The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-09-09

Summing MP, the chemist ssys: "From the
above figures am Of the opinion that the water
is organically pure and has not been subjected
to sewage pollution. Ii is somewhat hard but
this cannot be regarded objectionable
feature
The two samples OF water sent to Prof Curt
man were taken by DR. carp, and the different
processes of collection ana shipping witnessed
by Messrs. Jackson. Motion and Carnegie, while
the sample marked p. q. L. was drawn from the
hydrant at the Meridian National Bank by DR..
carp and Dir. Truslsr and sent to Prof. Left
man. In speaking of the analysis DR.. carp,
who personally superintended the entire investi-
Ratiop says The results of the analysis Of the
water cut no figure whatever AZ far as the 10
vestgation of the charges that water from the
canal has been used to supply the city mains,
from the fact that fhs Board of Health
firmly believe that the dune
valve has not been opened since
the inv sstigaton began, nor had it been used for
some tiule before the present gation-and
the fact that the water from the canal has been
used is unquestioned-bus there 10 one impor-
tant fact that is established by the analysis, and
it is this: the springs and wells at the gallery
capable of furnishing a good quality of water.
but the question arises. is the supply sufficient
for the demands 1t has been the general belief,
that ia to say, previous to the investigs by
the Board of Health, that this was the only
source from which water was taken; yet both oral
and written evidence has demonstrated the fact
that the liersate at the upper part of the gallery
was directly means Of supply, and AR. Sum
mers was ordered TO resort TO its use
whenever necessary. This was no secret with
some members of the company, but was
known to the people. Analysis No ], which
was taken from the flterbox. may be termed
direct equivalent to the water from the river,
and therefore the results analogous, that is to
say, the river water was at that time wholesome
for domestic purposes. This cannot be contro-
verted; yet its source is uncertain, its qualities
are unreliable, and the drainage from the sur
rounding ,iiRtricte threat0ns certain COutaminR-
tion at any time almost without a moments
warning. The Journal, in the issue Of Aug.
20. 1888, published the results of
an analysis made by Charles j. Greenstreet un-
der the direction Prof Van Nuys, of the State
University, and Mr.. Greenstreet Was also used
as q witness by the Board of Health. The water
was taken from the hydrant at 5Sl North Ten
nesseesstreet, and every precaution against any
error was taken. and the results correct as
could be obtained, and at the time the analysis
was made-early in April-was a season when
the waite in the river was likely to be polluted.
The analysis demonstrated that the solids
chlorine, nitric acid anhyd.-orgsnic matter
were far in excess Of what would be denomi-
mated good quality OF drinking water. MIR.
Greenstreet stated that the water con-
tanned large quantities of organ
ic matter, numerous infusoria found
favorable conditions for development and under
the microscope these were found TO Do present.
The facts tend to show that the water at that
time, in April was no better than common river
water, being contaminated by sewage or de-
cayinR organic matter. While the river as q
source, is unreliable some means should be
adopted whereby good quality OF water can be
furnished at all times. Filters, a. . rule, even
though they may be of the most perfect type,
will not transform filthy water into pure water,
and the one in use ~ present simply serves the
purpose of an ordinary strainer."
The result Of the test of the capacity of the
company last week by the board aud tho FIRE
committee of the Council will be made promi-
nent feature Of the report to the Council. Tho
contract with the company requires that 1t shall
furnish eight streams, one hundred feet high,
one hour, whenever there is FIRE alarm. But
five streams, not half the required height, were
furnished when the test was made. and before
the hour was MP the pressure had to DO taken on
on account Of the water in the we'll being OK
hausted. The company claims that the test was
not fair one. but the board, and the members
of the Council committee maintain that IL Was.
They say that il it was not fair test so far
the throwing Of streams was concerned, why
should s.1a the ~, water in the well Tell
filter gate into tho river at the gallery open.
The point was thoroughly discussed at the
meeting Of the board and it was the unanimous
opinion that the conduit line from the gallery to
the well at the power-h house il not large enough
to supply the demand when pressure is de-
manded. This the members believe to be the
secret Of the using of canal water 90 frequently.
II We are not to have canal water in use in our
homes / see but one thing for the company to
do" said q member Of the board last evening,
'and that is to build another conduit. Then
want to see genuine filter put In at Tho gallery
The present filter is made OF rocks and it cannot
keep out the impurities"
The company furnished the board with figures
showing that during the ffty-thres minutes tho
test continued q, 572 gallons passed through the
water-gate at the river into the covered gallery.
The gate was raised but two inches, but can b
lifted up twesty-ons inches. When wide open