New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1853-07-11
WATER SUPPLY FOR BROOKLYN.

While Nev-l0ik rejoc~s in the CrOion, ner great
suburb beyond the Ea. River has had 70 depend on the
limited resources of wells and cisterns. This evil Is
perhaps appreciated in It's full extent only by tame'
moving there from this side but yet il has been found
so generally oppressive to lead various pans for
the removal Of the difficulty 1, was first proposed TO
carry the Croton under the bed Of the East RIVER IN
order aferwsrd TO pour into great reservoir at some
high point in Brooklyn. Another plan bring ia
The water Of the Bronx. which through Wesches-
ter County and after introducing it By means of 3
reservoir and large pipes across the East RIVER
to construct dam of sufficient elevation TO distribute
it through mains from East Brooklyn through the differ
ent parts OF the city On making an Investigation into
the smoDnt of water that the Bronx would supply IL
found that only about ten millions of gallons coud
be procured each day This was thought TO be insult
Glen, snd the plan Was abandoned.
third plan vas to introduce the water of the Lakes
on Long Isand-such as Rsnconkoma and others but
some of these lakes are situated distance Of from
fifty to sixty miles from the city, the expense of alue
ducts, yaducts and open canals thought TO be too
enormous. While at the same time there was some IN
certainty as 10 the amount of water which could thus
be obtained
fourth plan TO DIG wells in the vicinity of Brook
w. and obtain the water which is found in the sands or
gravel at the foot of the ridges in the negbborhood OF
Istbusb On making an examination Of the amOlu'
collected in the permeabe strata Of that vicinity AMI
the area of country drained by these natural reservoirs,
found that sufficient quantity could not be OBJ
tanned from this source nasmuch as il liable TO the
seton Of the and tides, and was only found in large
quantities above the proper level of the This
fact taken in connection with the experience Of other
places demonstrated the utter impossbty of getting
supply from such wells hence the plan was laid aside by
the engineers engaged by the City and attempt
made to carry il into execution.
The fifth and last plan to resort 10 the streams
running on the south side of the island, taking their
rise al different points of the ridge of hills which form
What is called the back bone of Long Islaad" These
streams are numerous. and comprise some ten or
twelve brooks or natural wster-courses lying within
twenty to twenty-five miles of the city.
For the purpose OF discovering the amount of water
flowing through these streams. from time 20 time,
series of scientific experiments were made under the
direction of Mr. McAlpine, the State Engineer. The
rang usces we're taken during the years commencing
in l-26 ard ending in l-5, from different points along
the streams. This went TO show the amount OF water
which fell every year upon the of country drained
by them; thus giving fair standard of the quantity
which may be expected TO fall henceorh. The differ
ent streams then guaged day by day for period
of from fourteen 10 sixteen months, persons being
plo ed watch the gusges every three hours,
ond note down the quantity Of water passing. These
observations seemed to demonstrate that during she
whole year supply of water may be calculated upon
amounting TO thirty-twO millions of gallons per day,
which would be sufficient to supply the city, providing
its population increased according to the present ratio,
for the fifteen or twenty years At the same time
it thought that, BY proper reservoirs and works,
and the introduction of water from other streams lit
tie more distant from the city adequate supply 'or
all time might be had. The present population of
Brooklyn taking If az $50 OOO would require, 20 give
thirty gallons per day each Bhabtant four millions
aud bait of gallons daily aud the present daily surplus
Of water from these streams over and above the mme-
date required supply, would be twentyseyen millions
Of gallons.
This, it has been thought would b. a sufficient
reserve TO meet the of the city for many years
10 come and with the certain knowledge that an add
tional supply could be introduced when required
Tie plan has been decided by scientific mea to be the
only feasible Of giving TO Brooklyn hat she so
much needs In connection with the above nyesiga-
items the water Of the different streams has been ana
USED and found be Of purity not exceeded by any
that now used in supplying American cities, with the
exception OF the Cochituate water az Boston, which is
supposed to be the bes in the world. Il il estimated
that the entire of the WORKS proposed 10 be
ed will be 100000 and that the extension 70 be
required hereafter will cost 81 100000 in addition
This plan. being the only one yet brought forward
which to offer prospect Of attaining the desired
object is to-day to be submitted TO the people OF Brook
Ign adoption rejection. In order TO enable them
10 vote integenty upon IT, additional facts should
bee borne in mind.
The Common Council of the City have for the last
two three years manifested considerable activity in
looking for source whence supply Of water could be-
had and az different times they have spent considerable
sums Of money for the purpose Of perfecting their
raDqements An act Of the Legislature Vas obtained
some three years ago 10 give them power funds
to the amount OF 100000 in order purchase water
courses and make preliminary examinations and cacu-
lations They accordingly employed Mr. McAlpine who
went fully INTO the subject. and produced an ample
rerorr. upon which s based the late action OF the
Board Some $4,000 have been expended in the prose
cuton Of these Investigations until it has been demon
.rated that a sufficient quantity Of water can be OBJ
tanned In the meantime the Corporation neglected 70
secure positive rights in the in question and
number Of gentlemen observing this neglect established
by ac, Of incorporation Company, under the Maine Of
the WILLIAMSBURG Water Company, % obtain supply
for the City Of WIamsburgh aud its vicinity and then
bought up rte right Of the principal streams
thus stealing d march upon the Corporation Of
Brooklyn.
When the City applied 70 the Legislature
al rs LAST regular session for power y pro-
ceed with the water plan hey were opposed BY this
Comnany and ther application for an sct authorizing