The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-01-28
OUR WATER SUPPLY.
WHAT AN EXPERT SAYS CONCERNING THE CON

WHAT AN EXPERT SAYS CONCERNING THE CON-
pITIoN OF THE cRoroN AQuEpUcT
Tho scarcity Of Croton winter times in tho city, and
especially in uptown districts where the ground IS
high has often attracted the attention Of the pubic,
and is old story Tho fact OF the matter IS
however, the water supply Of New York is subject
iraught with more importance than Is generally con-
ceded In conversation with General Egbert L.
yiee yesterday number OF facts and interesting data
was obtained, which will help to point out the neces-
sty giving closer attention the water supply than
has heretofore been done.
THE PRESENT AouFprcr
In reference the subject General Vice said:-The
Croton Aqucduct was constructed nearly forty years
ago under the impression that It's capacity would be
sufficient for all purposes for at least century
was considered at the time built 10 be mos
substantial and enduring structure. and one would
stand many hundreds of years. The High BRIDGE
as It Is called which the pipes arc conveyed 10
bring thewatcr into the city was regarded as one OF
the greatest monuments OF engineering sAi ~ 'no
world
MILLIONS WASTED.
The elaborate aqueduct within the city limits. Iaced
with stone and inicrsccted by immense arcncs LOT
the passage OF the streets was also grand anair,
costing some IS, 000 0eO. Yet II was discovc1eo IN
few years that II was entirely unnecessary and great
damage 10 property in tho vicinity, and II has there
lore been destroyed and replaced oy pipes unoc, WIG
surface at cost OF over 90 ooo ooo so Una. muous
OF the structure Then again, High Bridge was an ex.
pensve ana unnecessary structure us tue pipes cou'o
just well have been carried under the Harlem RIVER,
IN the same way they are carried under the deprcs-
SION at Maphatianvlc Many millions might have thus
been saved had such course been pursued.
wnAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN DONE
II some OF the elaborate aud costly labor thus
thrown away had been expended ON making me aqu,.
duet substantial and secure ~ passes through
the nnulnerabc valleys and Mills OF Westminster
county the spot where receives the waters OF the
Croton River ut the dam, VIC should not now be
trembling tho possible contingencies that spring
rcsnet might produce In tho brie interval Of single
nigh. 1t VIII not do 10 refer TO the possibility as
needless alarm.
The warnings Vi the leaks IN the Worcester dam that
broke and swept with It's vast volume oil wafer iikc
"bcsom destruction through the valley IN whch
the Lyme brooks were located, we're no less omnous
IRON bong unhecded. IL Is better we should kno"
the whole truth provide against the evil day be-
fore II is too late. Time and improper construction
have united to materially weaken .ne mquSuu.' h ~
number OF places Temporary cxpedicn's nave osen
resorted stop the cakages, but the causes tnas
created them arc always at work 10 increase them
FIssuREs ~ THE WATER CONDUIT
Large Gssures exist water conuuit, caused ny
defects the original foundation where the aqueducs
crosses MINOR valleys in wesichcser county.
In some places the spring Hoods have had tendency
to undermine the at thu Sc points, anu the
consequence has been gradual giving way o. me sup
ports oil The conduit, causing assures through WHICH
tho water flowed from the aqueducL
SWIFT REPAIRS.
Into these assures materials have been placed from
time time 10 stop leaks which, we're they alioweu
to increase, would the whole structure down 10
It's base into the adjoining valcys, carrying Win ho
immense volume Of that would follow dis
aster which can only be contemplated with dread
PREPARED.
In such an what would be the condition OF New
York we're large conhagraton to break ouls The
scenes Of 1885 would be renewed with hundrcd-'old
loss Who're would the water from Tor the mill
ION inhabitants OF hs CITY 10 drink while the aqueduct
was being repaired? What would be the extent IN dol
lars and cents our already Impoverished treasury
and overture ened taxpayers. might give you addi-
toual Information. continued General Vlele, to show
how really important is 10 the people Of tins great
city to become alive the Importance OF this subject,
but reel have spoken sufficient to call attention to
not only immediate but intelligent action on tae part
OF the authorities 10 this important question.