New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-08-23
CROTON WATER IMPURITIES
RULES OF TIE STATE BOARD OF HEALTH
pISREGAR9ED BY CITY EMPLOYEES.
SEWAGE EMPTED INTO STREAMS FROM WHICH
NETWORK DRAWS HER sUPPLY-ISvEsTI-

SEWAGE EMPTIED INTO STREAMS FROM WHICH
NETWORK DRAWS HER sUPPLY-ISvESTI-
CATION BY DRs MARTIN AND BEEBE.
DIS. Martin and Beete chemists Of the Health De
oartment who were examining streams, lakes ana
reservoirs in the Croton watershed last week ana
,arching for evidences of water contamination Whch
might account for the tmce OF nitrites noticed IN
the analysis of the water two weeks were eApe'e"
n return to the city ngat In their absence they
had sent letters every day President Wilson, OF t
Health Board describing In DEAL what they mad iouu
worthy of notice. Mr.. Wilson aid yesterday
Il have kept these reports in my pocket ana nave
not shown them to any newspaper men, but the s'ao
ments which they contain will be given 10 the press as
soon as l have opportunity TO consult Win 'lo
chemists. The report in The Tribune to-day regarus
the discoveries OF the chemists in the Croton dslo' -
rot exaggerated In any part, so far as have oose
but appears 10 be n fair general statement ol "
has been discovered in one section of the uisulo'
The letters which have received give many detas u
contamination. l have arranged to meet DTS MAJ i
aDs H1ebe tomorrow and may be able 10 prepare
tll report of their Investigations up TO date' w0h
can give to the press Monday or IuesoaS' in 1
work thus far has been confined to the cas-. O'a0'
q, the Croton River with the streams and lakes that
empty into It, and their report VIII sho" '' io'u"
Of a complete examination of that secuoh'
4Next week they will be sent to begin an exam
While We are about II, might as well make COM
ulefe survey of the entire watershed and learn Just
Tvhat the conditions there are. The reports VIII DC
laid before the Board Of Health for such acon as may
be thought proper and necessary
Mr. Wilson has obtained copies OF rules passed. py
the state Board Of Health which have not been enforced
in the Croton district These rules expressly 1oro4o
the emprying Of sewage any Of the streams lakes
Or reservoirs of the Croton system and II they could be
enforced the sewers which empty into Tonea BROOK at
Brewsters could no longer be used Many other drains
from dwelling houses and factories along the banks OF
the Croton River and Of its tributaries would nave
10 be removed also ~ evidence OF rne to'ai ais
regard OF the rules Of the state Board Of Health, the
rspor Of the chemists Will declare that houses standing
on ground belonging this city in the Croton district
and occupied by engineers in tho Department OF Pubic
Works have drains emptyinc into the east branch OF
the CrotOn River II the cy' paid servants, who are
smplored TO look after the water supply, will permit
sch contamination OF the water il cannot be expected
rat the rujes will be observed by the occupants OF
other houses near the feeders Of the AQueduct. The
rues also forbid Of Ouhouses. garbage dumps,
stables etc within prescribed limits, varying from
fifty feet 70 $50 feet Of the streams and lakes, but
the chemists report will mention many such nulsances
directly on the waters cage.
one Of the first results OF the investigation may be
resolution by the Health Board calling upon the state
Board OF health 10 enforce It's own rules. Another
resolution may ak the Department of Public Works
10 make the departments employees in the CrotOn dis
trict obey the rules.