The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1866-12-14

REPORT OF THE OPERATIONS OF THE
WATER DEPARTMENT.-The following communi
cation was sent to Councils yesterday by Mr.. Biz
klnbine, Chief Engineer of the Water Works.
4 the Select and Common Councils Of the City of
Philadelphia
Gentlemen :-Tbere seems to be misunderstand
ing OF the manage ment and condition of the affairs
OF this Department and also an impression that
the improvements made 10 the Works are not judi
cious expenditures; and as these impre sons in the
minds of members OF your honorable body are in
juriouslY affecting the interests OF the Department
as well as myself, to whom you have IntrUsted the
Department TOR six years and half, would most
respectfully ask your attention TO the following
statements, designed to vindicate the actiOn OF
Councils In authorizing the work, and in making
the appropriation for carrying it on, as well
my own behalf; and requesting such action on your
part as may be deemed proper in the premises.
On taking charge OF the Water Works in July
1903 large number OF Dei ions from various parts
resolution directing me to report upon means OF
furnishing an adequate supply OF water for all parts
of the city. In answer to the resolution, report
was presented to COuu ellis in October(see Appendix
No 22O, "Journal OF Select Council" 1853, page 442l
of the extension and improvements OF the works
suggested IN the report The improvements made
under resolution of Councils nave cost $644 033 g.
The results of these improvements have been;-
list An increase of the pumping capacity OF the
Works of twenty SIX million gallons per day. I'd.
An increase OF the storage capacity OF the Works OF
twenty mi lion Pallons 80. Annctease of the daily
capacity OF the mains for distributing water OF
tV enty -four million gallons 4th The connecting OF
the Works, so that they can ali be made TO assist
each other instead OF being entire independent
before. ~"
1he total capacity of the Works for pumping and
distributing water previous to these improvements
was about seventeen million gallons per day or
thirtyour gallons per nhabitant, while the amount
supplied last year to greatly increased population
was forty gallons per inhabitant he capacity
OF the Works Is thus more than doubled by an eX-
penditure OF less than one-ffth their original cost
The total saving in the running expenses result ting
from these improvements will not be apparent until
next year. but ii may be estimated at from seventy
five Thousand to one hundI ed thousand dollars per
annum. AS no accurate accounts were kept OF
pumping expenses prior TO 1853, detailed STATE.
ment is Impossible .
In 1863 one pound OF coal was consumed for 472B
coal for every 898 6-10 gallons, showing saving in
coal alone of 4766 tons, which, at SO 26 per ton,
would be S29 1876 There is a corresponding saving
IN other items OF expense pnd next year, when the
full benefits of these improvements are Teallzed.
there Will be further saving OF about $40 COO in the
expense OF pumping.
In 1867 the net profits upon the Works, after de-
Quoting all expenses were fifty-two per cent In
1866 they were over hftyhVe per cent, showing an