The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-01-28
OUR WATER SUPPLY.

WHAT AN EXPERT SAYS CONCERNING THE con-
pITIoN or THE cRoroN AQUEpUcT.
The scarcity Of Croon at times in tho city, and
especially IN uptown districts where the ground Is
high, has often attracted the attention of the public,
and is now an old story. The fact OF the matter Is,
however, the water supply OF New York is subject
iraught with more Importance than Is generally con-
ccded In conversation with General Egbert L.
yiee yesterday number OF facts and interesting data
obtained, which will help point out the neces'
sity of giving closer attention water supply than
has heretofore been done.
THE PRESENT AouFDrcr
In reference to the subject General Vice said:-The
Croton Aqucdnct constructed nearly forty years
ago under the impression that It's capacity would be
sufficient for all purposes for at least century ~
considered ut the time II was built 10 be mos
substantial and enduring and one that would
stand many hundreds Of years. The High Brdge,'
It called, over which the pipes are conveyed to
bring thewatcr into the city, regarded as one OF
the greatest monuments OF engineering sRiI IN inc
world
MILLIONS WASTED
The elaborate nQucduct within the city limits laced
with cut stone and ntcrseced by immense arches Tor
the passage OF the Streets was also grand AFFAIR,
lew years that was entirely unnecessary and great
damage to property in tho vicinity ana u mas mere
surface a, cost Of over $4,000. Oo6; that about
$4,000 900 was absolutely thrown away on that portion
OF the structure. Then again, Hsh brdRe WAS an eA
pensive I'm necessary structure as the pipes could
just well have been carried under the Harlem RIVER,
in The way they are carried under the depres-
sion at MaDhattanvic Many millions might nave mus
been saved had such course been pursued
WHAT HAVE BEEN DONE
II OF the elaborate aud costly LABOR thus
thrown away had been expended on making the aque-
duct more substantial and II passes through
Inc ,nnuinerablc valleys and Mills OF Wcstchestcr
county 10 the spot the OF the
Croton River ut the dam, VIC should not now he
trembling at tho possible CONTINGENCIES that spring
grog yttU nrndne n ha u "A
night II VIII not do 10 refer 70 the possibility as
needless alarm.
The warnings oi tho leaks IN the Worcester dam that
broke and swept with us vast volume oil waller IKE
the Lyme brooks were located, were no less ominous
IRON bong unheedcd. IL is better we should know
the whole truth and provide against the evil day ne,
fore is late. Time and improper construction
have united TO materially weaken the aqueduct IN
number OF places Temporary cxpcdicn,s have been
resorcd to 10 stop the lcakages but the causes mat
created them are always Mt work TO increase them
FIssuREs WATER CONDUIT.
Large lssurcs in the water copuuit, caused ny
defects in the original foundation where the aqueduct
certain minor valleys IN Westchcstcr county
In some places the spring Hoods have had tendency
UNDERMINE the structure at III, Sc points and tho
consequence has been gradua giving way OF he sup
ports OF the conduit, causing assures through whcn
tho water flowed from the aqueduct
MAKE SWIFT REPAIRS.
Into these assures materials have been placed from
to ipcrcase would wash the whole structure down 10
It's base into the adjoining valcys. carrying with the
immense volume OF water mat would lOIOW u us
aster which can only be contemplated with dread.
PREPARED.
In such event whit would be the condition OF New
York large conhagraton to break out! The
scenes Of 1885 would be renewed with hundred-old
loss Where would the water come from Tor the mill
inhabitants OF this city To drink while the aqueduct
being repaired? What would be the extent IN dol
lars and cents to our already Impoverished treasury
aud overburdened taxpayers. might give you addi-
tional Information. continued General Vele, to show
how really important II Ia 10 tho people Of this great
city to become alive the Importance OF this subject.
lut Okpn Ia
only immediate but intelligent action on tae part
OF the authorities 10 this important question.