New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-03-27
A NEW CITY WATER SUPPLY.
6 Editor OF The Trt6uRs.

To the EDITOR OF The TrtonRs'
SIR: / see that Prof. Eastman of Pough-
keepse has proposed plan for supplying New York and
the vicinity with fresh water from the Hudson at Pough
Ike epte by pumping it into reservoir near that place
and then conducting through some kind Of tubes to
the new reservoir the west branch Of the Croton.
should like TO mention few OF the obstacles which he
appears TO have overlooked. In the first place, the
new reservoir in the town OF Kent, Putnam County, s
upward OF coo feet above tide water and the face Of the
country, for about five miles north from that point,
ascends rapidly render 1t mpractcable to build
railroad It, without dyerging several miles to
the east Of direct course to lengthen the grades.
Iwl admit Prof. Eastman has some cause to think
that Poughkeepsie may have location for reservoir
more than 800 feet above the river But II It has, do
not understand how Prof Eastman designs TO carry such
stream OF water the valleys OF Wappngers and
Fshk Creeks, and the intervening ridge to get 1t
to the Highlands Then, whether he would propose to
elevation Of about $50 feet In siphon. think an at
tempt 10 do either would be unwise And the distance
perhsps by typographical error was given as about
10 miles too short.
Bnt casting these objections aside by admitting that
the superior engineering skill Of the present or sue
ceeding generation may overcome them IL still must be
an enormously expensive waste OF power 70 elevate the
water this point which be least 300 feet higher
than any point where 1t would be used
II well known that the City of New-York alone now
in dry Summers requires all tho water the Cr0on River
can supply; the fact being too apparent TO admit OF
controversy that IL will soon be inadequate to meet the
constantly increasing demand. Then villages along the
hanks OF the Hudson and other parts OF Westchester
County rapidly assuming the proportions OF cities
which will be promoted by the systems OF rapid transit
which the citizens of New-York appear determined to
push forward to completion and these villages are all
insuficently supplied with this essential element
Therefore, deny that ~ Is not only desirable
but absolutely necessary that larger supply should be
obtained, 1 will venture 10 suggest plan which ap
pears 10 be the most feasible economical aud sim
Die for obtaining fresh water from the HudsQn. be-
ieye IL generally conceded that the water OF the Hud
son at short distance above P0ughkeepsle at all
tunes tho year sufficiently free from saline and other
Impurities " adapt II To general use.
Admitting this would propose 10 lay tube OF wood
or iron Of sufficient In the channel Of the Hudson
from Brooklyn to such point above Poughkeepsie as
might be deemed best, allowing the cities and villages
On either bank to connect with II by branches ncreas
ing the size OF the whenever branch attached
the upper end to be protected the principle
the tube under Lake Michigan, through which Chicago
gets Its supply OF water Let each city and village max
ing connection share In the expense In proportion to
it, population and distance from the upper end, or
such other basis would be equitable.
Then let each city and village construct Its own reser
voirs furnish and maintain its pumping machinery
pumping little much. To such elevation
ns It's demands might require, or resources AFFORD
This would obviate all trouble about adjusting
the expense between the different corporaons and by
making the submarine tubes large enough, tho supply
may increased with the demand, almost Indefinitely
by increasing the facilities for pumping The main tube
whether constructed of wood ronfw0ud not need IN
be very heavy, the internal and external pressure
ryer would not be wrought by tho action OF winds
Its position would also keep the water AT low
perature IN Summer, and always above freezing In
Winter; and II constructed Of good quality OF TIMBER
water out, could be- sunk lbY loading IL WIN
stones, and being wholly excluded ifron air. would last
for y IL. "a,
Iorki1wn. Y. T.. March u, 1853.