The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1893-05-27
A STILL WATER HUNT.
Passaic's Valley Invaded
By Jersey City's
Officials.
RESERVOIRS AND LAKES
Flat Water and Sparkling Water
Found on the S. & W.
Boards Trip.

Last night, at eight O'Clock, mayor
Wanser, Corporation Counsel Edwards.
Street and Water Commissioners Yoe,
Cook and Madden, Finance Commission
ers Hitler Detwiller and Simpson, and
Chief Engineer Ruggies arrived in the
Jersey City depot after having spent
twelve hours in ninspecting the watershed
of the Passaic River. The party
left the city early yesterday on
an express train, which carried
then direct TO Oak Ridge. At this point
they were met by John Il. Bartlett, who,
on this occasion. posed as the head repre-
sentative of the MontcIair Water Com
pany. Mr.. BARTLETT received the party
courteously. and introduced the wander
ing officials to an array -of civil
and mechanical enQineers, who,
MIR. Bartlett maintains, are all
shining lights iu that Eprofessiop, and
who. ut the same time, are thoroughly
familiar In every respect with the lie of
the land in tie Passsic watershed aud
have spent mouths in drawing plans
whereby all the engineering difficult
ties to be encountered in con-
jersey City may be surmounted. Car
yiages were in waiting at the Oak Ridge
depot (provided by Mr.. Bartlett) and en-
tering these the officials, water speculate
ors and engineers were driven TO the
great Oak Ridge reservoir, which Mr..
BARTLETT says be owns.
WATER co MPAEY'S PRIDE.
This reservoir is the pride of the East
Jersey Water Company, but In case The
Mcntclair Water Company should receive
the contract 80 supply Jersey City with
water, Jersey City would be entitled to
lay claim upon the immense body of water
stored there The Oak Ridge reserv oir
was explained to the Mayor and his
party as being patural one 1t is about
three miles in length and nearly that dis
rance in width. The water stored
in This reservoir alone is sufii-
cient, Mr. Bartlett maintains, to
kee Jersey City supplied with water
for a period of 100 days In case OF water
famine or apy other unlocked for en-
argency. The water in this reservoir
was as clear as could be expected or de-
sned, but the sparkle, Indicative OF
freshness and also proof that it is run.
ming wafer was missing.
SMALL STREAMS SCARCE.
The officials inquired as to the cause of
fbis, aud the only explanation that
seemed possible, was that there was d
great scarcity OF small streams feeding
into the reservoir. In fact further in-
Quiry into the matter. revealed the fact
InHt this feservoir is almost wholly de-
Pendent upon the rain fall, and not con-
unusus running brooks.
Ths laad surrounding this natural
reservoir was gone over, and &C tho
present time there is nothing to show
that it could become polluted II proper
care exercised.
From Oak Ridge the gentlemen were
driven to Clinton. AT this point Mr..
Battlett's Company has q reservoir, cou-
&,6 f,xrr re Tr To- L..
and half III width and the appearance OF
the water is purer. clearer and possesses
that sparkle that The waters of the Pas
sale above the Great Falls are noted for.
The surrounding country was gone
over and expressions Of regret were
given vent to when clear streams OF
water were seen aud contrasted with the
muddy, foul smelling stuff which is now
being dished up 10 the residents of
this city. AT this point there
is more fear of contamination chan at
Oak Ridge, but Mr.. Bartletcs engineers
ssy that it would be an easy matter to
take care of the sources of. pollution
which may present themselves In future.
CLINToN's WATER.
From Clinton the party was driven to
Homestead, and the sources of supply iu-
spected at this point. The Mayor, who
had never been in that part OF the State
before, was surprised and pleased To see
Tue large QuantltleB OIL pure Water
which are going to waste. The waters OF
the Psquannock we're looked over, and
altogether the trip was a profitable and
enjoyable one.
The intake Of the East Jersey Water
Company was inspected and the water
at this point was of remarkable clearness
and apparent purity.
From the intake the party proceeded by
rail to Paterson, dinner being served en-
route. 1t was intended to visit the Great
Falls, but the day had already been con-
sumed in visiting the more important
points of interest Full of information.
fresh air and pure water. the party re-
turned to this city from Paterson.
ERxT WEEKS VISIT.
Next week tbs sources OF supply or
Hugh .. Riley and Moffet. Hodgkins &
Clarke Company will be inspected.
The Mayor WAS ailinR yesterday, and
did not enjoy the trip as much as he
would have done under different circum-
stapces.
None OF the party cared to discuss the
trip in connection with any proposition
to contract for water supply from the
sources Tlsited yesterday.