Omaha daily bee., 1888-01-08
DVNCAN'S REpORT.
Statement Of the Inspector of Plumb
ing to the Mayor.

Robert Il. Duncan, the inspector of plumb
ing, rcfutcs the charges that have been mado
to the effect that he has been derclict in tho
discharge of his duties. He cites proofs to
bear him out that he has been faithful and
fully alive to the responsibilities resting upon
him, in the prosecution of which he has
worked nights and sundays. Appended is
MIR, Duncar's report since his assuming
Office last July;
TO the Honorable, the Mayor and City
Council of the City of Omaha: Gentlemen
! suomit herewith report of work done un-
der ordinance No. i420. | was appointed
June u, 1857, was assigned to duty in place
of ID. kcnnston July -, 1857. There have
been issued to plumbers ,O9l permits to cut
the streets To the American Watcrworks
company liS permits some of which include
more than one cut making the number OF cuts
about 2sU. To the gas company 3S3 permits,
number OF cuts about $40 A grand total
of 2,236 cuts during the year 1887.
| have made u final inspection of 4S1 cuts
that is. the liability of the parties making
that number of cuts has ceased by reason of
the expiration of the time given in the bond
do not pretend to say that the cuts are all in
perfect condition, especially am | unable to
tell where cuts have been made in streets
that have since been paved over cuts. In
connection with this fact | will say that tho
cuts made in July last will be subject to in
spcction in January, lSSS. AS the ground is
covered WlIu snow II thorough inspection ls
impossible; the same trouble is liable to oc-
cur on cuts made III August, September and
October of the same year.
II has been almost impossible to get the
cuts made in cedar block pavemcnts repaired
untilrccently arrangements having been made
at the suggestion of the chairman of the
board of public works whereby the ropavng
may be done in substantial manner
Since the 18th of July, 1887, there has been
eleven arrests for violation of ordinance l42O.
One case was dismissed, the remaining ten
were assessed in fines and costs Sl09
would respectfully call your attention to
the fact that ordinance 1920 does not specify
clearly enough the manner in which plumb
ing should be done in order to comply with
sanitary rules and regulations that should
govern Il class of work of such vital import
Also some regulations ought to be made
which would remedy faulty work done be-
fore ordinance l420 was passed.
l find numerous cases where houses in
which many persons live are but rcckng
cesspools, the foul carnations from which
contaminatc not only the promises whero
such cases occur, but The surrounding neigh
borhood is made unfit to live in.
also find in some fine residences where
health is Il first consideration that the deadly
sewer gas is working its insidious way al.
most unnoticcd by the occupants, because
they become used to the smell And they
are only made aware of the trouble by its
effects on the general health ON the inmates.
All of the trouble could be avoided by q
thorough inspection and the adoption of rules
that would compel owners of buildings to 90
the plumbing in strict conformity with san.
itary rules and regulations.
great deal more might be said on this
subject, but respectfully submit the fore.
going. RoBERT ID. DUNCAN,
Inspector of Plumbing.