Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-11-21

THE CITY's WATER.
Facts From Superintendent Hayden's
Annual Report.


Facts From Superintendent Hayden's
Annual Report.
Mr.. II. T. Hayden, superintendent Of the
water department in his annual report, which
was submitted to Capt Lusk today, SAYS
that since the completion of the new
-eight-inch main and its connect
ing branches by the United States and
the readjustment Of the water valves in
the distribution system to give the higher elevs-
tons, % far as possible their proportion of the
increase in the water supply, complaints Of the
scarcity Of water have been comparatively few.
HYpRANrs AND DRINKING FOUNTAINS.
There are now 282 public hydrants in Wash
ington. Eleven new improved hydrants were
erected during the year. There are 80 drink
ing fountains in use, Of which were recently
furnished by the Humane Society Of the
city and erected by the water depart
ment The Humane Society, owing to
the want Of funds, have been unable to
meet the demand for more fountains. These
drinking fountains, although inadequate in
number, have been source Of great mercy
and relief to animals, especially during the
preparation Of $4,000 for the purchase. re-
placement and repairs Of public driking foun-
tains.
There are now 1850 fire hydrants In service
Twenty-three of the improved hydrants we're
erected during the year and have given great
satisfaction. There are 27l public pumps in
the District Twenty-seven new common
sense pumps" were erected and seventeen wells
we're filled and abandoned on chemical evidence
OF their permanent pollution.
ABANDONING POLLUTED WELLS.
Whenever the chemical analysis indicated
that the water WAS polluted or Of suspicious
quality the surroundings Of the well were care
fully examined. and in almost every in
stance the source of contamination could
be traced to surface or sewage drain
age, causing q gradual impurity to a con-
repeated attempts to cleanse it was found i'm
possible to change the character of the water
TO any extent. Every precaution has been
taken to preserve the wells that were found
In passable wholesome condition. Prof.
Clifford Richardson, the chemist of the engi-
neer department, in his report Of 1889 says:
| "What I should recommend would be to in
crease the appropriation for wells and pumps
to such an amount that in those portions Of the
city where they are most in need and where ii
is possible number Of deep wells should be
sunk by boring and casing to the bottom with
iron pipe, SO as not to admit Of the possibility
Of surface contamination"
BORING AND LINING wELLs
Mr.. Hayden says: II fully concur in Mr..
Richardson's recommendation realizing that i,
is the only method by which water can be OBJ.
tanned within the city limits for pumps
that will prove wholly safe and suitable for
domestic use. I would recommend that the
annual appropriation for the purchase oil
pumps and the care Of wells be increased to
$1,000, and that 81 900 Of the same be used for
sinking wells to considerable depth by boring
and lining them with iron pipe and erecting
pumps adapted for deep we'll service.
1T will only be necessary for me to mention
briefly the Importance of bringing an increased
supply Of water to meet the present and in.
closely settled envlrons of Washington AND
Georgetown. as Capt James L. Lusk has now
the matter under consideration" He calls at
tention to the inadequacy Of the present com
pensation Of the employees Of the distribution
branch OF the water department
THE HIGH-sERvIcE PUMPS.
The Gaskill pumping engines and boilers a
the U street station, he says, are in a satisfac
tory condition. Since the high-service district
east OF Rock creek and south of Boundary, wa,
superseded in March last by the supply o.
water from the new 4S-inch main the pumping
| engines have been used expressly for the
| stand-pipe area north of Boundary and wher
| not in service have been held in readiness tc
supply the stand pipe in care of fire in the
| said area. The pumping engines and boilers
| at the Georgetown station have beer
! kept in good repair. During the pas
| five months $50 premises, including the
| stables of the Metropolitan Railroad
Company were taken from the high service
He proposes improvements that would increase
! the efficiency Of the pumping engines and
necessitate an expenditure of IS, 582.
During the year 1855 feet of 3-inch, 2,85t
feet Of 4inch and 34 1877 feet Of 6-inch cast iror
water pipe was laid