Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-07-16

TIoNAL SUPPLY THROUGH THE <S-INcH MAIN
THE DEFECTIVE TUNNEL.
Col John NJ. Wilson's annual report 10 the
chief Of engineers Of the progress of the work
on the aqueduct extension dates only from
March 2. 1889, when he relieved Major Garrett
J, Lydecker Of his duties in that connection.
He reports that the freshet Of June 2 and did
comparatively little damage to the work, which
will be repaired at an early day. The general
condition Of the conduit between Great Falls
and the distributing reservoir is very good, as
was that of the other reservoir and the road
connecting them.
THIRTY MILLION GALLONS DAY DISTRIBUTED.
Observations were made three times during
the year to determine the amount Of water
used in this city by cutting off the supply from
the distributing reservoir and noting the fall
in tweuty-four hours Between the mornings
Of February % and "a the amount used was
1929. S16 gallons, or 1,135,542 gallons more
than was used during an equal period in June,
1888. Between the mornings of April ~ and %
the amount used was e. 1885, IA gallons. or 8, 49,,
l72 less than was used in the twenty-four hours
in February. Between the mornings Of June
% and 20 the amount was q, 70S, 779, gallons or
9l3 635 more than in the April day. The water
at the efauent gate at the distributing reser-
voir was clear ninety three days, slightly tur-
and very turbid eighty-four days. The average
pressure in the mains at Rock Greek was Is. 81
pounds per square inch. The maximum pres
sure was SO pounds and the minimum 2511S
pounds.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT.
During the past year the amount Of money
expended was s15, 946 40, leaving a balance Of
%, "a to be covered into the Treasury. The
usual estimate of S2O, 900 for maintaining the
water supply for the year ending June 80, 1891,
is made.
THE NEW 4S-INoH MAIN.
The report states that during the next year
every effort will be made to maintain the sup
ply in good condition, and that it is hoped and
believed that before the close Of the fiscal year
water will be running through the new 4S-inch
main and that the supply will be equal to all
reasonable demands in every portion Of the city
for the next ten or fifteen years.
sHoDDY TUNNEL WORK.
The report notes the fact of charges being
made as to the soundness Of the tunnel lining
constructed under Maj. Lydecker, and Of the
subsequent investigations and disclosures.
Col. Wilson says: 1T is deemed unnecessary at
this time to refer to it further than to say that
from the reports of these investigations the
terms Of the contract and specifications have
been outrageously violated, and in the lining
OF portion Of the tunnel the contractors
workmen have done the poorest kind of work,
leaving numerous voids beyond the brick
lining, and that where these voids exist the
lining is utterly unfit for the object in view"
NO FURTHER APPROPRIATION ASKED FOR.
In the work of laying the new water mains
the sum Of s1,75l.70 has thus far been ex-
pended, leaving an unexpended balance Of
S573,5 30. There are now outstanding liza
bilities to the amount of S13,449.73. The
amount covered by existing contracts is
S256, 639.79, which leaves an available balance
Of S303, 1878. No estimate for further appro-
priation il submitted, as it is believed that the
amount on hand is sufficient to complete the
work.