The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1894-11-20
AFTER THE PLUMBERS
They Tap the Mains Without
Reporting It-New Speeif-
cations Not New.

While the Street and Water Com
m~issioners are leaving no stone unturned
to procure al satisfactory supply of
pure and wholesome water, they are
preventing consumer of Passaic from
using it without paying for it. At a
meeting of the board held last night
the following resolution was adopted
Whereas. AS owing to the failure
of many of the licensed plumbers of
this city to report to the proper authori-
ties such changes as are made by them
in the service to consumers of Passaic
water; and
Whereas, 1t is practically impossible
to make a correct assessment for the
use of water unless proper report is
made, and without which the loss to
the city of a large amount of money
is annually entailed;
Resolved, That the Water Assessor be
directed to hereafter report to this
board the names of such plumbers who
fail to render a proper report as afore-
said, and if, after investigation by COM
mittee, the individuals complained of are
found to nave been negligent as charged
that his or their licenses shall be re-
voked for such period as the circum-
stances may seem to warrant"
Plumbers, it has been discovered, have
been tapping the mains indiscriminately
and not reporting that fact to the
board. In this way entire buildings
have used Passaic water for months
free of charge. The rule of compelling
plumbers to report every connection
made becomes operative Immediately.
NEW SPECIFICATIONS NOT NEW.
1t has been said recently that the
Commissioners are having new water
specifications prepared, but there appears
to be no foundation for the statement.
From one of the members / learned last
night that the original specifications are
to be changed in only one particular,
and that the standard of purity at which
One of the officials who favors a
new supply and has to act officially
this morning:-"The opposition of FL
nance Commissioners Jones and Harden
bergh to everything that has been done
has caused considerable delay. For the
dropped. 1t will probably not be resur-
rected until after an effort is made to
secure the passage by the Legislature
of a bill giving water works builders
to whom contracts are awarded the
right to condemn property to procure
a bountiful supply Of water for cities.
Such a law had to be passed for New
ark, and Jersey City will not be able
u SO ~ A1S AAFSA - - 11RRAS 1890
similar legislation is procured. 1t is
hoped by everyone interested in the &C
QUESTION of a new supply that Commits
sioners Jones and Hardenbergh will re-
move their objections to the employment
of Engineer Church and also oncur in
the advertisement for bids"
ONLY GRAVITY NEED APPLY.
The Street and Water Commissioners
are as determined as ever to specify
only a supply by gravitation. They insist
that it is the only supply Mayor Wanser
will entertain and say that it win be a
waste of time and money to advertise
for q pumping supply.
President Macarthur opposed a pump
ing supply delivered at Belleville for the
reason tina it will compel the city to
continue the operation of Belleville and
High Service. These branches of the
Water Department cost the city $150,000
a year, or the interest on 81, 900, 900. Mr..
Macarthur declares that he cannot see the
~advisability of maintaining a pumping
station when it is not necessary. He es-
Inmates the cost of a new plant at
IS. 1000. 900, and contends that a supply
by gravitation can be furnished as well
for that sum as to stick to the old
method of pumping. He will oppos any
plan where pumping is required.
1t is believed that bids for a new sup
ply will be advertised for some time in
January. After the bids are received
the usual inspection of each bidders plan
will be made.