it was shown that the multiplication of putrefactive bacteria was prevented by the presence in a culture solution of sulphuric acid in the 

strength of 1 to 800, and the micrococci of pus were destroyed in two hours by the presence of the acid in a solution of 1 to 200. The work of Boor, quoted by Sternberg,d showed 

the germicidal effect of sulphuric acid on the following organisms:

The anthrax bacillus was destroyed in two hours in a solution of 1 to 1,300.

The diphtheria bacillus was destroyed in two hours by a solution of 1 to 500.

The typhoid bacillus was destroyed by a solution of 1 to 1,5-50.

The spirillum of Asiatic cholera was destroyed in two hours by a solution of 1 to 1,300.

Stutzer showed e a solution of 0.05 per cent of sulphuric acid was fatal to cholera bacilli 

in fifteen minutes. A weaker solution (0.02 per cent) took twenty-four hours to kill the 

organisms, while a 0.03 per cent solution failed to kill the bacteria in five hours. As a 

result of his experiments, he estimates that 100 kilos of sulphuric acid at 60° Beaume would 

disinfect 40,000 liters of water, a strength of 1:400, or 1 pound of acid to 40 gallons of 

water./ In the same year Doctor Ivanhoff showed? that a 0.04 per cent solution of sulphuric acid destroys cholera bacilli in Berlin sewage and an 0.08 per cent solution destroys 

the organisms in Potsdam sewage. Rohe showed that sulphuric acid in a proportion of 1 

to 800 is antiseptic in some cases. He does not believe, however, that it can be depended 

upon as a general antiseptic.^ The experiments of Kitasato quoted by Rideale show that 

in a 0.049 per cent solution of sulphuric acid there is growth of bacteria; in a 0.065 per 

cent solution growth is restrained; in a 0.08 per cent solution growth cases. The experiments of Rideal and Parkes in 1900, to devise a portable disinfectant for use by soldiers in 

purifying drinking water, showed that chemically pure sulphuric acid diluted in the proportion of 20 minims to the pint of infected water reduced the number of bacilli in fifteen 

minutes and killed them in forty-five minutes. The amount of water used was 750 cubic 

centimeters, which was infected with 1 drop of a twenty-four-hour 37-degree broth culture 

of bacillus typhosus. Further, 100 cubic centimeters of boiled water infected with 1 cubic 

centimeter of the same culture gave the following results, the plus (+) sign indicating the 

presence of the organisms, the minus (=) sign their absence:

Effects of sulphuric acid on bacitti.

Minims per pint of infected 

water.

20...............................

15...............................

10. ..............................

Results.

7J minutes.

+

15 minutes.

+

30 minutes.

+ 

+

45 minutes.

+ 

+ 

+

60 minutes.

+ 

+

2 hours.

+

a Virus de Septicemie; Gas. Med., Jan. 10,1874.

6 Quoted in Sternberg, Bact., 1896.

cBact., 1896.

d Zeit. fur Hyg., 1893, p. 116, quoted by Rideal.

e Disinfection and Preservation of Food, 1903, p. 375.

/The English imperial gallon is equivalent to 10 pounds.

o Zeit. fur Hyg., 1893, p. 86.

ft Hyg., 1890, p. 357.
72 WATER IN UPPEE OHIO BASIN AND AT EEIE, PA.

The largest amount used, 20 minims to the pint, or 1: 384, about 2,600 parts per million, 

would take an hour to kill typhoid bacilli under conditions closely resembling the actual 

conditions.

The most important of all experiments of this kind, perhaps, and those which apply most 

closely to the problem under discussion, were those made by Rideal to determine the vitality of the typhoid organism. Typhoid-fovor bacilli were introduced into impure water, 

which was kept at room temperature, with the following results:

Effect of sulphuric acid on typhoid fever bacilli.

Strength 

of solution.

Per cent.

0.025

.030

.030

.030

.035

Time of 

exposure.

Hours.

20

1

20

ft

ft

Results.

Killed.

Alive.

Alive.

Killed.

Killed.

All these experiments show conclusively that sulphuric acid can and does kill organisms 

in water, but the question remains, How far are these facts applicable to the problem of 

the purification of the water in Youghiogheny River?

Certain conditions in the problem under discussion show that the action of the acid is 

valueless as a means of purification.

1. There is never sufficient acid to do the work.

2. It is impossible to apply the acid in constant quantity, owing to the wide variation 

in the flow both of the stream and the acid, the former being subject to wide and rapid variation, while the flow of acid may be as high as 30 or 40 parts per million at some periods and 

may cease altogether at others, as shown by the analyses.

Rideal's experiments show that a 0.025 per cent sulphuric-acid solution, equivalent to 

250 parts per million, requires 20 hours exposure in impure water at room temperature to 

kill typhoid bacilli, while a solution of 350 parts per million (0.035 per cent) will kill the 

organisms in half an hour. There is never so much sulphuric acid in the water of Monongahela or Youghioghcny rivers. As shown above, at one time, in August, 1905, the amount 

was so small as to be undistinguishable by field-assay methods which readily distinguish a 

slight trace, amounting possibly to one-fiftieth part per million. The analyses made for 

the city of McKeesport, referred to above, show 44 parts per million of the acid uniformly 

distributed through the body of the stream and never as many as 100 parts per million, 

except possibly at isolated points immediately below the outflow of mines. It is clear, 

therefore, that although sulphuric acid is a germicidal agent under favorable conditions, 

such conditions do not and can not exist in the rivers under discussion, and the acid can 

not be counted on to purify them of sewage bacteria. Even if there were more acid present, 

it is to be remembered that its strength is not entirely available for the elimination of 

pathogenic bacteria. "A chemical disinfectant will frequently combine almost instantly 

with organic or other matters present in sewage, thereby becoming partially or entirely 

inert before it has time to attack the bacteria."a If 200 or 300 parts per million of sulphuric acid were being poured into the river, there is so much lime and other alkaline 

material present that the greater part of the acid would immediately combine with these 

to form merely a neutral sulphate instead of persisting as a free germicide. This difficulty 

has long been encountered in the various attempts made to chemically sterilize sewage. 

Sulphates are not germicidal at all, and only moderately antiseptic; the difference, be it

a Bideal, 8. 8., Disinfection and Preservation of Food. New York, J. Wiley & Sons, 1903.
U. 8. GEOLOGICAL SURVEV WATER-SUPPLY PAPER NO. 161 PL. IV

PITTSBURG FILTER PLANT. 

Collecting galleries; Ii, main conduit.
SELF-PURIFICATION. 73

said, for nontechnical readers, being that an antiseptic will restrain or check the growth of 

bacteria while germicides kill them. Though the recent notable study of copper sulphate 

as a disinfectant of water supplies by Moore and Kellerman and others a has shown that 

under some conditions it is destructive to certain forms of bacteria, the sulphates of lime 

and magnesia actually encourage the growth of some organisms, while the sulphates of 

iron depend for their antiseptic power not on the acid but on the metallic base present; and 

this is probably the effective agent in the copper sulphate. Miquel classed iron sulphates 

as moderately antiseptic; finding that 11 grams per liter, which is equivalent to 1.1 per 

cent, were required to prevent the putrefaction of beef juice that is, to prevent the growth 

of putrefactive bacteria in a food medium. Certainly no such enormous proportion of iron 

sulphate (11,000 parts per million) is ever present in the river water.

The people who have been using this water on the assumption that it is free from dangerous pollution have been relying principally on the statement, made by certain persons and 

repeated by others without investigation, that sulphuric acid is a germicide and that there 

is enough of it in the stream to purify the Youghiogheny River water. In depending on 

the antiseptic action of sulphuric acid to kill pathogenic organisms in Youghiogheny River 

water, the people of McKeesport and other cities drinking such water are making a mistake 

which has cost many lives and many thousands of dollars annually.

PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY AT PITTSBURG, PA.

The attention of sanitarians has for years been'focussed on Pittsburg, on account of the 

notoriously high death rate from typhoid fever in that city. The Pittsburg Filtration 

Commission of 1897 so thoroughly investigated the questions of the pollution of the present 

sources of supply and of the possible sources of pure water as to make extended remark on 

this subject quite unnecessary here. The preceding discussion of the quality of water and 

drainage on both watersheds supplying this city should be sufficient to show the character 

of the supply. It is drawn directly from the running streams, without attempt at purification, to reservoirs too small to permit sedimentation for periods longer than a few days, 

after which the water enters the mains. The Filtration Commission showed the necessity 

for immediate and thorough filtration of the water if the typhoid death rate is to be in any 

great degree diminished, taking up the Allegheny River watershed in detail.

The filtration plant now in course of erection under the superintendence of Mr. Morris 

Knowles contemplates the use of Allegheny River water after sand filtration of the most 

thorough description. The plant is located on the river at Aspinwall, about 5 miles north of 

Pittsburg, nearly opposite the Brilliant pumping station. The new pumps on the Aspinwall side will pump the river water into sedimentation basins, two in number, at the upper 

edge of the site, whence the somewhat clarified water will enter the central chamber and 

proceed to the filter beds, of which there will be 50 or more, as the needs of the town may 

require. Although some difficulty is being encountered with soft ground, necessitating the 

driving of concrete piles, and with the building out of the river bank, for which gravel is 

being dredged from the river, the bank being faced with firmly anchored concrete blocks, 

the work is proceeding rapidly, a few of the filter units being already finished. PI. IV 

shows sections of the work under way. The vaulting and floors of the filter beds are of 

standard construction in essential features. A noteworthy detail is the filter gallery 

between beds, a concrete passage where the purified water as it leaves the filters will be 

caught and carried toward the river, where it will be taken up by the Brilliant pumps and 

drawn across the stream. The line in the bed of the stream is in process of construction, a 

cofferdam being built out from the ends of the pure-water pipes to the Brilliant side. On 

the Aspinwall side the two pure-water pipes have been so constricted as to form two huge 

Venturi meters for the measurement of the pure water supplied from the filters. The view 

of the main conduit running along the upper side of the beds shows a small portion completed and the grade blocks set ready for further construction. When completed the plant

a Jour. New England W. W. Assoc., 1905.
74 WATEE IN UPPER OHIO BASIN AND AT ERIE, PA.

should be one of the finest in America, and will probably add a very important chapter to 

the history of decrease in typhoid fever with filtration of a polluted supply.

The quality of these river waters at Pittsburg is shown by the field assays of the two 

streams and of Ohio River below their confluence:

Field assays of water at Pittsburg. 

[Parts per million.]

Determination.

Turbidity (SiO2) ......................................

Color ..................................................

Sulphates (SO3) .......................................

Chlorides (Cl) .................. ......................

Allegheny 

River at 

Pittsburg.

0

106

1

42

26.5

51.4

10.7

Monongahela 

River at 

Pittsburg.

70

1.5

65

61

23

84

16

Monongahela 

River at 

Carnegie 

(tap).

Cloudy.

35

1.5

90

85

22.6

83

10.3

Ohio 

River at 

Pictsburg.

55

122

2

56

61

47.4

a20

26

a Estimated.

It is notable that though the two Monongahela samples are practically identical in iron, 

sulphur trioxide, and alkalinity contents, the three factors which best show the effect of 

mine drainage, the Carnegie water has a little more calcium, with a consequent increase in 

total hardness. This is probably due in part to the absorption of calcium from the reservoir 

at Carnegie, in part to the possible admixture of limestone spring water. The South Pittsburg Water Company, which pumps from Monongahela River, supplies the South Side, 

several wards of the city proper, and many thousands of people along the line out to 

Carnegie.

The turbidities given in the Allegheny and Monongahela assays are only approximate, the 

water being slightly cloudy in both cases. The turbidity given for the Ohio River water, 

however, is the result of careful measurement with the turbidity rod, and shows a significant 

increase in suspended matter.

OHIO RIVER BASIN BETWEEN PITTSBURG, PA., AND BIG SANDY

RIVER.a

GENEKAL STATEMENT.

With the sewage of half a million people entering the stream, besides an enormous amount 

of drainage from mills and factories, as well as a great quantity of material dumped into the 

stream from the numerous craft plying in the three rivers at this point, Ohio River below 

Pittsburg is to all intents and purposes an open sewer. The increase in color downstream 

tends to strengthen this view, as does the increase in iron content, though the effect of the 

dilution by Allegheny River is to lessen the amount of sulphur trioxide in the water. The 

calcium content is practically an average of that of the two streams. The chlorides are so 

much higher than those of either the Allegheny or the Monongahela that they are undoubtedly traceable in part to the enormous sewage contamination. Bearing in mind the conclusions already reached with respect to the quick-spilling character of these watersheds and 

as to the massing of population near the mouth of the stream, we may say that the Allegheny above Pittsburg is as highly infected as if 100,000 people were massed at that point, 

and that the Monongahela is as badly contaminated as if there were a similar number 

located on its course immediately above Pittsburg. The population of Pittsburg being at

» Pollution on tributaries of Ohio River in Ohio is discussed in Water-Sup, and Irr. Paper No. 79, U. S. 

Geol. Survey, pp. 129-187.
CHARTIERS CREEK. 75

least 300,000 it may safely be said that Ohio River below Pittsburg is contaminated by the 

sewage of at least 500,000 people, which enters the stream untreated, carrying with it 

contamination from thousands of typhoid-fever cases, of a virulence shown by the tables 

of death rate from this disease given above. Any water drawn from the Ohio at this point 

must be purified to a high degree in order to be safe for drinking. The only sense of safety 

in communities using this water is derived from the belief that there is a tendency in polluted 

waters toward the gradual death of the disease-producing organisms it contains a belief 

that is firmly entrenched in the popular mind. The tendency is not always in this direction, the supposition that common water bacteria are more tenacious of life in infected 

water than the pathogenic organisms having been shown by some workers to be unfounded. 

Konradi a has shown that far from being unfavorable to their growth, water is an excellent medium for the culture of many disease-producing bacteria, and that in the long 

run it is they which survive over the water bacteria. The work of Mez b showed that 

these organisms live longer in sterilized than in dirty water, and that therefore pure drinking water once infected is more dangerous than foul water, a conclusion in line with the findings of Frankland and Klein, previously quoted. From this statement as a beginning, 

Konradi proceeded to experiment with the anthrax bacillus and its spores, Staphylococcus 

pyogenes aureus, the organism of pus, and the typhoid bacillus, all of the highest importance 

in this connection. He found that the ordinary water bacteria multiplied greatly for a time 

after the introduction of the pathogenic organisms, and then began to die out, and that after 

varying periods, the foul water, being kept at room temperature, was found to contain pure 

cultures of the disease-producing organisms, which retained full virulence up to complete 

evaporation. For the anthrax bacillus and its spores the period of life varied from 264 to 

816 days, the water bacteria in the medium having completely disappeared after three or four 

weeks. The pus organism was found in pure culture after two months, and retained its 

virulence for 508 days. The bacillus of typhoid fever showed a similar power of conquering 

the water bacteria, which lived in the medium for four months, at the end of which time 

the bacillus typhosus was in pure culture, living in ordinary tap water at room temperature for 499 days. What more evidence is needed of the ability of the organisms of 

water-borne disease to poison a water as far as drinking purposes are concerned for a long 

time, admitting the pollution to cease, instead of continuing hourly as in the cases under 

consideration? Even sterilized water is found to allow the growth of anthrax and typhoid 

bacilli; though not of the pus micrococci.

It remains only to correlate these facts with the long-admitted disease-transmitting 

properties of water to make it clear that cities on the Ohio River immediately below Pittsburg might as well mix a well-known poison with pure water and drink it as use the 

river water without purification. "Among the carriers of virus, water is, according to 

the present state of our knowledge, by far the most important. "c "Not only is typhoid 

one of the leading causes of death in America, but the greater part of it is conveyed directly 

or indirectly through water, "d This fact has been so long established not only by scientific workers in the laboratory, but by long and costly epidemics, all traceable to the pollution of city supplies by typhoid-fever dejecta, that it is unnecessary to go further into 

that question. The fact is clear that the water of Ohio River below Pittsburg contains 

so large a number of pathogenic bacteria as absolutely to prohibit its use for drinking 

in the raw state.

CHARTIERS CREEK.

Washington, Pa. The first important tributary stream below Pittsburg is Chartiers 

Creek, which receives the drainage of Washington, Pa. (population about 12,000). The 

water supply of this town is obtained from filter wells on the banks of Chartiers Creek, 

mixed at times with spring water from gravity sources. The position of the wells seems

a Centralblatt fur Bakt., 36, May 28, 1904.

b Mikroskopische Wasser Analys". 1898.

cCurschman, H., Typhoid Fever and Typhus Fever, Philadelphia, 1901.

d Baker, M. N., Municipal Engineering and Sanitation, New York, 1902.
76 WATER IN UPPER OHIO BASIN AND AT ERIE, PA.

to indicate that they are drawing largely on ground water on its way to the stream and 

not from the creek itself. That this is not sufficient protection is shown by the very high 

mortality rate for 1902.

Typhoid mortality at Washington, Pa.

Year.

1895......................................................................

1900. .....................................................................

1902 . . ...................................................................

Total 

deaths.

75

110

158

Typhoid

cases.

61

Typhoid 

deaths.

4

3

14

Without fuller data it is not possible to speak with certainty of this supply. It certainly 

is of doubtful quality. A field assay is given below.

Canonsburg, Pa. Canonsburg (population 3,000), below Washington, on the same creek, 

has a gravity supply from a spring-filled reservoir, supplemented by raw water from Chartiers Creek when the water company deems necessary. The field assay shows the practical identity of the water with that at Washington, so that it seems likely that creek 

water is used much of the time. The presence of typhoid infection in Washington sewage 

is undoubted, and the likelihood of its occurrence in the water supply of Canonsburg follows naturally. The use of Chartiers Creek water raw is therefore ill-advised and dangerous. No figures showing typhoid mortality at Canonsburg are available.

OHIO RIVER FROM M'DO]SrALD TO BEAVER RIVER.

McDonald, Pa. At McDonald, Pa. (population 3,000), which drains into Ohio Eiver 

above Sewickley, there is a mixed supply of a highly unsatisfactory character from Raccoon Creek and from deep wells. The water shed of Raccoon Creek is not, so far as known, 

guarded in any way, and the tap water is nearly always more or less turbid. The field 

assay shows a highly mineralized product, the carbonates being largely due to the well 

water, whereas the high turbidity and color show a surface origin from swampy drainage 

with inadequate sedimentation. It is not considered a good water for either domestic or 

industrial uses in its present condition.

Field assays of public supplies at Washington, Canonsburg, and McDonald. 

[Parts per million.]

Determination. Washington.

0

96

1.5

107

130+

148

(«)

7

Canonsburg.

040

180

Trace.

110

130+

120

»20

36

McDonald.

140

140

0.5

142

130+

124

93

59

Estimated. b Slight trace.

Sewickley, Pa. The greater portion of the population between Pittsburg and Sewickley 

(population 4,000) is supplied by the Monongahola Water Company, operating from Pittsburg. The Sewickley supply is derived partly by gravity from impounding reservoiis 

and partly from the Ohio River by pumping from cribs in the stream. The few analyses 

of the raw and the effluent water made in 1897 for the Pittsburg filtration commission 

show very little bacterial purification.
OHIO RIVEE FROM M DONALD TO BEAVER RIVER. 77

Analyses of public water at Sewickley. 

[Parts per million.]

Date.

1897.

Nov. 3

No\ . 22 

Nov. 22

1898.

June 27

Water analysed.

Raw water. .......

Raw water ... .... 

Effluent. ..........

Raw water. ....... 

Effluent...........

Turbidity.

Slight.....

Slight..... 

Slight.....

Slight..... 

Slight.....

Albuminoid ammonia.

0.110

.210 

.080

.138 

.140

Free ammonia.

0. 016

.024 

.014

.046 

.040

Nitrites.

None.

None.

None.

Nitrates.

0.750

.525 

.600

. 525 

.600

Chlorine.

53.6 

37.4

20. 2 

23.4

24.0 

27.8

Bacteria 

per c.c

23,400 

910

54,000 

9,500

15,500 

14, 100

The figures for 1898 show that the degree of purification by this crib is uncertain and 

unreliable, and that the water supply from this source is not safe for domestic purposes. 

Typhoid-fever statistics confirm this view.

Typhoid-fever mortality at Sewickley, Pa.

Year.

1896 ............,..........-.....------..-..-.------------...------...--..

1897

1898.. ........ .......................-.........-..../..-..................

IQfll

1QA9

1904 ......................................................................

Total 

deaths.

38

33

31

47

54

57

49

42

Typhoid 

cases.

«20

«20

7

16

7

10

17

Typhoid 

deaths.

2

2

0

3

0

3

3

2

The percentages of deaths by typhoid fever are very high, as will be evident by reference to those of Olean and Salamanca, N. Y., and that of Bradford, Pa. The percentages 

of mortality from this disease at Allegheny, Pa., a notorious hotbed of typhoid fever, are 

as follows for certain years:

Typhoid mortality at Allegheny, Pa.

Year.

1894. ................................................................................

1897. ................................................................................

1898. ................................................................................

1899

Total 

deaths.

1 995

1,778

2,036

2 109

Typhoid

deaths.

99

74

79

73

The two places are evidently in the same class, so far as the prevalence of typhoid fever is 

concerned. Certainly the water supply of Sewickley is not beyond suspicion. The experience of New Bethlehem, Pa. (seep. 26), a town of only half the size of Sewickley, shows 

that a filtration plant is not beyond the means of the latter if the citizens can be aroused to 

an appreciation of the loss annually suffered from this preventable disease.
78 WATEK IN UPPER OHIO BASIN AND AT EEIE, PA.

Coraopolis, Freedom, and Monaca. Besides Scwicklcy there are three or four other small 

towns between Pittsburg and Monaca, where Beaver River discharges into the Ohio. Coraopolis (population 3,000), a little above Sewicklcy, also pumps from a crib in the river. The 

quality of this supply is evident from the Sewickley figures. Freedom (population 2,000) 

also planned such a crib, but has succeeded in making arrangements with the filtration 

plant at Beaver Falls for a supply. Monaca (population 3,000) pumps its supply from deep 

wells in the gravel on the beach of the river. All these places sewer into the Ohio.

BEAVEK JUVEll BASIN.

SHENANGO RIVER.

Greenville, Pa. Near the head of Shenango River, one of the tributaries of the Beaver, is 

the town of Greenville (population about 5,000). Its water supply is obtained by gravity 

from a spring-fed reservoir holding about 8,000,000 gallons. The daily consumption is about 

1,000,000 gallons. In case of shortage the Little Shenango is pumped raw. This is a polluted stream and should not be used for drinking purposes without purification. The field 

assay (p. 83) shows that the water strikingly resembles those of French and Oil creeks. Arrangements should be made either for filtering the river water or for adding to the present 

storage capacity. Hardly any typhoid statistics are available for Greenville. In 1894 

there were 7 cases and 1 death; in 1895 there were 15 cases and 1 death, enough to show 

that the eases were probably not isolated importations. The town sewage discharges 

into the creek.

Sharon, Pa. About 20 miles down the Shenango is Sharon, with a population of about 

10,000. The city water supply is derived from the river, the water being purified by 

mechanical filters, privately operated (see assay on p. 83). The plant consists of four large 

sedimentation tanks and eight filter units, the whole having a capacity of 1,700,000 gallons 

per day of fourteen hours. During the day the filtered water is pumped into the mains, 

whatever water is not used at the taps flowing into a 2,000,000-gallon storage reservoir. 

The field assay shows that the effluent from the filters is very similar to the raw water at 

Greenville.

The efficiency of mechanical filters is a matter of grave interest to many municipalities in 

this region, because of the very turbid condition of the stream waters. Although mechanical filtration has been practiced in this country for only a few years, it is very well understood that only by the coagulating processes in use as a preliminary to mechanical filtration 

can muddy waters be successfully handled day by day. Even if the small towns in this 

section could afford to install costly systems of slow sand filtration, it is probable that the 

high turbidities would soon so clog the filters as to make their operation very unsatisfactory. 

As the muddy stream waters are in this section the natural source of supply at some places 

the only one water purification has here developed largely along the lines of mechanical 

filtration.

When efficiently operated, with due study of the chemical nature of the water treated 

in each individual case, effluent water of satisfactory quality can be obtained from mechanical filters, the bacterial efficiency in many plants being nearly 100 per cent. When results 

are not satisfactory the cause of failure is usually found either in the inadequacy of the preliminary coagulation or in the grade of supervision provided. As the efficiency of the filters depends very largely on the complete combination of the suspended matters in the 

water with the chemicals added, failure may be expected unless each water is treated with 

the chemicals best suited to its composition and with a sufficient quantity of the chemicals. 

The majority of the processes devised for this purpose are in the experimental stage. The 

devices in most extensive use depend mainly on compounds of iron and aluminum. The 

processes depend upon the formation in the water of bulky precipitates through the combination of the aluminum or iron with the carbonates in solution. For this reason it is necessary to determine the alkalinity, and, if necessary, to increase an alkalinity naturally too 

low to allow the requisite chemical combinations. Ten or fifteen years ago, when the proc-
BEAVER RIVER BASIN. 79

esses were not clearly understood, the coagulation basins were small and the amount of 

chemical added was frequently insufficient, so that a high degree of coagulation was seldom 

realized. In this respect the advance has been remarkable, the preliminary treatment 

receiving careful study, so that it is now very satisf actory. With the building of larger tanks, 

more complete chemical combinations are possible, so that a muddy water is very highly 

improved before going to the filters at all. Success depends so largely on the even uninterrupted flow of the chemical into the tanks that improvement in these filters has followed 

closely on improvement on the design of automatic devices for regulating the introduction 

of chemicals.

The second most common cause of failure of these filters is to be found in the grade of 

supervision provided. It would seem axiomatic that to install an expensive plant, designed 

to give certain results under carefully adjusted conditions, and then to hire an incompetent 

person to operate it is to make the machinery useless for the purpose for which is was designed. No business man would be guilty of such an absurdity with apparatus costing him 

the most trifling sum, yet such has been the course of action of many municipalities.

A most striking example of the efficiency of mechanical filtration of polluted surface 

waters is furnished by the decrease in the typhoid fever mortality of Lorain, Ohio, with the 

installation of filters. The town is located on the shore of Lake Erie, about midway between 

Cleveland on the east and Sandusky on the west, each about being 30 miles distant. The 

large amount of sewage that pours into the lake from these towns and others between them 

makes the raw water dangerous for a city supply unless taken out at a prohibitive distance 

from shore (cf. Erie, p. 104). The degree of healthfulness of this water supply before the 

introduction of the filter plant is clearly shown by the following figures showing mortality 

from typhoid fever:

Deaths per 100,000 from typhoid fever at Lorain, Ohio, before filtration.

Year.

1889......................................

Deaths.

20

57

53

Year,

1893.....................................

1894.....................................

1891)

1896. . ...................................

Deaths.

183.3

48.8

83.3

These figures show that the supply ranked with the worst in the country at that time. In 

1896 and 1897 mechanical filtration of this water by the Jewell system was resorted to. The 

figures showing typhoid fever mortality for the years following this installation are decisive 

as to the efficiency of the process in this instance:

Deaths per 100,000 from typhoid fever at Lorain, Ohio, after filtration.

Year.

1897............'..........................

1898.....-........-.-.-..-..-....-..-.--..

1899......................................

Deaths.

24.4

21.2

94 9

Year.

1900.....................................

1901.....................................

1902.....................................

Deaths.

11.5

5.5

26.3

The present mortality rate is as low as that of towns having carefully guarded surface 

supplies, and the filtration plant, judged by its practical results, is all that could be desired.

A chapter of important evidence is furnished by the rise in these figures when, in 1903, 

repairs to the plant made the use of raw lake water necessary for a brief period. For the 

first seven months of the year, the filter being then in use, there was not a single death from 

typhoid fever in the city; after the unfiltered water was turned in, although notices to the
80 WATER IN UPPER OHIO BASIN AND AT ERIE, PA.

public had been printed in the local papers, the death rate from this disease from August to 

November, inclusive, rose to 180 per hundred thousand, dropping to 60 per hundred thousand in December and practically disappearing soon after the raw water was shut off.a It 

is hardly possible to get a clearer demonstration of the value of such a system in safeguarding the public health. It may be said positively that no public supply in this section should 

be taken from surface waters without filtration. The population is too dense to permit of 

the segregation of drainage areas except at a prohibitive cost, and some of the cities aie too 

large to be supplied by spring waters without extensive segregation. Accordingly it is 

found that the largest towns have installed filtration systems similar to that at Sharon.

Typhoid-fever statistics for Sharon are too few to establish anything except the presence 

of the disease in the years given. In 1894 there were 13 cases and 3 deaths; in 1898, 16 

cases and 2 deaths that is, about the same as Sewickley, though Sharon has three times the 

latter's population.

NESIIANNOCK CREEK.

Mercer, Pa. At Newcastle Beaver River receives the waters of Neshannock Creek, carrying the drainage of a number of small towns. Chief of these is Mercer (population 2,000), 

about 25 miles above Newcastle. The public supply is pumped from Otter Creek to a 

mechanical filter. A field assay is given on page 83. The high color of this water may be 

due to drainage from the Half-moon Swamp at the head of the creek. The drainage area of 

the stream is sparsely inhabited, but there is sufficient pollution to make filtration necessary. 

There is little public interest in the question of water supply.

Newcastle, Pa. Newcastle (population 35,000), a large manufacturing town, has a mechanical filter plant. The water is pumped from Neshannock Creek to large sedimentation tanks, 

thence to 8 filter units. The plant appears to be efficiently conducted. The following 

analyses of raw and filtered water at this place were made by Dr. F. E. Witherell for the 

American Waterworks and Guarantee Company, which controls this plant and numerous 

others. They are furnished through the kindness of that corporation.

Analyses of raw and filtered water from Newcastle, Pa.b

Date.

1902. 

May 1...............................................

May 2......... ......................................

May 3.................. .............................

May 7. ..............................................

May 10 ..............................................

May 12. .............................................

May 13..............................................

May 15........... ...................................

May 16 ..............................................

May 17. .............................................

a Engineering News, 1894. 6 All analyses made

Bacteria per cubic 

centimeter.

Raw

water.

760 

740 

670 

710 

720 

980 

770 

530 

420 

630 

420 

370 

610 

560 

550 

600 

610 

530 

oy Docto"

Filtered 

water.

36 

38 

30 

19 

41 

43 

38 

35 

28 

30 

24 

22 

32 

40 

33 

33 

34 

37 

Witherell

Efficiency.

Per cent . 

95 

95 

95 

97 

94 

96 

95 

93 

93 

95 

94 

94 

95 

93 

94 

94.5 

95 

93

c+po

Colon bacillus. «

Raw

water.

..........

Filtered 

water.

..........

..........

sitive; negative.
BEAVEK KIVER BASIN. 81

Analyses of raw and filtered water from Newcastle, Pa. Continued.

Date.

1902. 

Ma y 19 ........:.....................................

May 20......................... .....................

May 22..............................................

Do..............................................

Do..............................................

Do..............................................

Do.... ..........................................

Do..............................................

Do.... .........................................

J u n6 29

July 4. ..............................................

July 6.......... ........ .............................

1903.

Aug. 22. ............................................

Aug. 27. ............................................

1904.

Aug. 11 .............................................

Aug. 13 .............................................

Aug. 18. ............................................

Aug 19

Aug. 23 .............................................

Aug. 27 .............................................

Aug. 31 .............................................

Dec 26

Dec. 28................................... ...........

Dec. 31 ..............................................

Bacteria per cubic 

centimeter.

Raw Filtered 

water. water.

470 

770 

730 

550 

2,000 

1,200 

1,100 

1,400 

900 

1,200 

600 

1,060 

1,100 

45,000 

15,000 

12,000 

24,000 

8,500

1,205 

2,500 

9,000 

2,300 

8,000

1,260 

780 

1,620 

2,800 

3,200 

4,200 

3,320 

4,800 

3,130 

6,200 

4,200 

3,720 

3,120 

3,010 

2,760 

5,100 

6,600 

6,400 

3,900 

3,000 

3,800 

2,500 

2,000 

15,000 

21,500

23 

48 

41 

21 

70 

40 

37 

80 

54 

36 

68 

44 

42 

112 

127 

86 

93 

93

20 

74 

85 

35

27

20 

23 

21 

10 

15 

18

25 

10 

38 

8 

29 

43 

55 

2 

3 

8 

3 

2 

3 

3 

5 

15 

71 

450

Efficiency.

Per cent. 

95 

94 

94 

96 

96.5 

97 

97 

94 

94 

97 

89 

96 

96 

99.75 

99.2

99.3 

99.6

99.9

98.3 

97 

99.1 

98.5 

99.7

98.4 

97 

98.6 

99.6 

99.5 

99.6 

99.8 

99.5 

99.7 

99.4 

99.8 

99.2 

98.9 

98.2 

99.99 

99.94 

99.9 

99.95 

99.95 

99.9 

99.92 

99.8 

99.3 

99.5 

98

Colon bacillus.

Raw Filtered 

water. water.

+ 

+ 

+ 

+ 

+ 

+ 

+

+ 

+

+

+ 

+ 

+

+ 

+ 

+ 

+ 

+ 

+ 

+ 

+

+ 

+ 

+ 

+ 

+ 

+ 

+ 

+ 

+ 

+ 

+ 

+

_L

+ 

+ 

+

+

+ 

+

+ 

+ ?

-

IER 161 06-
82 WATER IN UPPER OHIO BASIN AND AT ERIE, PA.

Analyses of raw and filtered water from Newcastle, Pa. Continued.

Date.

1905.

Jan. 9.........................................-.'....

Jan 19 ..........-...-...-..-.-.............---.-.-..

Jan. 24 ..............................................

Bacteria per cubic 

centimeter.

Raw 

water.

4,760 

4,250 

3,950 

7,210 

3,100 

2,800 

5,220 

12,000 

15,200 

5,600

Filtered 

water.

54 

35 

21 

12 

6 '2 

9 

72 

12 

20

Efficiency.

Per cent. 

' 99 

99.2 

99.5 

99.8 

99.8 

99.93 

99.9 

99.4 

99.92 

99.6

Colon bacillus.

Haw

water.

*f

+ 

+ 

+

+ 

_{_

+ 

+

Filtered 

water.

-

The percentages of efficiency are calculated from the figures given and show marked 

improvement since 1902. For May of that year the efficiencies are low, averaging 94.5 per 

cent. For a water so grossly polluted as the Neshannock such an efficiency is not high 

enough to assure a reasonable immunity from disease, and the condition is reflected in the 

high typhoid-fever death rate for 1902, shown in the table below. For June, 1902, the average efficiency was 95.9 per cent, also a low figure. The figures for July show improvement if 

they represent average conditions. For 1903 the few figures given show an average efficiency of 98.5 per cent, which is much more satisfactory. The typhoid mortality in that year 

was so high as to suggest that at other seasons of the year the filters were not working so well. 

For 1904 the figures are fuller and show a percentage efficiency averaging 99J per cent, 

reflected in the 50 per cent decrease in typhoid deaths for 1904. The figures for 1905, so far 

as they go, seem to show that this high standard is being kept up; altogether the plant at 

Newcastle may be considered to be doing very good work at the present time.

In the foregoing table it is noteworthy that the colon bacillus was positively identified 

in the raw water in nearly every case where the test was made, and in the filtered water 

during 1902. Since then the results have been negative. Doctor Witherell made the following statement in a letter dated November 17, 1905:

The tests made for B. coli communis were as follows: For the first inoculation a glucose neutral rod 

bouillon is used, made up of 

1,000 cubic centimeters distilled or soft water. 

5 grams beef extract (Liebig's). 

20 grams Witte's peptone. 

15 gram Grubler's neutral red. 

20 grams grape glucose. 

1 gram sodium taurocholate.

Reaction is +1, Fuller's scale. The broth is inoculated with T Jj, fa, 1, 5, and 10 cubic centimeter water 

samples and incubated 24 to 30 hours at 104° F. If the presumptive test is positive that is, if 30 to 70 

per cent of gas is formed, approximately one-third being carbon dioxide, with the medium strongly acid 

to litmus, andthe neutral red changed to canary yellow with green fluorescence samples are plated into 

gelatin stab, agar streak, milk, potato, nitrates, Dunham's solution, and confirmatory results are looked 

for.
BEAVEE EIVEK BASIN.

The typhoid statistics below are from the reports of the Pennsylvania State board of 

health, except for the years 1903, 1904, and 1905.

Typhoid mortality at Xctrca-tilc, Pa.

Year.

1900 ......................................................................

1904°

Population.

19,600

21,000

24,000

26, 000

28, 350

30,000

32,000

34,000

35,000

36,000

Deaths.

16

13

6

29

36

10

39

34

18

11

Rate per 

100,000.

62

25

112

127

33

122

100

51

630.6

a Furnished by C. C. Honne, health officer of Newcastle. 

6 Up to Nov 11, 1905.

The figures showing population are roughly estimated from those for the census years 1890 

and 1900. The estimates are only approximately correct, but are probably not far from the 

truth. As the number of cases is not obtainable for some years, the rate is calculated per 

100,000 of population.

The field assays of this water show a very low alkalinity, probably due to acid drainage 

from manufacturing establishments on the stream. This is visible in the sulphate content 

also. The water is of fair quality for domestic purposes.

Field assays of public supplies in Shenango River and Neshannock Creek basins. 

[Parts per million.]

Determination. Greenville.

42

47

43

3.6

Sharon.

122

49

11.2

Mercer.

122

43

42

49

0

Newcastle.

0

Trace

20

41

g

a Estimated. 

COXNOQUENESSTNG CREEK.

About 15 miles below Newcastle Connoquenessing Creek enters the Beaver near Elhvood 

City. The most important places in its drainage area are Butler, Grove City, Evans City, 

and Ellwood City.

Butler, Pa. Butler (population 10,000), near the headwaters of Connoquenessing Creek, 

is well known to sanitarians for a noteworthy epidemic of typhoid fever occurring there a 

few years ago, caused by defects in the operation of the filters. The epidemic has been fully 

discussed by leading sanitarians, and in this place it is sufficient to remark that conclusive 

evidence was afforded by the costly experience of this period that the raw creek water was 

highly dangerous for drinking, and that constant vigilance in the operation of the filters is 

necessary to assure safety. The plant is now operated by the American Waterworks and 

Guarantee Company. Frequent bacterial analyses are made by Doctor Witherell, the coli 

tests being made as at Newcastle, except for the omission of the taurocholic acid control,
WATEE IN UPPEK OHIO BASIN AND AT EEIE, PA.

The Butler supply (sec assay below) is undoubtedly the best of those examined in the 

Connoquenessing Creek drainage, as it contains far less mineral impurity than any other.

Evans City, Pa. Evans City (population 1,200) is situated on Breakneck Creek, a tributary of Connoquenessing Creek. Its supply is obtained by gravity from a hill reservoir 

impounding spring runs. The high chlorides and alkalinity suggest the presence of ground 

water. This water probably contains calcium chloride and would corrode boiler tubes.

Field assays of public supplies in Connoquenessing Creek basin. 

[ Parts per million.]

Determination.

Turbidity .....................................................

Chlorides (Cl) .................................................

Grove 

City.

0

35

119

130+

201

a5

23

Ellwood 

City.

o20

67

66

40

a 20

27

Butler.

0

0

28

39

40

a3

19

Evans 

City.

0

1

94

66

191

78

a Estimated.

Grove City, Pa. Grove City (population 1,600) is situated on Wolf Creek, one of the headwater streams of Slippery Kock Creek, the most important tributary of Connoquenessing 

Creek. Its water supply is pumped from a 200-foot driven well .to a standpipe. The field 

assay (above) shows the water to be of a fair quality for a ground water, although it is hard 

and contains a little more iron than usual. It gives satisfaction for drinking purposes, but 

would be wasteful for laundry uses and is so high in incrusting carbonates that it would 

certainly incrust tubes.

Ellwood City, Pa. Ellwood City (population 2,500) draws its water supply from Connoquenessing Creek. The water is said to be mechanically filtered. Before entering the 

Ellwood supply the creek receives the sewage of Butler (population 10,000), Evans City 

(population 1,200), and the two small towns of Harmony and Zclienople. The water is 

undoubtedly too grossly polluted to be safe in its raw state.

The traces of sulphur and iron, shown in the field assay (above), are probably due to a 

little mine drainage. The turbidity is higher than it should be for a filtered water and casts 

grave doubt upon the efficiency of the process. The color of the water is also high.

It will be clear from the foregoing data that Beaver River drains much sewage pollution 

from this section of western Pennsylvania. Filtration of this water is absolutely necessary 

before it can be safely used as a public supply.

BEAVER RIVER.

Beaver Falls, Pa. The largest city on Beaver River is Beaver Falls (population 10,000). 

At this point the supply was until 1900 obtained directly from the river without purification. 

The result of the use of such water is indicated by the following figures showing the typhoidfever mortality, which is among the highest in the country:

Typhoid mortality at Beaver Falls, Pa.

Year.

1897. .....................................................................

1899 .................................................................

1900. .....................................................................

Total 

deaths.

124

134

128

138

169

Typhoid 

cases.

28

105

80

27

22

Typhoid 

deaths.

8

11

15

8

15

Figures for later years arc unobtainable,
OHIO EIVEE BELOW BEAVER RIVEE. 85

In 1900 mechanical filters were installed, supplying Beaver Falls, New Brighton, Rochester, Freedom, and other places. Four of the filters are of the Jewell type, the remaining 

four of the old closed or oil-tank type. The plant seems to be efficiently operated, and local 

physicians speak well of the decrease in the number of typhoid fever cases since its installation. Bacterial analyses of 20 samples collected at the intake and at a tap in Beaver Falls 

show an average bacterial content as follows:

Bacterial analyses of water at Beaver Falls, Pa. a 

[Bacteria per cubic centimeter.]

Raw water.

Total.

246, 850

B. coli.

195

Filtered water.

Total.

29,300

B. coli.

12

Efficiency.

Per cent.

94

a Data furnished by water company.

This is a low efficiency both for total organisms and for bacillus coli, yet the filtrate is very 

much better than the raw water.

The field assay (p. 87) shows a water typical of the river waters of this section. It is 

soft enough to be suitable for any purpose.

OHIO RIVER BETWEEN BEAVER RIVER AND EISH CREEK.

Below the mouth of Beaver River the Ohio flows nearly southwest for about 10 miles 

through a rolling farming country. It crosses the State line a few miles above Chester, 

W. Va., a little town of about 1,000 population. From -this point on, notwithstanding the 

enormous pollution in the river, the water is very commonly used as a public supply in its 

raw state. It is evident from the foregoing discussion that the inevitable effect of such a 

practice is the sacrifice of many lives annually, with the additional waste of thousands of 

dollars by the communities affected. Although West Virginia has laws on its statute 

books forbidding stream pollution under penaltj^ of $5 fine for each offense, there is wanton 

and wholesale contamination of every stream in the State. As no typhoid-fever statistics 

are obtainable for towns in this State, except for Wheeling, it is impossible to supply that 

concrete evidence of the disease-producing quality of the water which is furnished by such 

figures. The quality of these supplies will be evident, however, from the following descriptions of conditions in this section and from the typhoid-fever records of those towns in Ohio 

which take thsir supply from the river unpurified and which have collected figures concerning this disease:

Chester, W. Va. At Chester the public supply is pumped from a filter well that is sunk 

in the fine sand of the river bank. The well is about 8 feet in diameter and is covered with 

a brick and concrete dome. The pumping machinery is mounted in a larger well close by, 

a gallery connecting the two. The effluent from this plant is beautifully clear and sparkling at all times, although the river is usually muddy. There can be no question, however, 

that so far as organic contamination is concerned no change of importance occurs during 

the natural filtration of this water. It can not be regarded as a safe supply for this municipality, and if typhoid-fever statistics were available the town would probably be found 

to suffer heavily from the disease. That this is not mere conjecture is evident from the 

high typhoid-fever percentages for East Liverpool, Ohio, directly across the river. This 

town pumps its water supply from the Ohio River raw, and is seen to be suffering constantly 

and heavily from typhoid fever.
86 WATER IN UPPER OHIO BASIIST AND AT ERIE, PA.

Typhoid mortality at East Liverpool, Ohio.

Year.

1897. ................................................................................

1900. ................................................................................

1901..... ...........................................................................

1902. ................................................................................

1903. ................................................................................

Total 

deaths.

154

196

187

226

337

Typhoid 

deaths.

9

17

26

15

13

The field assay (p. 87) shows the increased mineral content resulting from the passage of 

the water through the river sand, the mineral contents being appreciably higher than those 

of the river water at Pittsburg. This water is too hard to be considered excellent for boiler 

uses, and its muddy condition in the raw state makes it very poor for other industrial purposes. It is, however, of better quality than the ground waters in this section, as will be 

evident from the field assay of the wells at Wellsburg and Wheeling, given below.

New Cumberland, W. Va. At New Cumberland, about 15 miles below East Liverpool, 

the city supply is also raw Ohio River water. The town has about 1,200 inhabitants, 

and is partially sewered. Above it on both banks of the river are visible evidences of 

pollution, besides the accumulated filth coming down in the river from Pittsburg. The 

supply of Steubenville, Ohio (population, 14,000), is of the same kind. The officials of 

this town have for years made no report of typhoid mortality.

Wellsburg, W. Va. Wcllsburg (population, 2,500), about 10 miles below Steubenville, 

also uses raw Ohio River water. The field assay of water from a 60-foot well much used for 

drinking purposes on one of the main streets of Wellsburg is given on page 87. There are 

are numerous drilled wells on the the streets, to which resort is had for drinking water to 

some extent. This water is very hard and not, suitable for any use except drinking.

Wheeling, W. Va. Wheeling (population, 40,000), on Ohio River about 14 miles below 

Wellsburg, has probably one of the worst typhoid-fever records for a town of its size and 

wealth in this or any other country. Like the towns just mentioned, it pumps its supply 

raw from Ohio River, without any attempt even at adequate sedimentation. Wheeling 

Creek, which flows through most of the town, is an open sewer. The intake of the- waterworks is located a very short distance above the town. The works are owned by the city, 

and considerable thought has been devoted to the regulation of rates, but none to the 

quality of the water supply. In view of the conditions above described, under which town 

after town turns its disease-polluted sewage into the river, the strange thing is not that 

Wheeling should lose many lives and thousands of dollars through the use of polluted water 

for drinking, but that any American community should tolerate such a state of affairs. 

The figures shown below are available from the reports of the United States Public Health 

and Marine-Hospital Service. Although for but a portion of the years shown, they indicate 

closely the character of the supply:

Typhoid mortality at Wheeling, W. Va.

Quarter endingMarch 31, 1904 ......................................................................

March 31, 1905. .....................................................................

June 30. 1905 ........................................................................

Total 

deaths.

200

187

182

141

Deaths 

from 

typhoid 

fever.

18

8

The significance of these percentages may be better understood when they are compared to the figures previously given as to Sewickley, Allegheny, Pittsburg, McKeesport, 

and other places. The condition here is almost incredibly bad.
FISH 87

The field assays below shows that the river water is considerably softer than the naturally filtered water at Chester. The well of the Acme Box Company is used for all purposes, 

both steam making and drinking, in the factory of the concern. It is unfit for any of them, 

being so excessively high in sulphates and iron as to corrode boiler tubes very rapidry. The 

use of this water represents a heav}^ annual expense for needless repairs. It is not very 

palatable, and its high color is not reassuring as to the safety of the well from contamina 

tion by surface water.

Moundsville, W. Va. At Moundsville (population, 6,000) the water supply is obtained 

from wells on an island in Ohio River of the rather rare type in use at Gallipolis, Ohio, 

described on page 64. The typhoid-fever statistics of the latter town may very well be 

applied to the consideration of Moundsville's supply, the conditions being practically identical at the two places. The wells are four in number and 16 feet deep. The borings are 

carefully cased, admitting water only through strainers at the bottom. They are connected 

near the top so as to be pumped together. The efPuent is beautifully clear and pleasant 

to the taste. The field assay shows considerable diminution of the sulphates in the river 

water, with entire absence of suspended matter and color, though at this period the raw 

water is a muddy brown.

Field assays of water from towns along Ohio River. 

[ Parts per million.]

Determination.

Beaver

Falls, Pa., 

public 

supply.

83

(a)

45

51

9Q

c20

12

Chester, 

W. Va., 

public 

supply.

0

90

102

128

88

40

27

Wellsburg, 

W. Va., 

60-foot 

well.

0

.5

200

267

54

15

Wheeling, 

W. Va., 

well of 

Acme Box 

Co.

0

123

20

274

380

+ 522

99

Wheeling, 

W. Va., 

city 

supply.

0

45

( b)

55

22

41

19

Moundsville, W. 

Va., city 

supply.

0

0

0

96

63

15

24

a Slight trace. & Very slight trace. 

FISH CREEK.

-Estimated.

Fish Creek, which enters the Ohio about 8 miles below Moundsville, drains a country 

very deficient in water resources. Along the West Virginia Short Line of the Baltimore 

and Ohio Railroad the small communities have to get their supplies from individual wells, 

the deep-well water not being of very good quality.

Hundred, W. Va. At Hundred (population, 300) there is a 118-foot well, which, as 

shown by the field assay, is of very good quality for water drawn from such a depth. The 

high alkalinity may indicate the presence of magnesium. Although somewhat hard, this 

water would make a good public supply.

Littleton, W. Va. Littleton (population, 700), a few miles farther west, has a public supply very similar in quality to the well at Hundred. It is drawn from 2 wells 145 feet deep 

recently drilled to replace the public supply from Fish Creek, a little stream which is probably as highly polluted for its size as any stream could be. The springs in this section are 

not very numerous nor very large, most of them drying up in the summer. The Farrell 

Spring at Littleton, a limestone spring of unusual hardness, is piped into a few dwellings 

for domestic purposes. Its water is strikingly similar in mineral content to that of the 

deep well.

Board Tree and Cameron, W. Va. The Bill Spring at Board Tree (population, 50), a few 

miles west of Littleton, is also ver}7 hard, the water seeming to come from a limestone
88 WATER IN UPPER OHIO BASIN AND AT ERIE, PA.

formation. It is much used for domestic purposes. The 66-foot well at Board Tree is the 

only bored well in this section. Its water is so high in incrusting solids as to be of no use 

except for drinking. Fish Creek itself is a small stream that flows over the naked rock in 

most of its course and practically dries up in the summer. The field assay shows that its 

water is considerably harder than the river waters of the Monongahela basin, but still comparatively soft and available for industrial purposes. The railroad leaves the stream soon 

after passing Board Tree, going north to the terminus at Moundsville. The only important 

town in this section is Cameron, which has about 1,000 population. It has a city water 

supply pumped to reservoirs from 5 driven wells 100 feet deep. The field assay shows this 

water to be far too hard for any use except drinking, the sulphates being so high as to 

incrust boiler tubes. The railroad uses the waters of Graves Creek, a small stream emptying into Fish Creek, for steaming purposes. A large brick filter well has been constructed 

in the bank of the stream, in which the water is collected. The field assay shows it to be 

but little better than the well water.

Field assays of waters in Fish Creek basin. 

[Parts per million.]

Determination.

Color........................

Total hardness (as CaCO0 ) . .

Sulphates (SOs) .............

Hundred.

118-foot Fish 

well. , Creek.

I

0 

5 

.75 

70 

118 

187 

20 

19

0 

37 

0 

32 

63 

35 

5 

14

Board Tree.

Bill 

Spring.

0

35 

0 

87 

118 

61 

30 

14

66-foot 

well.

0 

96 

1.75 

156

171

58 

80

Littleton.

Farrell 

Spring.

0 

35 

0 

110 

130+ 

78 

35 

24

145-foot 

well.

0 

90 

.8 

119 

132 

71 

42 

19

Cameron.

100-foot 

wells.

0 

17 

.5 

137 

130+ 

216 

83 

49

Graves 

Creek.

a4

10 

0 

102 

132 

47 

52 

19

a Estimated. 

FISIIIXG CREEK.

At New Martinsville another small stream, Fishing Creek, enters the Ohio, draining also 

a poor and sparsely populated country. The industry of this section has always been 

dependent on the oil wells, and the decline or failure of these has caused the abandonment 

of many habitations.

Smithfield, W. Va. Smithfield, near the crest of the divide between the Monongahela 

and the Ohio, is a typical oil town of a few hundred population, without any public water 

supply. The 160-foot well assayed is one of three 8-inch wells bored by the South Penn 

Oil Company for boiler uses and also for town supply. It yields a surprisingly soft water, 

the total hardness not being much higher than that of Fish Creek. The chlorides, however, 

are so enormously high as to make the water very corrodant in boilers (see assay below). 

It is probably best used for drinking only. A sample from a 46-foot well showed a total 

hardness of 91 as compared with the 42 parts per million of the last supply, so that in this 

instance it is not necessarily the deep-well water that is harder. There are very few permanent springs in this section. The water of Carlin Spring (see assay below), which is 

80 feet above the house into which it is piped, is of fair quality, the total hardness, it is 

noted, being exactly the same as that of the shallow well.

Pine Grove, W. Va. At Pine Grove, about 10 miles west of Smithfield, a once prosperous 

oil town, having at present about 500 population, there is no public supply, the townspeople 

using individual wells-and small springs. The ,50-foot well shown in the assay is probably 

high in magnesium carbonate and the alkalies. It is of fair quality for domestic purposes. 

The Newman Spring is much better in every respect, but is not large enough to supply more 

than a few families.
OHIO RIVER BELOW FISHING CREEK. 89

Field assays of water at Smithfield and Pine Grove, W. Va 

[Parts per million.]

Determination.

Color. ..............................................

Sulphates (SO 3) ....................................

Chlorides (Cl) ......................................

Smithfleld.

46-foot 

well.

91

160-foot 

well.

0 

35 

Trace. 

(a) 

42 

236 

0 

393

Carlin 

Spring.

0 

96 

0 

46 

91 

49 

(a) 

19

Pine Grove.

50-foot 

well.

0 

17 

0 

32 

77 

229 

0 

90

Newman 

Spring.

0 

37 

0 

35 

63 

47 

0 

9

o Very slight trace. 

OHIO RIVER PROM FISHING CREEK TO MIDDLE ISLAND CREEK.

New Martinsville, W. Va. New Martinsville (population, 2,000) has expended much 

money in experimenting with water-supply methods without adequate return. Its supply 

is now pumped raw from Ohio River. An attempt was made to get water from filter wells 

similar to those at Moundsville, but unsuccessfully. Recently it has been planned to 

dig large brick wells in the shore of the river and pump the public supply therefrom. 

This would give a very clear water satisfactory for industrial purposes, but it would be no 

safer from a sanitary standpoint than the raw water itself. The condition of Ohio River is 

well recognized in this town, which has gone to the length of providing a number of drilled 

wells scattered over the city, from which pure drinking water is obtainable. The field 

assay shows this water to be extremely hard, but it should be excellent for drinking.

Sisterville, W. Va. The only important town between New Martinsville and St. Marys, 

about 35 miles down the river, is Sisterville, a manufacturing town which had a population 

of 3,000 in 1900 and which is growing with great rapidity. Its supply is pumped directly 

from Ohio River to tanks.

St. Marys, W. Va. The public supply at St. Marys (population, 1,000) is also pumped 

raw from Ohio River. The high turbidity of the sample indicates that the inhabitants of 

this town are practically drinking diluted mud for a large part of the year. The water of 

the 60-foot well at this point seems to be of good quality for drinking, although somewhat 

hard. The high hardness as compared to the calcium content would seem to indicate that 

the alkalinity is due mostly to magnesium carbonate. The town is built directly on the 

river and contributes liberally to its pollution.

Field assays of water at New Martinsville and St. Marys, W. Va. 

[Parts per million.)

Determination.

Color ..........................................................

Chlorides Cl) ........................ ..... ... ........*.....

Now Martinsville.

Ohio 

River.

140 

88 

1 

64 

76 

35

»20 

19

53-foot 

well.

0 

22 

5 

200

203 

610 

40

St. Marys.

Ohio 

River.

240 

35 

0 

47 

97 

32 

620 

29

60-foot 

well.

0 

35 

(a) 

60 

130+ 

42 

0 

29

light trace. 6 Estimated.
90 WATER IN" UPPER OHIO BASIN AND AT ERIE, PA.

MIDDLE ISLAND CREEK.

Middle Island Creek, which discharges into the Ohio a little above this point, drains a 

sparsely populated farming country. As far as contamination goes, however, the scattering nature of the population is more than counterbalanced by the directness of the pollution. In nearly every case where it was possible and convenient to build a privy on or 

close to the creek it has been built there instead of where it would not pollute the water.

West Union, W. Va. The only important town on this drainage area is West Union, on 

the Parkersburg division of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, about 30 miles west of Clarksburg. The assay below shows the water of the creek to be of very fair quality for industrial purposes. The high color is due mostly to organic pollution. West Union (population, 1,200) has no public supply, the inhabitants getting their water from wells varying in 

depth from 20 to 150 feet. The 128-foot well assayed (below) is in very general use, being 

on the public street. The water is of poor quality for any purpose except drinking. That 

of the 38-foot well is strikingly similar in its mineral contents.

OIIIO RIVER EROM MIDDLE ISLAND C'KEKK TO THE LITTLE KANAWHA.

Williamstown, W. Va. Williamstown (population, 400), on Ohio River, about 15 miles 

below St Marys has no public supply. The field assay shows that the water from a 60- 

foot well at this place is of fair quality though somewhat hard. It is noteworthy that the 

field assay of Ohio River at this point shows exactly the same chlorine content. The well 

is about 300 feet from the river.

Field assays of water from West Union and Williamstown, W. Va. 

[ Parts per million.]

Determination.

Turbidity. . .........................................

Color ...............................................

Iron (Fe) ...........................................

Sulphates (SOs) ....................................

Chlorine (Cl) ........................................

West Union.

Middle 

Island 

Creek.

0 

160 

0 

Trace. 

63 

36

( 6 ) 

9

128-foot 

well.

0 

0 

(») 

126 

130+ 

116 

(-20 

90

38-foot 

well.

0 

17

.5 

133

0 

"20 

70

Williamstown.

60-foot 

well.

0 

22 

0 

87 

139+ 

42 

44 

40

Ohio 

River.

0

22 

0 

46 

139+ 

29 

(-20 

40

a- Slight trace. 6 Very slight trace. e Estimated.

Marietta, Ohio. Opposite Williamstown is Marietta, with about 15,000 population, discharging its sewage into the river. Three streams in Ohio Little Muskingum River, Duck 

Creek, and Muskingum River enter Ohio River within a mile or two of each other at Marietta. Each drains an area comprising considerable population, so that the sewage entering 

at Marietta alone would be sufficient to make the raw river water unsafe, even if the pollution entering above were eliminated.

Parkersburg, W .Va. In spite of the pollution at Marietta, which is evident from a cursory inspection of the river, Parkersburg, otherwise a growing and progressive town (population, about 17,000) takes its water supply unpurified from Ohio River. The supply is 

extremely bad, being almost always very turbid and unsatisfactory for any domestic uses. 

The claim is made in the city that this water is used only for fire purposes, spring water 

being largely bottled and sold for drinking. The value of this claim has already been esti-' 

mated. There is no doubt that if typhoid-fever statistics were obtainable for this city a 

very serious condition of the public health would be manifest. It may be very well esti-
LITTLE KANAWHA HIVEK BASIN. 91

mated from the typhoid-fever statistics of Marietta, Ohio, except that conditions at Parkersburg would be much worse.

Typhoid mortality at Marietta, Ohio.

Year.

1897 ...........................

1898 ...........................

1899 ...........................

1900...........................

Total 

deaths.

115

123

163

192

Typhoid 

deaths.

6

10

Year.

1901 .........................

1902 ... .......-....-..---.

1903.........................

Total 

deaths.

256

174

194

Typhoid 

deaths.

21

13

8

These percentages are so high as to need no comment. Both Marietta and Parkersburg 

have the distinction of being in the same class with Wheeling as to water supply.

Of great interest in this connection are the filters of the Parkersburg Steel and Iron Company a few miles above the city These wells are about 13 feet in diameter, 34 feet deep, 

and about 75 feet from shore. They are bricked up from the bottom, the pumping machinery being incased in one of the wells, which is connected with the other. Six hundred 

thousand gallons of clear water are pumped from these wells every day, although the Ohio 

River water is usually muddy. It is found quite satisfactory in the boilers of the company, but it is hardly necessary to say that in spite of its brilliancy and inviting appearance 

it would not be safe for drinking. The well on the public street in Parkersburg is one of 

two or three that are much drawn on for drinking purposes. The water is utterly unfit for 

anything else, being very high in sulphates and chlorides (see assays below).

Field assays of water from Ohio River and well at Parkersburg. 

\ Parts per million.]

Determination.

Color............... ...

Raw

water.

180

QO

w

50

Filtered 

water.

0

45

0

142

Well

water.

0

.5

137

Determination.

Total hardness CaCO3 .

Sulphates (SOs)-----.-

Chlorides (Cl) .........

Raw

water.

76

27

620

19

Filtered 

water.

139+

100

620

19

Well 

water.

42

144

101

a Slight trace. 6 Estimated. 

LITTLE KANAWHA RIVER BASIN.

A great deal of drainage enters the river at Parkersburg by way of Little Kanawha River, 

which flows nearly west across the State from Upshur County. The principal tributary of 

the Little Kanawha is Hughes River, which enters at Newark station.

LITTLE KANA\VHA RIVER.

There are several small towns on this stream, the largest being Clenville (population, 400), 

Grantsville (population, 300), Spencer (population, 900), Reedy (population, 400), and Elizabeth (population,800),comprising a total urban population of 2,500, all of which contribute 

privy pollution to the stream. The water of Little Kanawha River is one of the purest in 

the State so far as inorganic content goes, being so soft as to rank with the Pennsylvania 

spring waters. The field assay at Burnsville, not far from its source, shows a very excellent 

water. The field assay of water from Littlo Kanawha River at Parkersburg shows a complete change in its character. The turbidity at the mouth of the stream is very high at all 

times on account of the character of the soil through which it flows, in the lower half of its 

course. It gains very much in hardness also, and is altogether undesirable in its raw state 

for domestic use at Parkersburg, although soft enough to be of fair quality for boilers.
92 WATEE IN UPPER OHIO BASIN AND AT EEIE, PA.

HUGHES RIVER.

Pennsboro, W. Va. Pennsboro (population,800) has no public supply, the inhabitants 

using individual wells, which are few and yield water of poor quality. The 207-foot well 

assayed below is too high in mineral content to be of use for any purpose, there being too 

much calcium to be correctly estimated by field methods and a qualitative test showing 

the presence of much magnesium. The water of the 46-foot well is somewhat better in 

quality, but only by comparison. Both these wells are subject to shortage in dry times. 

The town is built on steep slopes, draining into the North Fork of Hughes River, privy 

contamination being conspicuous, and the same is true of the other small stations along the 

stream.

Cairo, W. Va. The most conspicuous carelessness in public supply in this section is at Cairo 

(population 800). This town pumps its supply from Hughes River, the claim being made that 

it is only for fire protection, and that drinking water is taken entirely from individual wells. 

About 100 feet above the pumping station on the creek are a privy and barn right on the 

banks of the stream, so that at high water filth from both places goes directly into the river 

and heavy rains at all times wash pollution into the stream. This is a representative condition in this section. Field assay below shows the creek water to be of fair quality for industrial purposes, the well water not so good. It seems probable that the calcium is present 

almost entirely as calcium chloride, the alkalinity being extremely low. The color of this 

well water is so high as to create a suspicion as to its freedom from contamination.

Field assays of water from Little Kanawha River basin. 

[Parts per million.]

Determination.

Color.....................................

Calcium (Ca) .............................

Chlorides (Cl) ............................

Pennsboro.

207-foot 

well.

0 

35 

(a) 

High. 

139+ 

424 

clO 

60

46-foot 

well.

0 

17 

0 

130 

139+ 

185 

0 

40

Cairo.

40-foot 

well.

0 

44 

2 

130 

132 

26 

0 

172

Hughes 

Creek.

Cloudy. 

244

( 6) 

61 

76 

41 

0 

40

Burnsville.

0 

70 

Trace. 

0 

28 

23 

0 

9

Parkersburg.

150 

35 

(a) 

15 

104 

34 

(a) 

40

a Slight trace. b Very slight trace. c Estimated.

OHIO RIVER FROM I.ITTLE KANAWHA RIVER TO KANAWHA RIVER.

Between Parkorsburg and Point Pleasant there is no important city on the Ohio River. 

Little places having a hundred or more inhabitants are dotted along the stream, the largest 

being Ravenswood and Millwood, which are the termini of short branch lines of railroads. 

Neither have public supplies.

Point Pleasant, W. Va. Point Pleasant (population 2,500) has a water supply of the 

natural filtration type in use at Gallipolis, Ohio, and Moundsville, W. Va. It is derived 

from two wells drilled in the Ohio River sand, the water seeping through the sand and 

entering the wells through strainers at the bottom. It is pumped into the city reservoir by 

compressed air. The water is of crystal clearness and low temperature in summer, so that it 

is very inviting and much used. The experience of Gallipolis would indicate that for a year 

or two this will be an ideal supply, but it is doubtful whether it will be safe for drinking a few 

years hence. Comparison with the raw river water shows high turbidity eliminated by the 

natural filtration and some gain in mineral content by the passage through sand. Except 

for its muddincss the raw water is much more desirable for industrial purposes.
KANAWHA RIVER BASIN. 93

Field assays of Ohio River water from Point Pleasant, W. Va. 

[Parts per million.]

Determination.

Color.........................

Filtered.

0

17

98

Raw.

429

82

Determination.

Total hardness (as CaCOs) - -

Alkalinity ...................

Chlorides (Cl) ................

Filtered.

118

124

o20

15

Raw.

83

47

020

o Estimated.

KANAWHA RIVER BASIN".

Kanawha River has a drainage area about as large, roughly, as that of the Monongahela. 

It drains nearly all the southern half of West Virginia. The principal industries of the 

country through which it flows are coal mining and lumbering, but the latter is rapidly disappearing. Typhoid-fever statistics are hardly necessary in this drainage area. Ocular 

evidence of the pollution of the surface waters is so plentiful on all sides that the mere 

description of conditions is enough to condemn nearly every supply in the section.

The principal tributaries of the Kanawha are Gauley, Grcenbrier, and New rivers, the 

last being really the Kanawha under a different name.

NEW RIVER BASIN.

New River has its rise in North Carolina and enters West Virginia at its southern boundary. It flows through a beautiful mountain country, sparsely inhabited, and is comparatively unpolluted until it receives the waters of Bluestone River.

BLUESTONE RIVER.

Bluestone River is a very small stream, draining a number of mining camps and flowing 

into New River about 5 miles above Hinton. Field assays at Pocahontas, Va., and Graham, Va., (p. 93), show the presence of a great deal of free acid in the mine effluent 

waters, probably not, however, in sufficient quantities to be germicidal, even if the flow of 

both were constant. It is noteworthy that all along this stream algas flourish, apparently 

unharmed by the acid. The disgusting pollution by privies in this section is therefore carried down practically unchanged, except for the wrorse, into New River. PL V, B gives a 

fair idea of sanitary conditions at the head of this stream at low water. The place pictured 

is by no means the worst on the course of the stream. It is evident that rain at all times 

washes privy droppings into the stream, and that at high water the contents of the privies 

find their way directly into the current. The population of this town is largely composed 

of colored coal miners, who live herded together along the banks in squalid huts, under the 

most unsanitary conditions. Typhoid-fever dejecta poisoning this water from these people 

would have ample time to be carried down for many miles before the case would even be 

brought to a physician for treatment.

Graham, Va. Good water is scarce in this section. The 52-foot well at Graham, Va. 

(population 1,500), shows very hard water, unsuitable for domestic use, yet it is considered 

one of the best in the town. The water stratum from which this well draws has apparently 

been contaminated by a cesspool sunk a few hundred feet above the well. A sample 

recently sent to the State University at Morgantown, W. Va., for analysis is said to have 

shown the presence of intestinal pollution.

Pocahontas, Va. The public supply of Pocahontas (population 2,800) is obtained from 

Bluestone River, which is also pumped by the Norfolk and Western Railroad to supply its 

shops at Bluefield and its station at Graham. The partial field assays show results of qualitative tests for sulphuric acid in Baby mine drainage at Pocahontas, Va., and quantitative 

determinations of iron and sulphates.
WATER IN UPPER OHIO BASIN AND AT ERIE, PA.

Field assay of water of Bluestone River at Pocahontas, Va. 

fParts per million.]

Determination.

Laurel 

Creek 

above mine 

waste.

2

(a)

122

Outfall at 

mouth.

4

( 6 )

1,000 feet 

below mine 

outfall.

3

( c)

338

3,000 feet 

below 

outfall.

3

Acid.

410

a Water acid. 6 More acid. c Much more acid.

Bluefield, W. Va. The public water supply of Bluefield (population 7,000), on Brushy 

Fork, forms an exception to the general filthy character of the water supplies in this section. 

The supply is derived from two large springs a few miles above town, which are carefully 

walled up and protected against pollution, accidental or otherwise. The supply is always 

abundant and seems to be of good quality, though a little hard for laundry uses. The high 

color is a little disquieting, but may be due to marshy drainage or a foul condition of the 

pipes. It is undoubtedly the best water in this section. The water of the deep wells at 

the brewery, one of which was assayed, is very much harder and contains an appreciable 

amount of sulphates. It is used for steam making at this establishment and causes considerable trouble in the boilers, as might be expected.

Field assays of water from Graham, Va., and Bluefield, W. Va. 

[Parts per million.]

Determination.

Turbidit

Chlorides (Cl) ............................................................

Graham, 

Va., 

52-foot 

well.

0 

10 

.5 

130

147 

610 

24

Bluefield, W. Va.

Public 

supply.

0

122 

0 

113 

111 

121 

65 

9

700-foot 

well.

0

(a) 

146

269 

42 

21

Very slight trace. 6 Estimated.

GEEENBEIEE RIVER.

At Hinton, New River receives an enormous amount of pollution from Greenbrier River, 

an important tributary, on which the conditions are very unfortunate. It is one of the most 

beautiful streams in the State, the water almost always being very clear, but it is poisoned 

at its very source by priv^r contamination.

Durbin, W. Va. Above Durbin, on the headwaters of the stream, there are a great many 

sawmills. Sanitation in these mill camps consists in building the privies directly over the 

river and in throwing all waste and refuse cither into the stream or on the ground near by, so 

that they can be washed into the water. At Durbin fecal pollution is nauseatingly abundant on the banks. The railroad privy is so located as to discharge into the river, and a number of the houses drain almost directly into a small run that enters the river at this point. 

More heedless contamination of a pure and beautiful river could hardly be imagined. The 

field assay (p. 95) shows a water of almost perfect purity, its high color being the only objec-
U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY WATER-SUPPLY PAPER NO. 161 PL. V

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A. CHARACTERISTIC VIEW ON NEW RIVER, WEST VIRGINIA. 

Showing rapid flow.

1?. HEAD OF BLUESTONE RIVER, WEST VIRGINIA. 

Showing existing conditions.
KANAWHA RIVER BASIN. . 95

tionable feature. The water of the 84-foot well at this place is of fair quality, not too hard 

for laundry use.

Marlinton, W. Va. -Between Durbin and Marlintou the contamination from mill camps 

is as bad as above Durbin. Marlinton, the largest hamlet in this section, is a pretty and rapidly growing lumber town of about ,500 population. It has no public water supply. Greenbrier River at this point shows an increase in hardness, but is still a very soft water (sec table 

below). The pollution at Marlinton from outhouses is considerable. A quasi public supply 

is piped into the railroad tank, and thence into a few buildings, from Knapp Creek, a little 

trout stream, comparatively clean and pure. The field assay shows the Knapp Creek water 

to be of excellent quality for any purpose. Still better is the water of the large spring that 

is piped to two banks and a boarding house in the town. There is practically no mineral 

impurity in this water except the iron. The high color is probably due to the nature of the 

drainage. It is the best supply in this section.

Ronceverte, W. Va. Between Marlinton and Ronceverte (population about 1,000) there 

is a scanty population and but little drainage from houses. It is unfortunate, however, 

that at almost every place where there is a house a privy either overhangs the stream or 

stands close to it. The Ronceverte water supply is pumped directly from Greenbrier River 

into a reservoir, whence it flows by gravity into the mains. It is used unpurificd for all purposes, and the townspeople regard it as pure water, because there are no Louses directly 

above the intake. In the light of the above discussion of Allegheny and Monongahela 

rivers it is plain that self-purification in this stream is a negligible factor. While by no 

means an unusually rapid stream, it is too small for navigation, and its occasional pools 

are separated by numerous stretches of swift water. It is so grossly polluted from its very 

source to a point a mile or two above the pumping station as to leave no doubt of its unhealthfulness when used raw as a public supplv. Roneeverte is not sewered, and its drainage and 

that of the railroad shops at this point form an important contribution to the river.

Alderson, W. Va. At Alderson, about 8 miles below Ronceverte (population 800), there 

is no public supply. The water of the 80-foot well (assay below) is a typical ground water of 

this locality. Although very hard, it is a good water for drinking, the well being carefully 

cased into the rock. There is much defilement of the river at this point from outhouses.

Talcott, W. Va. At Talcott, a hamlet of a few families, 10 miles above Hinto^ some 

privies overhang the river. Dejecta from these drop directly into the river, and could cer_ 

tainly infect supplies below in a few hours.

Field assays of water from Greenbrier River basin. 

[Parts per million.]

Determination.

Turbidity...........

Total hardness (as 

CaCO3 )............

Sulphates (SO3 ).....

Durbin.

84-foot 

well.

0 

22 

.5 

.40

66

58 

0 

9

Greenbrier 

River.

0 

40 

0 

0

14 

11 

0 

5

Marlinton.

Greenbrier 

River.

0 

35 

0

28 

30 

0 

9-

0 0 

35 40 

2 2 

34 0

35 11

24 8 

0 0 

9 9

Ronce- .,, verte -i-iuei

IE &

0 0 

40 5

31 ' 151 

37 ..........

34 183 

0 45 

9 22

Hinton, Greenbrier 

River.

0

45 

(a) 

40

49 

39 

0 

14

a Very slight trace. 6 Slight trace.

NEW KIVER FROM GREENBRIER RIVEK TO GAULEY K1VER.

Hinton, W. Va. Hinton (population 4,500) is an important town commercially and 

a railroad division headquarters. Sanitary conditions are unfortunate here, The water
96 WATEK IN UPPER OHIO BASIN AND AT EKIE, PA.

supply of the town is pumped raw from Greenbrier River, about a mile above Hinton. In 

view of the above-described conditions in that stream the quality of this supply needs no 

comment.

At the junction of Greenbrier and New rivers there is in the stream a sharply marked 

dividing line between the clear Greenbrier water and the muddy brown current of New 

River. The drainage area of New River yields to that stream a great deal of silt and clay, 

besides ore washings from mines, so that a summer shower will make its water very turbid 

for several days, yet will not appreciably cloud the Greenbrier. Field assay shows that the 

water of New River is of fair quality except for this feature. Sedimentation in properly 

constructed basins would make it very good for industrial purposes. The accumulated 

pollution of Greenbrier and Bluestone rivers should bar it from use as a source of domestic 

supply, yet it is so used at some places.

Between Hinton and Thurmond, on New River, there is no town of more than about 1,000 

population. The hamlets are massed along the river bank, house after house having its 

privy located on the river, so that no one would be inclined to drink the raw water at Thurmond (population 450) after inspecting the contamination. It is nevertheless pumped for 

domestic purposes, though not for drinking by guests, at the large hotel at that town below 

the mouth of Thurmond Creek.

Field assays show the turbidity of Thurmond Creek, a rapid mountain stream draining 

a coal region, to be somewhat less than that of the main stream and its quality to be fair in 

other respects. It is polluted by drainage from a cluster of houses about 100 feet above the 

mouth.

PI. V, A gives some idea of the rapidity of the current of New River at this point and 

makes unnecessary the discussion of its profile. It is evident that a stream so rapid will 

show very little self-purification, so that pollution entering at any point will be carried downstream practically unchanged, except, perhaps, as to the coarser matters, for many miles 

below. The domestic use of this water raw at Thurmond is very dangerous.

Field assays of water from New River and Thurmond Greek. 

[ Parts per million.]

Determination.

Color ..............................................................

Iron (Fe) ..........................................................

Alkalinity. ....................... ................................

Sulphates (SO3) ...................................................

Chlorides (Cl) ..................... ................................

New River 

at Hinton.

700

35

0

46

63

54

610

Thurmond 

Creek at 

Thurmond.

17

(a)

28

49

22

33

New River 

at Thurmond.

148

61

(a)

40

59

53

65

9

a Very slight trace. b Estimated.

Below Thurmond the banks of the river are thickly dotted on both sides with little hamlets inhabited by coal miners. The Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad runs along the west bank 

and the Kanawha and Michigan Railroad along the east bank. At every station privies 

overhang the banks, sometimes half a dozen within a few feet. Although the total population as far down as Montgomery is not over a few thousand, it is unfortunately true that 

nearly all its excrement discharges into the stream.

QAULEY RIVER.

What has been said of New River is also true of Gauley River, a beautiful stream entering New River at Gauley Bridge, a village of a few hundred population. At Camden, near
KAKAWHA RIVER BASIN. 97

the source of the Gauley, the water is very clear and as pure as any found in a state of 

nature so far as dissolved mineral solids are concerned. With proper sanitation along its 

course the stream would be an asset of great value in the wealth of the State. The privy 

of the railroad station at Camden on the Gauley is located on the bank of the stream, so that 

excreta may seep from it into the water at all times and ordinary rains may wash much 

pollution into the stream. As the population of this section is very small the sum total of 

the pollution as far down as Gauley Bridge is not great. The field assay at Gauley Bridge 

shows that the Gauley at this point is still a very pure and clear stream, its waters being 

sharply denned against the yellow current of New River. A sample of Cherry River, the 

principal branch of Gauley, taken at Richwood, shows water of the same character, although 

somewhat highly colored. Much lumbering is carried on in this section and there is some 

pollution of the stream by the floating population of the lumber camps, so that at Richwood the water of Cherry River is not used for drinking. This follows the rule observed in 

other sections that the small towns at the head of a polluted stream are the first to abandon 

its use as a water supply. The water supply of Richwood is derived from drilled wells that 

range in depth from 200 to 300 feet. The water is of very good quality for a water drawn 

from this depth. It is fairly soft and should be quite satisfactory for general use, although 

it is by no means equal to the water of Cherry or Gauley rivers if they are kept clean.

Richwood is the principal town drained by the Gauley. There are a number of small 

communities besides, but it is probable that the total population of the area drained is not 

over 3,000. It would require only the most ordinary care to keep this stream pure and

undefiled.

Field assays of waters of Gauley River basin.

[Parts per million.]

Determination.

Camden,

Gauley 

River.

0

40

1

0

7

9

Gauley 

River.

0

44

5

0

17

9

Richwood

Cherry 

River.

0

70

0

15

0

9

Public 

supply.

17

1

40

on

19

There are very few springs in this section and most of these fail during the latter part of 

the summer. The spring at Fayette, which comes out of the rock beside the railroad track, 

a hundred yards or so below the railroad station, is much used for drinking. Its water is 

very soft, but the high chlorides are disquieting. The spring at Kanawha Falls is much 

larger and is piped down from the rock for the use of the village, which has a population of 

about 100. It is a typical soft water.

KANAWHA RIVER FROM GAULEY BRIDGE TO ELK RIVER.

Below Gauley Bridge, New River becomes the Kanawha and is lined on both banks with 

coal-mining hamlets, all contributing privy droppings to the stream.

The field assay of Kanawha River at Gauley shows a poor water in comparison with that 

of the Gauley or of Cherry River. The stream was fairly clear at the time of the assay a 

rare condition. The channel is very rock}7 and rough, the river in man}7 places flowing 

over bare ledges of rock. Although many coal mines discharge into the stream with more 

or less regularity, the traces of iron and sulphates are so slight as to show that so far as the 

disinfecting influence of mine drainage is concerned the consumers of this water have no 

protection.

IRK 161 06 7
98 WATER IN UPPER OHIO BASIN AND AT ERIE, PA.

Montgomery, W. Va. In spite of pollution the raw water is used as a public supply at 

Montgomery. At this place the belief is entertained, as at other places in the Monongahela 

basin, that the mine drainage entering the river exercises sufficient germicidal influence in 

the water to make it safe for drinking. The field assays of water from New and Kanawha 

rivers fail to disclose a single instance where there was free acid in the water or where the 

sulphate and iron contents indicated the presence of mine drainage to more than a slight 

degree. Inspection of both shores of the river from its source down to the mouth at Point 

Pleasant reveals no considerable outfall of mine drainage. While there are a large number 

of mines, there seems to be very little acid water coming out of them, certainly not enough 

to be of any sanitary importance.

The quality of ground water obtainable at this point is shown by the field assay of water 

"from the 145-foot well at Montgomery. It is too hard to be very satisfactory for domestic 

uses and its slight cloudiness casts some doubt on the safety of the well from contamination.

Field assays of waters from upper Kanawha, basin'. 

[Parts per million.]

Determination.

Color ...............................................

Iron (Fe) ...........................................

Alkilinity . ..........................................

Kanawha 

at 

Gauley.

0

70

.5

96

59

44

6 5

9

Spring 

at 

Fayette.

0

17

(a)

(«)

45

6 4

0

20

Spring 

at Kanawha 

Falls.

0

45

(a)

0

31

26

0

7

145-foot 

well at 

Montgomery.

0

62

9

100

1394-

133

6 5

65

Kanawha 

River at 

Montgomery.

0

70

1

40

45

55

6 5

9

a Slight trace. & Estimated.

ELK RIVER.

Sutton and Clay, W. Va. Elk River is used raw for public supply at Sutton (population, 1,200), about 40 miles below its source at Webster Springs. Previous to the use of 

the stream water as a public supply at Sutton (assay on p. 99) there was much typhoid fever, 

traceable to the use of contaminated wells. The local physicians claim that there has 

been a great falling off in the number of typhoid-fever cases since the introduction of the 

river water. Sutton drains into the stream, and below it a number of small hamlets 

contribute their pollution, especially in the neighborhood of Clay (population, 1,000), 

the county seat of Clay County. A large mining population drains into the stream from 

this town down to Charleston, so that the raw water can not be considered safe for domestic 

use at any point below Sutton.

KANAWHA RIVER AT AND BELOW CHARLESTON, \V. VA.

Charleston, W. Va. The largest town in the southern half of the State is Charleston (population, 15,000), which has gained amazingly in wealth and population within the last few 

years. It is in advance of other places in this section in recognizing the fact that the water 

of Kanawha River is unfit for use. Its public supply is drawn from Elk River, a stream of 

great natural beauty, similar to Cherry River and Gauley River.

The intake of the Charleston waterworks is about a mile and a half above the mouth of 

Elk River; at this point the current of both Kanawha and Elk rivers is very sluggish, forming a stagnant pool, polluted by the city sewage outfalls. The water company is planning
KANAWHA EIVER BASIN. 99

to move the intake upstream, so as to guard against this pollution being backed up to the 

intake by wind. The company is also considering the installation of a crib .in the bed of Elk 

Kiver. The present plant is excellent so far as it goes, there being eight modern filter units 

in use. This plant, however, is sufficient to purify only about one-third of the daily consumption, so that the present procedure consists of filtering one-third of the supply and 

then mixing the pure water with the polluted water from Elk River. The installation of 

a crib for Charleston water supply would be of no value whatever, as it would only clarify 

the water and would not purify it from organic contamination. In view of the large investment already made in mechanical filters at this point, it would seem best to buy a sufficient 

number of additional filters and provide for their economical operation, insuring a safe 

water supply from one of the purest streams in the State so far as mineral contents are concerned. Public opinion will probably compel some such plan in the near future.

The quality of ground water obtainable at Charleston is not very good for domestic usesField assays (below) of the two deep wells here show that the water of one is fairly soft for 

water drawn from so great a depth. It is, however, extremely high in iron, which leaves a 

heavy yellow deposit on the tanks through which it passes. The other well is so high in 

chlorides that it would probably give trouble in boilers. Both waters are allowed to pour 

out of pipes into wooden tanks so arranged as to allow free oxidation. The water is then 

used in the manufacture of ice.

St. Allans, W. Va. St. Albans (population, 1,200), about 15 miles below, is located at 

the point where Coal River enters the main stream. The field assay of Coal River (below) 

shows it to be of good quality except for high turbidity and color, both due to the nature 

of the drainage area, which is mostly a heavy red soil in a forest country, rapidly being 

denuded. There is no public supply at St. Albans. The 70-foot well assayed is typical 

and shows a rather hard water for domestic purposes. From this point the river flows 

through a rolling farming country, with scattering hamlets along the banks, the largest 

town being Winfield (population, 500). The stream is not used for public supply below 

Montgomery.

Field assays of water, Kanawha basin.

[Parts per million.]

Determination.

Sulphates (SO3 ) ...............

Chlorides (Cl)..... ............

Charleston.

125-foot 

well.

0 

78 

28 

41

82 

0 

55

200-foot 

well.

0 

17 

16 

81

103

( b) 

280

Kanawha 

River.

97 

90 

1 

46 

49 

44 

c5 

11

Elk 

River.

0 

70 

0

31 

27 

0 

14

St. Albans.

70-foot 

well.

0 

22 

(a) 

49 

118 

52 

0 

39

Coal 

River.

315 

140 

0 

0 

21 

20 

0 

14

Sutton.

Elk 

River.

0 

96 

2

28 

27 

9 

9

a Minute trace. b Slight trace. c Estimated. 

OHIO RIVER FROM KAXAWHA RIVER TO BIG SANDY RIVER.

GUYANDOT AND MUD EIVEES.

Below the confluence of the Ohio and the Kanawha there are no important towns above 

Huntington, where two small streams enter, both muddy and sluggish. Guyandot River 

drains a rather flat valley in southwestern West Virginia, and there are no large towns on 

its drainage area. It is much used to raft lumber down to Ohio River and is much polluted 

The field assay (p. 100) of the stream at its mouth at Guyandot (population, 1,800) shows 

very high turbidity; otherwise the water is of fair quality for industrial purposes. Mud
100 WATER IN UPPER OHIO BASIN AND AT ERIE, PA.

River, a tributary of the Guyandot, joining it at Barboursville, drains a well-populated 

section along the line of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad. The largest town on this 

stream is Milton (population, 100). At this point a somewhat interesting experiment was 

made by the railroad in the attempt to get boiler water free from high turbidity. A pool, 

8 by 8 feet and 18 feet deep, was dug about 100 yards from the river bank, the water seeping through the bank from the stream into the pool. This water was pumped to a tank 

for locomotive use, but has been for sometime abandoned. Comparison of field assays 

show that the water gained about 50 per cent in hardness by its filtration through the 

ground and lost only about one-third of its turbidity, the particles of soil probably being 

too fine to be caught by the filtration. Both Mud River and the Guyandot would be suitable for industrial use if properly sedimented with coagulant so as to remove the suspended 

matter.

OHIO RIVER AT HUNTINGTON, W. VA.

The water supply of Huntington (population, 12,000) is drawn from Ohio River, filtered. 

As the river receives the drainage of Kanawha and Guyandot rivers in West Virginia and 

Raccoon Creek, Guyandot Creek, and Symes Creek, Ohio, near Huntington, the water 

must be purified to a high degree to be safe for drinking. For this reason the completeness of the equipment of the Huntington waterworks should be a matter of local pride 

and general congratulation. Huntington has the best filtration plant in West Virginia 

perhaps the only one employing a bacteriologist. It is controlled by the American Waterworks and Guarantee Company, which employs Doctor Witherell to make serial analyses 

here as at Newcastle and Butler, Pa. The plant pumps from Ohio River by means of five 

large mains, separately controlled by gate valves and opening at varying distances from 

the shore so that the disturbance of the water resulting from variations in the height of 

the'nver can, to some extent, be counteracted by pumping from different levels. The sedimentation basins are very large .and discharge the clarified water into six modern steel 

filter tanks designed by the company, differing slightly from the Jewell type in the form of 

cleaning apparatus and in minor details. The pure water is caught in a large tank below 

the filters and pumped into the mains. The plant is kept in fine condition within and 

without and is in every way a credit to the town.

The field assay shows the effluent from the mechanical filters to be of very good quality, 

the mineral content being not appreciably higher than that of the raw water at Pittsburg. 

The incrusting solids are not high enough to cause trouble in boilers. A fair quality of 

ground water is obtained in this section, the field assay below being of water from a 57-foot 

well at the machine shop. The wells in this section range from 50 to 70 feet deep, the one 

given being typical.

Field assays of water from Milton, Guyandot, and Huntington, W. Va. 

[Parts per million.]

Determination.

Turbidity ..........................................

Sulphates (SO3 ) . . . .................................

Chlorides (Cl) .......................................

Milton.

8 by 8 

foot well.

180 

80 

0 

107 

118 

96

39

Mud 

River.

300 

35 

0

76 

48

Guyandot.

Guyandot 

River.

667 

45 

(a) 

Some. 

55 

13 

0 

10

Huntington.

57-foot 

well.

0

22 

1.25 

179

159 

<=20 

29

Ohio 

River, 

filtered.

0

( 6 ) 

61 

76 

30 

<:20 

11

a- Very slight trace. 6 Slight trace. Estimated.
BIG SANDY RIVER BASIN. 101

TWELVEPOLE CREEK.

Tvvelvepole Creek, which enters the Ohio at Kenova, drains a long, narrow valley containing a scattering farming population.

Dunlow, W. Va. Dunlow, near the head of the stream, is a small village without either 

public water-supply or sewerage. The well assayed (below) is at the railroad station and is 

disused. The high color of the water is due to debris thrown into the well. Evidently a 

fair quality of water could be obtained here. The spring water is much softer but is liable 

to high turbidity after excessive rain, as at the time the, assay was made. The supply i^ too 

small to be of value except for private uses. The, field assay of the creek (below) shows excellent water except for the high suspended matter. The hardness is very low, probably being 

mostly magnesium carbonate. For any industrial purposes this water could be made available by plain sedimentation. It is somewhat used for drinking purposes in the raw state 

and evidences of privy contamination are plentiful.

Wayne, W. Va. The stream follows the course of the railroad and receives dejecta from 

outhouses at every station, so that at Wayne (population 400) the most considerable town 

on its drainage area, it is altogether unfit for use. There is a deplorable scarcity of water at 

Wayne, the well assayed (a dug well) being the only important source of supply. Although 

this water is of good quality so far as mineral matter is concerned, the well is liable to surface 

contamination, being partly supplied from the roofs of the court-house, which are guttered 

to lead into it. There are no drilled or bored wells in the town. In summer all the ground 

water fails, when water is drawn from Twelvepole Creek and used raw. Conditions here are 

very bad.

Field af-sayy ofvmterftom Dunloic and Wayne, W. Va.

[Parts per million.]

Determination.

Color ..........................................................

Chlorides (CD .................................................

Twelvepole 

Creek.

350

35

0

28

26

9

Dunlow.

Spring.

250

35

36

0

9

66-foot 

well.

Wayne.

60-foot 

well.

.75

42

9

a Estimated. 

BIG SANDY RIVER BASIoV.

TUG FORK OF BIG SANDY RIVER.

Tug Fork of the Big Sandy, which forms part of the boundary line between West Virginia 

and Kentucky, probably carries more offensive pollution than any stream in West Virginia, 

which is saying a great deal. It has its rise near the Virginia line and flows through a 

densely populated coal region, its tributaries and its own banks being lined at .every possible 

opportunity with privies and other sources of pollution.

North Fork, W. Va. North Fork, a typical coal camp of this section, has a public supply 

from a 90-foot well, said to be carefully cased (see assay on p. 103). The only safe water in 

this section is that drawn from such sources. The Norfolk and Western Railway has put 

down wells at approximately this depth all along its line. A few of these are not in use, but 

the majority of them furnish fair water. The field assay shows this well water to be some-
102 WATER IN UPPER OHIO BASIN AND AT ERIE, PA.

what hard, the high sulphates making it undesirable for use in steam making. Tug Fork is 

incredibly polluted in its course through this town. A large negro population lives in 

squalid huts along its banks and discharges excreta continually into its waters, the privies 

being thickly clustered together in places. The stream is very small at this point, running 

probably not more than a few second-feet in dry times, so that the state of affairs can be 

readily imagined.

Welch, W. Va. At Welch (population 600), the largest town at the head of the creek, the 

extent of the pollution going into the stream is probably greater, but the public supply is 

rather carefully guarded. It is derived from 200-foot wells, which are pumped to reservoirs. The field assay (p. 103) shows this to be very hard water, undesirable for &ny purpose 

except drinking. The assay of the Norfolk and Western well at this point is interesting for 

comparison with that at North Fork, which shows a somewhat better water. The chief 

impurities are calcium carbonate and chloride. For industrial uses the water of Tug Fork 

is far better than either.

Panther, W. Va. A characteristic case of water-supply pollution in this State may be 

seen at Panther, a small lumber hamlet (population 100) situated at the confluence of 

Panther Creek with Tug Fork. PI. VI gives two views showing the character of the pollution at this point. The upper picture shows a number of houses located on the creek about 

a mile above its mouth.

It is evident that drainage from these privies and from the houses must continually find its 

way into the creek. About 100 feet above the mouth of this creek is the intake pipe by 

which its water is pumped into a large tank for supplying the mill and the town. The milldam crosses Tug Fork at a point a short distance below the mouth of Panther Creek. The 

lower picture shows the greater part of the mill, with a large privy close to the boiler house 

and another across Panther Creek on the left bank of the Tug Fork. It is evident that 

heavy rains may at any time cause a sufficient rise in Tug Fork to carry contamination 

from either or both these privies into the intake pipe on the creek. This supply is filthy. 

Typhoid-fever statistics are unobtainable, but a practicing physician in this neighborhood 

informed the writer that he had more cases of typhoid fever than of anything else.

The field assay (p. 103) shows the water of Panther Creek to be very excellent as to inorganic content.

Wittiamson, W. Va. Between Panther and Williamson, a distance of about 35 miles, 

numerous thriving little hamlets scattered along the river, each having a population of a few 

hundred, add a large amount of privy pollution to its water. Notwithstanding this state of 

affairs, which is well known to all who travel on the Norfolk and Western Railroad, the raw 

water is used as a source of public supply at Williamson (population 1,800). A number of 

the citizens realize the danger of using this polluted water and efforts are being made to raise 

enough money to provide a pure supply. It has been planned to build a filter well in the bed 

of Tug Fork for this purpose. This would free the supply from the high turbidity which is at 

present one of its drawbacks and would make the tap water clear and inviting, but would not 

assure safety to the consumers from water-borne disease. No really satisfactory supply can 

be gotten for Williamson by this means. Either a complete ground-water system should 

be installed or steps should be taken to provide a mechanical filter. The quality of the 

ground water obtainable here is shown by the field assay of the Norfolk and Western Railroad well at the station. Although somewhat hard it is good water, quite satisfactory for 

general use, and if the well were properly cased would be free from danger of pollution.
U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY WATER-SUPPLY PAPER NO. 161 PL. VI

TUG FORK OF BIG SANDY RIVER, NEAR PANTHER, W. VA., PUBLIC-SUPPLY 

INTAKE.

A, One-half mile above intake; B, 50 feet below intake.
CONDITIONS BELOW PITTSBURG. 103

Fidd assays of water from basin of Big Sandy River. 

[Parts per million.]

Determination.

Color .....................................

Sulphates (SO3) ..........................

Chlorides (Cl) ............................

Northlork, 

W. Va.

90-foot 

well.

0 

22 

2.5 

96

77 

106 

20

Welch, W. Va.

Well.

0 

10 

1 

56 

132 

58 

i5 

62

200-foot 

well.

0 

34 

1.25 

110

43

115

Panther.

Panther 

Creek.

0 

78 

1 

0 

21 

32 

0 

7

Williamson. W. Va.

93-foot

well.

0 

70 

4 

96

120 

o5 

9

Tug 

Fork.

0 

44 

0 

27 

62 

28 

a20 

14

a- Estimated. 

BIG SANDY RIVER BELOW TUG FORK.

Kenova, W. Va. Kenova (population 1,000), a few miles below Huntington, formerly 

took its water from driven wells. The supply is now drawn from Big Sandy River without purification. The field assays show this to be a much better water for any purpose 

than that of the Ohio River, the extremely high turbidity of the Ohio putting it out of 

the question for industrial uses before filtration.

Field assays of water from Big Sandy and Ohio rivers at Kenova, W. Va. 

[Parts per million.]

Determination.

Chlorides (Cl) ..................................................................

Big Sandy 

River.

0

70

0

51

49

78

a 10

19

Ohio River.

422

0

Kfl

69

52

a Estimated.

SUMMARY OP CONDITIONS BELOW PITTSBURC.

The water-supply problems before municipalities on Ohio River and on the Kanawha 

are not fundamentally different from those confronting towns on Allegheny and Monongahela rivers. In the case of the Ohio we have seen that although the water is heavily 

contaminated by sewage from over half a million people, it is extensively used for drinking in its raw state. The only possible plea for such use is that there is self-purification 

going on in the river. No elaborate argument is needed to show the fallacy of this plea 

after the discussion already presented. It is sufficient here to say that conditions on the 

Ohio are less favorable to purification by detention than on the Monongahela, where 

purification has been shown to be imperfect or inefficient. For this inefficiency there are 

two reasons: First, although the Ohio is well canalized, its greater slope and greater quantity of water make its velocity considerably higher than that of the Monongahela; second,
104 WATER IN UPPER OHIO BASIN AND AT ERIE, PA.

enormous freshets, which occur in the Monongahela in the spring, happen much more frequently in the Ohio, every heavy rain causing a sharp rise, and as the difference between 

high and low water in this river is ,50 feet or more, it is perfectly clear that pathogenic 

material deposited at the bottom by sedimentation could be scoured out at frequent intervals, poisoning the water for use as a source of public supply. The only way to obtain 

pure water from the Ohio is to resort to filtration, and the experience of numerous towns 

in the valley and on the Mississippi River has shown that for this turbid water mechanical filtration is more practicable than slow sand filtration. This is partly because of the 

ability of small towns to purchase and operate a small filter plant, the cost of the English 

system being prohibitive, and partly because waters of such high turbidity clog sand filters 

very rapidly, causing a greatly increased operating expense.

In spite of these conditions, on the whole stretch of stream between Pittsburg, Pa., 

and Catlettsburg, Ky., there is but one town Huntington, with about 12,000 inhabitants 

efficiently operating a filtration plant, and but three towns where natural filtration of any 

importance has been attempted Moundsville and Point Pleasant, in West Virginia, and 

Gallipolis, in Ohio. The typhoid fever statistics obtainable for Gallipolis condemn all 

three supplies, and it is altogether likely that a heavj^ percentage of unreported cases 

should be added to the official figures. Altogether there is urgent need in this section 

for education along sanitary lines.

The tributary streams seem worse than the Ohio, because they are so much smaller 

and the contamination is so much more apparent. The cases noted where privies are 

located but a few hundred feet or a few miles above the intake of a public supply are not 

cited as unusual or extreme cases. On the contrary, in describing these conditions, an 

effort has been made to speak as moderately as possible. The facts themselves are sufficiently startling. It is a practically universal custom in West Virginia to build privies 

on running streams if it is possible to do so without going too far from the house. This 

was found to be the case to a greater or less degree on every stream, of whatever size, 

in the State. As a result every stream in West Virginia is grossly polluted and at the 

same time used without purification for domestic water supply.

On New and Kanawha rivers the conditions are even worse than on the Ohio, on account 

of the closely collected coal-mining population along the banks of the streams. The velocity of the water in these streams is so high that detention is a negligible factor although 

the Kanawha is to some extent canalized, and the only influence toward self-purification 

that need be considered is the germicidal effect of mine drainage and ore washings. 

It has been shown above that neither sulphuric acid nor the sulphates are present in this 

water in sufficient quantity to make them at all comparable with the waters of the Monongahela and Youghibgheny. It has been shown such influences are ineffective in purifying the Youghiogheny. On Kanawha and New rivers they are practically negligible, 

being just sufficient to impart unpleasant qualities to the water without having any germicidal effects.

ERIE, PA.

The city of Erie (population, 60,000) is located on the south shore of Lake Erie and of 

Presque Isle Bay, a small body of water about 4 miles long and 1^ miles wide, with an 

average depth of 15 feet, although a portion of the bay is 22 feet deep. The bay is landlocked save at the eastern end, where a 300-foot channel connects it with Lake Erie.

The first city supply was derived by gravity from a spring-fed reservoir. On the abandonment of this system, many years ago, the supply was drawn from the bay at a point 975 

feet north of the southern shore. As the city grew in population and the sewers of many 

thousands of people poured their daily pollution into the bay, the supply speedily became 

unfit for use, and in 1896 the present intake was built. It is 60 inches in diameter and 

extends for 8,000 feet out into the bay.

The present supply is therefore taken from what is practically a large sedimentation basin 

of the dimensions above given, the detention in which, though somewhat disturbed by the
EEIE, PA. 105

wind and the rising and falling of the lake level, would yet cause great improvement in the 

quality of the water if the pollution were not of the grossest character. The fact is, however, 

that the contamination is so offensive in kind and so great in amount as to make the 

water utterly unfit for drinking or domestic use in its raw state. The conditions were very 

well summarized by Judge Walling in his recent decision of the suit brought by certain persons to restrain the commissioners of the city of Erie from proceeding with the improvement 

of the supply.

The city is situated on land descending to the bay, into which the contents of 62 miles of 

sewers are emptied, and which also receives the washings from 31 miles of paved streets and 

much filth from barns and other buildings. Nearly 10,000 water-closets are in daily use in 

the city, the discharge from which is carried into the bay. A large amount of garbage and 

offal is also thrown into the bay from ships in the harbor and from fish houses and other 

buildings on the shores. The creeks that run through the city into the bay are practically 

open sewers from the county farms and other places west of the city. The city of Erie is 

thus using the bay both as a cesspool and as a source of water supply. With the sewage 

from all these sources daily going into the bay, there to be circulated by the movements of 

the water till the whole is simply somewhat diluted sewage, and the city at the same time 

pumping its water out of the pollution, the figures showing typhoid mortality seem surprisingly low. The following table, taken from statistics by the board of health of the city of 

Erie, given in its annual report for 1904, shows the number of deaths in this city from typhoid 

fever as well as the rate per 100,000 of inhabitants, from 1876 to 1904, inclusive:

Typhoid mortality at Erie, Pa.

Year.

1877 ...........................

1881...........................

1883 ...........................

1884...........................

1885...........................

1887...........................

1889

1890...........................

Deaths.

13

6

17

19

6

10

C|

19

29

Hate per 

100,000.

20

40

23

22

14

58

62

19

18

29

31

19

23

48

71

Year.

1891..........................

1892..........................

1893..........................

1894..........................

1895 ..........................

1896................... .......

1897..........................

1898..........................

1899..........................

1900..........................

1901..........................

1902..........................

1903..........................

1904..........................

Deaths.

30

24

15

17

21

18

13

8

18

18

8

13

17

27

Rate per 

100,000.

71

55

34

37

45

37

26

16

35

34

15

25

29

46

That the figures show no uniformity of increase during the earlier years is proBably due 

in part to incomplete returns and in part to the more accurate methods of diagnosis of the 

present day, which distinguish as typhoid fever some diseases that were formerly classified 

otherwise. For the years 1887 to 1895 the tendency is seen to be quite clearly upward. The 

extension of the intake pipe in 1896 had its effect in lowering the mortality rate for a time, as 

is shown by the steady decrease for three years, 1896 to 1898, inclusive. That this improvement could continue long with the rapid growth of population and coincident increase in 

pollution was not to be expected. With the exception of the year 1901 the figures have 

climbed steadily upward until in 1904 there were in the city 46 deaths from typhoid fever to 

the hundred thousand certainly too many.

The dangerous character of this water should be obvious to anyone who sees the sewage 

going into the bay and then sees it pumped out as drinking water. Sanitary inspection is 

to-day considered more trustworthy, in the absence of conditions allowing perfect control,
106 WATER IN UPPER OHIO BASIN AND AT ERIE, PA.

than sanitary analysis. In this instance there are no factors modifying the character of the 

supply that can not be accurately estimated, as the water is not subject to great fluctuations 

in quality or quantity. The evidence at hand may therefore be well supplemented by sanitary analyses of this water made by Dr. W. P. Mason, covering the period from 1892 to 1901, 

which show the gradual increase in sewage pollution by the steady rise of the chlorine content. As the quantities considered in water analysis are very small, a change of a small 

fraction of a part per million may be significant, in the absence of adequate cause for it. No 

sanitary analysis of water is valuable except when it is considered in conjunction with the 

exact conditions. In this case the conditions exclude any factor but the increase in sewage 

pollution to account for the increase of chlorine.

Sanitary analyses of water at Erie, Pa. 

[Analyses by W. P. Mason, in parts per million.]

Sample 

No.

1...........

2...........

3...........

6...........

7...........

8...........

Place and date.

Intake June, 1892. . ................

Pittsburg dock, June, 1892 ........

Big Bend, June, 1892 ..............

Total

solids.

132

128

138

115

105

171

135

Albuminoid ammonia.

0.175

.200

.145

.133

.048

Free 

ammonia.

0.100

.130

.065

.073

.081

080

Nitrates.

.063

.087

.200

Chlorine.

6

7

6

2

9.5

8.0

8.5

Aside from the remarkably low figure for June, 1900, the rise in the chlorine content of 

this water is too steady and too uniform to be mistaken. The low figure mentioned may 

have been due to the fact that the sample was taken just before the seasonal change in the 

water strata, due about August at Erie. The summer's accumulation of sewage was probably stirred up from the bottom, making the chlorine content in the next sample higher and 

the figure for the June sample very low. This, however, would only partially explain the 

difference. The final figures, 8.5 parts per million, acquire further significance when compared with those of December, 1889, when at the inlet of the water works, then much closer 

to the shore, the chlorine content as determined by Doctor Cresson was but 3.188 parts per 

million.

The columns headed free ammonia, albuminoid ammonia, and nitrates give the quantity 

of nitrogen in this water expressed in the three forms in which it was determined. So 

expressed, the amount of nitrogen found in water is an index, under proper conditions, 

of the amount of organic matter present. Taken by itself, any one of these factors is meaningless; taken in conjunction with a number of others in cases where it is impossible to control the factors of impurity, as in the Mississippi River, they may be misleading; but in the 

case of Presque Isle Bay there is no possibility that much organic matter gets into the 

water except through sewage contamination. This being admitted, the figures show that 

there was much organic pollution at the time of the analyses.

Nor is bacteriological evidence wanting of the contamination of the basin. The following 

figures, summarizing analyses made by Doctor Mason from April, 1901, to February, 1903, 

shows the presence of bacteria which are invariably associated with wastes from animal 

intestines:
ERIE, PA.

Bacteriological analyses of water at new intake, Erie, Pa.

107

Date.

Apr., 1902..........................

Taste.

0

0

0

0

0

0

Odor.

0

0

0

0

0

0

Color.

0.1

0

Trace.

.22

.2

10

Turbidity.

6

0

Slight.

(a\

Slight.

Alkalinity.

47.5

50

50

50

90

Bacteria 

per c. c.

5,500

119

637

402

Bacillus 

coli comrrmnis.

a Very slight.

All but one of these samples contained bacillus coli, which could only have entered the 

water by foecal contamination. The evidence seems conclusive that Presque Isle Bay is, as 

was said by Mr. George Y. Wisner in his report to the commissioners upon the advisibility 

of getting a new supply, "little less than a diluted cesspool."

Erie

 fc % % Imile 

FIG. 3. Map of Erie, Pa., and Erie Harbor, showing proposed improvement in water supply.

It became necessary either to filter this water or to get a new supply from Lake Erie. The 

former course would involve a very large first cost, both for the filtering plant itself and for 

the intercepting sewer that would be necessary to convey all contamination out into the 

lake, as otherwise the imperfections of practical operation would make the effluent highly 

suspicious. The most economical solution of the problem, as well as the best in the long 

run, is certainly the plan adopted that of extending the present intake pipe out into Lake 

Erie to a sufficient distance to insure a pure supply for some time to come.
108 WATEE IN UPPER OHIO BASIN AND AT ERIE, PA.

The following analyses of Lake Erie water show that it is greatly superior to the water of 

the bay, and that it contains no bacteria that point to sewage contamination:«

Analyses of Lake Erie water. 

[Parts per million.]

Date.

Oct. 10, 1901...............

Color.

0

0

.025

Turbidity.

Y>

0

Slight.

25

Free 

ammonia.

0 039

.02

.071

.053

.056

.039

Alb. 

ammonia.

0.075

.095

.093

.109

.159

.105

Chlorine.

6.5

6

6

7

8

5

Nitrates.

0.15

.075

.037

.025

.1

Alkalinity.

f 42.5

50

50

55

100

97.5

Total 

solid.

140

126

134

172

142

147

Bacteria.

3,000

70

126

80

2,490

Although this water is far superior to the present supply, the increase in alkalinity, probably due to sewage contamination, would seem to indicate that in time filtration will be necessary. The direction of the prevailing winds on the lake, together with the eastward current, causes the sewage from Toledo, Sandusky, Cleveland, and Ashtabula to be drifted eastward. The great distance of Toledo and Sandusky from Erie make it probable that their 

sewage is completely oxidized before it reaches the Erie intake. Ashtabula, a city of 13,000 

population, lies about 48 miles west of Erie, and Cleveland, with 381,000 people, about 90 

miles west. The currents set along the south shore and such sewage from these places as 

does not sink to the bottom within the first few miles after leaving the towns is swept eastward, steadily decreasing in quantity and becoming less dangerous in quality until near 

Presque Isle it begins to take a more northeasterly direction. Yet at no time can it probably dangerously affect the quality of the new supply, as there seems to be every favorable 

condition in this immense body of water to insure perfect oxidation of the contaminating 

influents before the Erie intake is reached. The contingency of increasing pollution of the 

lake water is of less present importance than the turbidity occurring at certain seasons of 

the year, which, as may be seen from the foregoing analyses, may be high enough to give 

the water an objectionable appearance. This difficulty can certainly be overcome by the 

construction of sedimentation basins on Presque Isle, as provided in the plans.

The projected improvements, designed by Mr. George H. Fenkell, and now going rapidly 

forward under his direction, contemplate the extension of the 60-inch steel intake pipe about 

10,000 feet northward beyond the present intake, across Presque Isle Peninsula and into 

Lake Erie, with 5-foot gate valves for connections with the settling basins, etc., and a timber 

crib, weighted with stone, protecting the end of the intake pipe, which terminates in a 

special opening about 25 feet below mean lake level. The work shows a number of construction features of interest, in particular the submarine joint designed for this work. This 

has a gasket of lead pipe snugly fitting the steel intake pipe, and when the joint is made the 

16-inch bolts are screwed up so as to bring the flanges together, compressing the lead between 

them and insuring a tight joint.

a Rept. Dept. Health, 1902 and 1904.
INDEX.

A.

Acid mine drainage. See Mine drainage. 

Addison, Pa., water from, assay of......... 46

water supply of......................... .46

Albion, N. Y., water supply of............. 21

Alderson, \V. Va., water from, assay of .... 95

water supply of......................... 95

Allegheny, Pa., filter crib at................ 03

typhoid fever at........................ 63,77

Allegheny River, basin of, description of. 10-11,29 

basin of, map of ........................ 11

pollution in ........................ 10-29

fall of................................... 66

flow of.................................. 65

pollution of..... 12-14,15-16,21-22,24,27,29-30

profile of, plate showing................ 30

water of, analyses of..... 12-14,15,21,22,24,74

Alien, Kenneth, flow measurement by...... 65

Anderson Creek, water from ............... 25

Averyville, 111., pollution at................ 67

B.

Bacteria, vitality of ........................ 74

Beachdale, Pa., water at................... 48

water from, assay of ................... 48

Beaver Falls, Pa., typhoid fever at......... 84

water from, assay of.................... 85,87

water supply of...................... 84-85,87

Beaver River, basin of, pollution in ........ 78-85

pollution of............................. 84-85

water from, assay of ................... 85

Belington, W. Va., water from, assay of... 33

water supply of......................... 31,33

Berlin, Pa., water from, assay of........... 48

water supply of......................... 48

Big Sandy River, basin of, pollution in... 101-103

pollution of............................. 103

water from, assay of................... 103

Bluefleld, W. Va., water from, assay of.... 94

water supply of......................... 94

Bluestone River, pollution of............... 93-94

water from, assay of ................... 94

view at head of ......................... 94

Board Tree, W. Va., water from, assay of . 88

water supply of......................... 87-88

Boer, , on germicides ................. 71

Boston, Mass., typhoid fever at............ 9

Braddock, Pa., typhoid fever at............ 53

water supply of......................... 53,54

Bradford, Pa., typhoid fever at............ 13

water from, assay of................... 14

water supply of......................... 10,13

Brockton, Mass., typhoid fever at.......... 9

Brockwayville, Pa., water supply of ....... 23,24

Page.

Brookville, Pa., typhoid fever at........... 26

water from, assay of ................... 26

water supply of......................... 26

view ol. ................................ '26

Brownsville, Pa., water from, assay of..... 44

water supply of......................... 43,44

Brushy Fork, water of ..................... 94

Buckhannon, W. Va., water from, assay of. 31

water supply of......................... 31-32

Buckhannon River, pollution of............ 31-32

water from, assays of................... 31,32

Buffalo Creek, water of..................... 38

Burnsville, W. Va., water from, assay of... 92

water supply of......................... 91,92

Butler, Pa., typhoid fever at ............... 83

water from, assay of.................... 84

water supply of......................... 83-84

C.

Cairo, W. Va., water from, assay of........ 92

water supply of......................... 92

Cambridge, Mass., typhoid fever at........ 10

Cambridge Springs, Pa., typhoid fever at.. 19

water from, assays of .................. 19

water supply of......................... 19

Camden, W. Va., water from, assay of..... 97

water supply of......................... 96-97

Cameron, W. Va., water from, assay of.... 88

water supply of......................... 88

Canonsburg, Pa., water from, assay of..... 76

water supply of......................... 76

Carnegie, Pa., water at..................... 74

Casselman, Pa., water at .................. 48

water from, assay of................... 48

Casselman River, pollution of........... 46-48,53

water from, assay of................... 47,49

Charleroi, Pa., typhoid fever at............ 43

water supply of......................... 43

Charleston, W. Va., water from, assays of . 99

water supply of......................... 98-99

Chartiers Creek, pollution of . .............. 75-76

Cheat River, flow of ........................ 42,65

pollution of.......................... 39-40,53

profile of, plate showing ................ 30

water from, assays of.................. 40

Cherry River, pollution of .................. 97

water from, assays of .................. 97

Chester, W. Va., water from, assay of...... 87

water supply of......................... 85

Clarion, Pa., typhoid fever at.............. 23

water from, assay of.................... 24

water supply of......................... 23-24

Clarion River, fall of....................... 29

109
110 INDEX.

Clarion River, pollution of ................. 22-24

water from, assay of................... 24

Clarksburg, W. Va., water from, assay of.. 36

water supply of......................... 35-36

Clay, W. Va., water supply of.............. 98

Clover Run, water from, assay of.......... 27

water supply from...................... 27

Coagulation, effects of...................... 69-70

See also Sedimentation. 

Coal River, water of ........................ 99

water from, assay of................... 99

Colfax, W. Va., water from, assay of....... 33

water supply at........................ 33

Columbus, Ohio, filter gallery at........... 56

typhoid fever at........................ 56

Conemaugh River, pollution of............. 27-29

water from, assays of.................. 28

Conewango Crrek, pollution of............. 14,15

Confluence, Pa., water from, assay of...... 49

water supply of......................... 48-49

Connellsville, Pa., typhoid fever at......... 49

water from, assay of................... 50

water supply of......................... 49-50

Connoquenessing Creek, pollution of. ...... 83-84

water from, assay of................... »84

Copeland, , work of................... 11

Copper sulphate, effects of.................. 73

Coraopolis, Pa., water supply of........... 78

Corry, Pa., typhoid fever at................ 18

water from, assay of................... 19

water supply of......................... 18

Covington, Ky., typhoid fever at .......... 67

Coxes Creek, water of...................... 48

water from, assay of ................... 48

Cribs, filter. See Filter cribs.

D.

Davaine, on germicides .................... 71

Derry, Pa., water supply at................ 52

Detention, meaning of...................... 66

See also Sedimentation. 

Detroit, Mich., typhoid fever at............ 68

Dilution, effects of....................... 06,68-69

Disease-producing organisms, vitality of... 54,

72-73,74 

Drakes Run, water of...................... 48,49

. water from, assay of ................... 49

Dry Pork, water from, assay of............ 40

water of................................ 39, 40

Dubois, Pa., typhoid fever at.............. 25

water supply of......................... 25,26

water from, assay of................... 26

Dunbar, Pa., water from, assay of ......... 50

water supply of......................... 50

Dunlow, W. Va., water from, assay of ..... 101

water supply of......................... 101

Durbin, W. Va., water from, assay of...... 95

water supply of......................... 94-95

E.

East Liverpool, Ohio, typhoid fever at..... 85-86 

water supply of......................... 85-86

Eldred, Pa., typhoid fever at............... 12

water from, assay of.................... 12

water supply of......................... 12

Elk Creek, water of......................... 22

Page.

Elk Lick, water from, assays of............ 47

Elk River, pollution of..................... 98

water from, assay oi .................... 99

Elkins, W. Va., water from, assay of....... 33

water supply of......................... 31,33

Ellwood City, Pa., water from, assay of ... 84

water supply of.............. .......... 84

Emlenton, Pa., water from, assay of....... 22

water supply of......................... 21-22

Erie, Pa., map of, showing new water supply 107

typhoid fever at........................ 105

water supply of....................... 104-108

analysis of................... 106,107,108

Erie, Lake, water from, assay of........... 108

Etna, Pa., filter crib at..................... 60-61

filter crib at, water from, assay of...... 61

water from, assay of................... 61

Evans City, Pa., water from, assay of...... 84

water supply of......................... 84

F.

Fairchance, Pa., typhoid fever at........... 41

water supply of......................... 41-42

Fairmont, W. Va., water from, assays of.. 37,38 

water supply of......................... 37-38

Fall of rivers, self-purification and, relations

of.................... 29,53-54,103-104

Fall River, Mass., typhoid fever at......... 10

Fayette, W. Va., water at.................. 97,98

water from, assay of.................... 98

Filter cribs, description of.................. 54-55

efficiency of............................. 63

instances of, descriptions of............ 57-63

Filter galleries, description of.............. 54-55

efficiency of............................. 57

instances of, descriptions of............ 55-57

Filter wells, description of.................. 63-64

instances of, descriptions of...... 54,87,92-93

Filtration, devices for................... 35,78-80

Filtration, natural, discussion of........... 54-64

efficiency of.......................... 57,63,64

explanation of.......................... 54

methods of.............................. 54

See also Filter cribs; Filter galleries;

Filter wells. 

Findlay, Ohio, filter gallery at............... 56

typhoid fever at........................ 56-57

Fish Creek, pollution of..................... 87-88

Fishing Creek, pollution of ................. 88-89

Flaugherty Creek, pollution of............. 47

water from, assay of................... 47

Ford City, Pa., typhoid fever at........... 27

Franklin, Pa., elevation at................. 29

water from, assay of................... 21

water supply of.....'.................... 21

Freedom, Pa., water supply of............. 78

French Creek, fall of........................ 29

pollution of............................. 18-20

water from, assay of................... 19

G.

Gallagher Creek, water from.............. 23

Galleries, filter. See Filter galleries.

Gallipolis, Ohio, filter wells at............. 64,104

Garrett, Pa., water from, assay of......... 48

water supply of......................... 48
INDEX. Ill

Page. 

Gauley, W. Va., water at................... 97,98

Gauley River, pollution of.................. 96-97

water from, assay of................... 97

Grafton, W. Va., water from, assay of..... 33

water supply at........................ 32-33

Graham, Va., water from, assay of......... 94

water supply of......................... 93,94

Grand Rapids, Mich., filter gallery at...... 57

typhoid fever at........................ 51,57

Greenbrier River, pollution of.............. 94-95

water from, assays of.................. 95

Greensburg, Pa., typhoid fever at .......... 53

water from, assay of .................... 52

water supply of......................... 52

Greenville, Pa., typhoid fever at............ 78

water from, assay of................... 83

water supply of......................... 78,83

Grove City, Pa., water from, assay of...... 84

water supply of.......................... 84

Guyandot, W. Va., water at............... 99,100

water from, assay of................... 100

Guyandot River, pollution of.............. 99-100

water from, assay of................... 100

H.

Hays Mill, Pa., water from, assay of........ 48

Henry, 111., water at........................ 67

Hinton, W. Va., water from, assay of...... 95,96

water supply of......................... 95-96

Homestead, Pa., typhoid fever at.......... 53

water supply of......................... 53

Hughes River, pollution of................. 92

water from, assay of................... 92

Hulton, Pa., filter crib at................... 59-60

filter crib at, water from, assays of...... 59,60

water from, assays of.................. 59

Hundred, W. Va., water from, assay of.... 88

water supply of......................... 87,88

Huntington, W. Va., water from, assay of.. 100

water supply of....................... 100,104

I.

Illinois River, self-purification in........... 53,67

Indian Creek, flow of....................... 65

water of..............'.................. 43,49

water of, assay of...................... 49

Indiana, Pa., wa.ter from, assay of......... 28

water supply of......................... 28,29

Indianapolis, Ind., filter gallery at......... 55

typhoid fever at........................ 51,55

Iron sulphate, coagulation by.............. 70

Ithaca, N. Y., typhoid fever at............. 68

Ivanhoff, D octor, on germicides............ 71

J.

Jamestown, N. Y., typhoid fever at........ 14-15

water from, assay of................... 15

water supply of......................... 14

Jersey City, N. J., typhoid fever at......... 10

Johnsonburg, Pa., typhoid fever at........ 22

water from, assay of................... 24

water supply of......................... 22,24

Johnstown, Pa., typhoid fever at........... 28

water from, assay of................... 28

water supply of......................... 27-28

K.

Kampsville, 111., pollution at............... 67

Kanawha Falls, water from, assay of...... 98

water supply of......................... 97,98

Kanawha River, basin of, description of.... 93

basin of, pollution in............... 93-99,104

pollution of....................... 97-98,98-99

water from, assays of.................. 98,99

Kane, Pa., typhoid fever at................ 14"

water from, assay of................... 14

water supply of......................... 14

Kenova, W. Va., water from, assay of..... 103

water supply of......................... 103

Keystone Junction, Pa., water from, assay

of............................... 47

Kinzua Creek, pollution of.................. 14

Kiskiminitas River, basin of, pollution in.. 27-29

pollution of............................. 29

Kitasato, on germicides..--.-.-............ 71

Kittanning, Pa., typhoid fever at.......... 27

water supply of......................... 27

Knapp Creek, water of..................... 95

water from, assay of................... 95

Knight, C. H.,flow data from.............. 65

Koch, A., on germicides.................... 71

Konradi, , on vitality of bacteria..... 75

L.

Laurel Creek, Pa., pollution of............. 48

water from, assay of................... 48

Laurel Creek, W. Va., water of............. 94

water of, assays of..................... 94

Lawrence, Mass., typhoid fever at.... 10,54,66,70

water supply of......................... 70

Little Kanawha River, basin of, pollution in 91-92

pollution of............................. 91

water from, assays of................... 92

Littleton, W. Va., water from, assay of.... 88

water supply of......................... 87,88

Lorain, Ohio, typhoid fever at............. 79-80

Lowell, Mass., filter gallery at.............. 54-55

typhoid fever at............... 51,54,55,67-68

Lycippus, Pa., water supply of............. 52

M.

McDonald, Pa., water from, assay of....... 76

water supply of......................... 76

McKeesport, Pa., typhoid fever at......... 51,54

water from, assay of................... 50

water supply of.................. 50-52,53-54

McLains Run, water from.................. 23

Mahoning Creek, pollution of............... 27

Mannington, W. Va., water from, assay of. 39

water supply of........................ 39

Marietta, Ohio, typhoid fever at........... 91

water supply of........................ 90

Markleton, Pa., spring at.................. 48

water from, assay of................... 48

Marlinton, W. Va., water from, assay of... 95

water supply of.'........................ 95

Mason, W. P., analyses by............... 106-107

Meadville, Pa., typhoid fever at............ 20

water from, assay of. ................. 20

water supply of......................... 19-20

Mercer, Pa., water from, assay of.......... 83

water supply of......................... 80,83
112 INDEX.

Tage.

Meyersdale, Pa., water from, assay of...... 47

water supply of......................... 47

Middle Island Creek, pollution of........... 90

water from, assay of................... 90

Millvale, Pa., filter crib at.................. 61-62

filter crib at, water from, bacteria in... 61

Milton, W. Va., water from, assay of...... 100

water supply of......................... 100

Mine drainage, effects of.......... 53-54,69-73,104

quantity of............................. 72-73

Mohawk Valley, typhoid fever in........... 54

Monaca, Pa., water supply of.............. 78

Monessen, Pa., typhoid fever at............ 43-44

water supply of......................... 43

Monongahela, Pa., water from, assay of ... 44 

water supply of...................... 43,44,54

Monongahela River, basin of, description of. 30,

53-54,65-60 

basin of, map of........................ 30

pollution in......................... 31-54

drainage of............................. 65

fall of................................... 66

flow of.................................. 65,07

pollution of................. 30,37-44,52-54,65

profile of, plate showing................ 30

self-purification of...................... Co

water of, analyses of ....... 37-39,41,44,52,74

Montgomery, W. Va., water from, assay of. 98 

water supply of......................... 98

Montrose, Pa., filter crib at................ 57-59

filter crib at, water from, assay of...... 58

water from, assays of.................. 58

Morgantown, W. Va., water from, assay of. 39 

water supply of......................... 38-39

Morrison Run, water from................. 15

Moundsville, W. Va., water from, assay of. 87 

water supply at....................... 87,104

Mount Jewett, Pa., typhoid fever at....... 14

water from, assay of................... 14

water supply of......................... 14

Mud River, pollution of................... 99-100

water from, assay of................... 100

N. 

Neshannock Creek, pollution of............ 80-83

water from, assays of.................. 80-83

New Albany, Ind., typhoid fever at........ 67

New Bethlehem, Pa., water supply of...... 26,77

water from, assay of................... 26

New Cumberland, \V. Va., water supply at. 86,87 

New Haven, Conn., typhoid fever at....... 68

New Martinsville, W. Va., water from,

assay of........................ 89

water supply of......................... 89

New River, basin of, pollution in........... 93-96

description of........................... 93

pollution of......................... 95-96,104

view on................................. 94

water from, assay of................... 90

New York, N. Y., typhoid fever at......... 10,54

Newark, N. J., typhoid fever at............ 10

Newcastle, Pa., typhoid fever at........... 82-83

water from, assays of.................. 82,83

water supply of......................... 80-83

North Fork, W Va., water irom, -assay of. 103 

water supply of................... iQl-102,103

O.

Oakland, Md., water from, assay of........ 45

water supply of......................... 45

Ohio River, basin of, pollution in......... 10-104

description of................... 74-75,103-104

pollution of............................ 74-75,

76-78,85-87,89,90,92-93,99-101,103-104 

water of, analyses of. 74,77,87,89,90,91,93,100

Ohiopyle, Pa., flow at...................... 65

water at................................ 48-49

water from, assay of................... 49

Oil City, Pa., typhoid fever at............. 17

water from, assay of................... 18

water supply of......................... 17-18

Oil Creek, pollution of...................... 16-18

water from, assay of................... 18

Olean, N. Y., typhoid fever at.............. 13

water supply of......................:.. 12-13

Oxidation, effects of........................ 66-69

P.

Panther, W. Va., water from, assay of..... 103

water supply of....................... 102,103

views of and near................... 102

Panther Creek, water of.................. 102,103

water from, assay of................... 103

Parker, Pa., pumping station at, view of .. 24 

water supply of......................... 24

water from, assay of................... 24

Parkersburg, W. Va., typhoid fever at..... 90-91

water from, assay of................... 91,92

water supply of...................... 90-91,92

Parkes, , on germicides............... 71

Parsons, W. Va., water from, assays of.... 40 

water supply of......................... 39,40

Pennsboro, W. Va., water from, assay of.. 92 

water supply of......................... 92

Peoria, 111., pollution at.................... 67

Philippi, W. Va., water supply at.......... 32

Pickens, W. Va., water from, assay of..... 32 

water supply at........................ 32

Pinegrove, W. Va., water from, assay of... 89 

water supply of......................... 88-89

Pittsburg, Pa., filter cribs at............... 54,63

filtration plant at."..................... 73-74

views of............................ 72

typhoid fever at..................... 51,63,73

water from, assays of.................. 74

water supply at.................. 51,54,73-74

investigation of.................. 10-11,73

Plymouth, Pa., typhoid fever at........... 54

Pocahontas, Va., water from, assay of..... 94 

water supply of......................... 93-94

Point Marion, Pa., typhoid fever at........ 40

water,from, assay of................... 40

water supply of........................ 40

Point Pleasant, W. Va., filter wells af..... 92,104

water from, assay of................... 93

water supply of......................... 92-93

Port Allegany, Pa., elevation at............ 29

water from, assay of................... 12

water supply of......................... 12

Potato Creek, water of..................... 12

Powers Run, pollution of.................. 22

Profiles of rivers, plate showing............ 30
INDEX. 113

Page.

Punxsutawney, Pa., typhoid fever at......

water from, assay of...................

water supply of.........................

Purification. See Self-purification.

R. 

Raecoon Crook, pollution of................

Redbank Crook, Pa., pollution of...........

water from, assay of...................

Reynoldsville, Pa., typhoid fever at........

water from, assay of...................

water supply of.........................

view of.............................

Riehwood. W. Va.. water from, assay of....

water supply of.........................

Rideal, S. S.. on germicides.................

Ridgway, Pa., typhoid fever at............

water from, assay of...................

water supply of...................... 22

Rivers, profiles of. plate showing...........

Rockwood, Pa., water at...................

water from, assays of..................

Ronceverte, W. Va.. water from, assay of...

water supply of.........................

Rowlesbnrg, W. Va., water from, assay of..

water supply at........................

S. 

St. Albans,W. Va., water from, assay of....

water supply of.........................

St. T.ouis, Mo., coagulation at..............

St. Marys, Pa., water from, assay of.......

water supply of.........................

St. Marys, \V.Va.,water from, assay of ....

water supply of.........................

Salamanca, N. Y., typhoid fever at.........

water supply of.........................

Salem, W.Va.,water from, assay of........

water supply of.........................

Sandy Creek, pollution of..................

Sedgwiek, \V. T., on river pollution .. 54,65 

Sedimentation, conditions favorable to ....

effects of................................

See also Coagulation. 

Self-purification, discussion of..............

theory of...............................

Sewickley, Pa., typhoid fever at............

water from, assay of...................

water supply of.........................

Sharon, Pa., typhoid fever at..............

water from, assay of...................

water supply of..................

Sharpsburg, Pa., filter crib at..............

filter crib at. water from, assay of......

typhoid fever at........................

Shavers Fork, water from, a ssay of........

water of................................

Shenango River, pollution of...............

water from, assay of...................

Shinnston, \V. Va., water from, assay of....

water supply of.........................

Skinners Run, water from..................

Smethport, Pa., water from, assay of......

water supply of.........................

Smithfield, W. Va., water from, assay of....

IRR 161 06 8

Smithfield, W. Va., water supply of

Snodgrass, Doctor, on St. Louis coagulation.. ...........................

Somerfield, Pa., water from, assay of.......

water supply of.........................

Springs, water supply from................

Sternberg, , on germicides............

Stutzer, , on germicides...............

Sulphuric acid, effects of....................

Button, W.Va., water from, assay of.......

water supply of.........................

T.

Talcott, W. Va., water supply of............

Tarentum. Pa., filter crib at................

water from. assay of...................

typhoid fever at........................

Tenmile Creek, water from .................

water from, assay of...................

Terra Alta.W. Va., water from, assay of ....

Page.

88,89

69 

66 

 16 

10 

71 

71

71-73 

99

98,99

83

'8-80,83 

60 

60 

63 

40

. 39,40 

. 78-80 

83 

37 

37 

12 

12

Thurmond, W. Va., water from, assay of.... 96

water supply of......................... 96

Thurmond Creek, pollution of.............. 96

water from, assay of................... 96

Tidioute, Pa., water from, assay of........ 18

water supply of......................... 16,18

Tionesta, Pa., water from, assay of........ 18

water supply of......................... 16,18

Titusville, Pa., typhoid fever at............ 17

water from, assay of................... 18

water supply of......................... 16-18

Toby Creek, pollution of................... 23,24

water from, assay of................... 24

Toms Run, pollution of.................... 24

Tug Fork of*Big Sandy River, description of 101 

pollution of........................... 101-103

intake on, views of and near............ 102

........... 103

41

40,41 

101 

101 

29

31,33 

31,33 

26

30-33 

65

32-33 

26 

33

73,74 

67-68 

9-10

25 water from, assay of...................

66,68 Tunnelton, \V. Va., water from, assay of ...

54,66 water supply of...................... 39-

66-68 j Twelvepole Creek, pollution of.............

	water from, assay of...................

65-73 Two Lick Creek, pollution of................

54 Tygart Junction, water from, assay of.....

77 water supply at........................

30-31

view of.....................

Tygart River, basin of, pollution in

flow of..........................

pollution of.....................

view of.................................

water from, assay of...................

Typhoid fever, germs of, vitality of .. 54,72-

spread of...............................

statistics of.............................

See also particular places.

U.

Uneva, W.Va., flow at..................... 42

Union City, Pa., typhoid fever at.......... 19

water from, assay of................... 19

water supply of......................... 18-19

Uniontown, Pa., water supply of........ 42-43,44

L'rsina, Pa., water from, assay of.......... 48
114 INDEX.

V. Page. 

Vandergrift, Pa., typhoid fever at......... 29

water supply of......................... 29

Verona, Pa., water from, assay of.......... 60

water supply of............. .. ........ 56-60

Wallace, W. Va., water from, assay of...... 37

water supply of......................... 36-37

Warren, Pa., typhoid fever at.............. 16

water from, assay of................... 15

water supply of......................... 15-16

Washington, Pa., typhoid fever at......... 51,76

water from, assay of................... 76

water supply of......................... 75-76

Wayne, W. Va., water from, assay of....... 101

water supply of......................... 101

Waynesburg, Pa., typhoid fever at......... 41

water from, assay of................... 41

water supply of......................... 41

Welch, W. Va., water from, assay of........ 103

water supply of....................... 102,103

Wells, filter. See Filter wells.

Wellsburg, W. Va., water from, assay of.... 87 

water supply of........................ 86,87

West Fork River, flow of................... 60

pollution of............................. 33-37

water from, assays of............ 34,35,36,37

West Newton, Pa., typhoid fever at........ 50

water from, assay of.................... 50

water supply of......................... 50,53

West Union, W. Va., water from, assay of.. 90

Page. 

West Union, W. Va., water supply of...... !/C

West Virginia, stream pollution in........ 85,104

Weston, W. Va., water from, assay of...... 34

water supply 6f......................... 34-35

Wheeling, W. Va., typhoid fever at......... 86

water from, assays of.................. 87

water supply of......................... 86-87

Whetstone Creek, water from.............. 23

Wildwood, Pa., filter crib at............... 62-63

filter crib at, water from, assay of...... 62

water from, assay of................... 62

Williamson, W. Va., water from,.assay of .. 103

water supply of....................... 102,103

Williamstown, W. Va., water from, assay of LO

water supply of......................... 90

Windsor, typhoid fever at.................. 08

Witherell, F. E., analyses by............... 80

on analyses at Newcastle............... 82-83

Woburn, Mass., filter gallery at............ 55

typhoid fever at........................ 55

Wolf Creek, water from.................... 25

Yonkers, N.Y., typhoid fever at........... 10

Youghiogheny River, basin of, pollution in. 44-52 

flow, of.................................. 49,65

pollution of.................... 45-46,48-52,53

profile of, plate showing................ 30

self-purification of................ 53-54, 72-73

water from, assay of................... 46,50

Youngwood, Pa., water supply of.......... 52
CLASSIFICATION OF THE PUBLICATIONS OF THE UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL

SURVEY.

[Water-Supply Paper No. 161.]

The serial publications of the United States Geological Survey consist of (1) 

Annual Reports; (2) Monographs; (3) Professional Papers; (4) Bulletins; (5) 

Mineral Resources; (6) Water-Supply and Irrigation Papers; (7) Topographic Atlas 

of United States folios and separate sheets thereof; (8) Geologic Atlas of United 

States folios thereof. The classes numbered 2, 7, and 8 are sold at cost of publication; the others are distributed free. A circular giving complete lists may be had 

on application.

Most of the above publications may be obtained or consulted in the following ways:

1. A limited number are delivered to the Director of the Survey, from whom they 

may be obtained, free of charge (except classes 2, 7, and 8), on application.

2. A certain number are delivered to Senators and Representatives in Congress, 

for distribution.

3. Other copies are deposited with the Superintendent of Documents, Washington, 

D. C., from whom they may be had at practically cost.

4. Copies of all Government publications are furnished to the principal public 

libraries in the large cities throughout the United States, where they may be 

consulted by those interested.

The Professional Papers, Bulletins, and Water-Supply Papers treat of a variety of 

subjects, and the total number issued is large. They have therefore been classified 

into the following series: A, Economic geology; B, Descriptive geology; C, Systematic geology and paleontology; I), Petrography and mineralogy; E, Chemistry and 

physics; E, Geography; G, Miscellaneous; H, Forestry; I, Irrigation; J, Water 

storage; K, Pumping water; L, Quality of water; ?J, General hydrographic investigations; IN, Water power; 0, Underground waters; P, Hydrographic progress reports. 

This paper is the thirteenth in Series L, the complete list of which follows (PP= 

Professional Paper, B=Bulletin, WS = Water-Supply Paper):

SERIES L, QUALITY OP WATER.

WS 3. Sewage irrigation, by G. W. Rafter. 1897. 100 pp., 4 pis. (Out of stock.)

WS22. Sewage irrigation, Pt. II, by G. W. Rafter. 1899. 100pp., 7 pis. (Out of stock.)

WS 72. Sewage pollution near New York City, by M. (). Leighton. 1902. 75 pp., 8 pis.

WS 76. Flow of rivers near New York City, by H. A. Pressey. 1903. 108 pp., 13 pis.

\VS 79. Normal and polluted waters in northeastern Tinted States, by M. O. Leighton. 1903. 192 pp.,

15 pis. 

WS 103. Review of the laws forbidd.ng pollution of inland waters in the United States, by E B.

Goodell. 1904. 120 pp. 

WS 108. Quality of water in the Susquehanna River drainage basin, by M. O. Leighton, with an

introductory chapter on physiographic features, by G. B. Hollister. 1904. 76 pp., 4 pis. 

WS 113. Strawboard and oil wastes, by R. L. Sacket and Isaiah Bowman. 1905. 52 pp., 4 pis. 

WS 121. Preliminary report on the pollution of Lake Champlain, by M. O. Leighton. 1905. 119 pp.,

13 pis. 

WS 144. The normal distribution of chlorine in the natural waters of New York and New England, by

D. D. Jackson. 1905. 31 pp., 5 pis.

WS 151. Field assay of water, by M. O. Leighton. 1905. 77 pp., 4 pK 

WS 152. A review of the laws forbidding pollution of inland waters in the United States, second

edition, by E. B. Goodell. 1905. 149 pp. 

WS 161. Quality of water in upper Ohio River basin and at Erie, Pa., by S. J. Lewis. 1906. po.,

6 pis!

Correspondence should be addressed to

THE DIRECTOR,

UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY,

WASHINGTON, D. C. 

SEPTEMBER, 1906.

O