The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1891-08-27
MAP OF THE cRoroN WATERSHED.
taminsted by filth and sewage? II It cannot
be avoided. who Ia responsible for a water

taminsted by filth and sewage? II It cannot
be avoided. who Is responsible for water
system which is. therefore. q monumental
failure? II 1t can be avoided. how 10 1t that
the evil has been permitted to gain a toothold?
Whatever the cause. what can be done to right
the wrong In the quickest possible timer
The city officials declare that 1t is no fault OF
| theirs that sewage and other communicating
matter Is running continually into the foun-
talns OF our water supply. They have long
known OF the existence OF the abuses which
have recently developed results which tho
analyses OF the chemists Of the Board Of
Health show to be threatening II not at the
moment dangerous. The Commissioner Of
Public Works ia the man who Is charged with
the preservation OF the purity OF our water.
Bnt it appears that the law has tied his hands.
lie IL In ofYect an adviser only.
Tho real power is In tho hands OF body to
whom this citys interests are but one OF many.
The Legislature OF the State assumes the con-
troll OF our water system. and the Legislature
has given into the hands Of the State Board OF
Health. another foreign body. tho right to
make the rules to govern our watershed.
while 1t has failed to give US tho means OF self.
protection. Until the Legislature meets. there
appears to be no power IN the State to which
We can appeal.
Meantime there docs not appear to be any
reason for popular water scare based upon
fears OF pestilence. Tho analyses. while they
show tho presence in the water Of foul mpuri-
ties. do not disclose any typhoid or other dis
ease germs. 1t is probable that NO ono will
feel evil results from using the water
in moderation. Besides. rainy period
would relieve tho situation somewhat,
for reasons to be explained later. Still.
1t Is unpleasant to know that our water Is
tainted with such foulness. and the situation
becomes sufficiently grave when VIC consider
that. so long as sewage and tho refuse OF out
houses are allowed TO drain into our water. It Is
always In danger OF boing charged with germs
The Examination by the Board of Health has
The he Groom watershed his is the eonntly
Reservoir l. including Sodom and Bog Brook.
GLANCE at the ACCOMPANYING map Will show
l IL but Inc snrs
sSyd covers s" So The Hoard ' n fes viii
continue h the eTamlns,on oyer the entire ter,
same condition OF Affairs will not DO found
There is a general impression that additions
to the ciiy's territory Ia tn" watershed were
IN the water come from this new territory.
as bu ni hs ana others Nsw
same. Our, wafer has the same sources as it
ssss saf s Gn now sssnf Back ts sS
dams.
THE SOURCES OF OUR WATER SUPPLY
:, The c9pnty from which ws get our water
countlss. II 10 back among the hills east OF the
Hudson River; The centre Of the region IS
patch OF land roughly oval. surrounded on ali
sides by hi 10 aud small mountains. The Cro-
ton River rises In Its extreme northern part
and nds 4. w Ssn.1 to fhs Hudson a.
streams abound in every part. The county
is largely given up 70 farming. i is dotted
Mahopac and Lake Gleneida are wellknown
resorts. Practically every drop OF water which
tributes to the water supply OF this town. anil
every Jake. pond. river. and brook In 1t s, or
should be, sacred to this purpose.
like. In the southwest corner OF the map. Is the
principal reservoir. !twss made years ago By
eventually fow tho waters from all the other
reservoirs IN the tract and from u lows al