The daily morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1883-1899, 1894-12-02

Low water Is confined to about six
weeks of summer and autumn, and
during nine months or more the aver
age flow of the stream is probably
about double the minimum. Calculat-
ing the discharge for the year on the
basis of this assumption the total run-
Off Of the entire water shed would
apount to 30 per cent Of the probable
precipitation, assuming the rainfall to
be the same as recorded in Astoria,
where the mean precipitation, as shown
by the records kept since 1850, has been
75.49 inches; the minimum being 40.SS
inches in 1884, and the maximum being
10O.42 inches in 1871,
A run-off of so per cent of this mean
rainfall, or even more, may reasonably
be expected from such a water shed,
which would give an average daily
flow of about 100000 gallons. From
all these facts and calculations of
measurements Of flow, which assume
to have been taken with a fair degree
of accuracy, l draw the conclusion
that If the conduit, as designed be con-.
structsd with a capacity of 100000 gall
Ions daily, 1t will not be too large to be
fully supplied by the stream, provided
the water shed be not stripped of It's
forests; nor will 1t be too greatly in
excess OF present consumption to be
considered as an extravagant provision
for future growth. In fact, regard the
capacity OF the conduit as planned to
be such as will best meet all condi-
tlons of supply and demand. If the
stream falls to a minimum of 100000
gallons 1t is only for so short period
that the shortage of 100000 gallons
per day for say 40 days, can be made
up by a small storage reservoir that
may be constructed at the point of
diversion which is located In q narrow
rocky gorge, admirably suited to the
cheap construction of a masonry dam,
some 40 feet In height. Such dam
would be but 100 feet long on top, 20
feet at bottom, and would store ap-
46,0OO,OOO gallons. Such a
lam can be built for about $4,000 II
need not be constructed Immediately,
out is an available resource for the
mture.
1t is to be regretted that a survey {
las not been projected to Big Creek, y
md more definite data obtained re- ,
sarding the route the distance and the y
lvailable supply from that source. 1t
would only be the exercise of ordinary {
business prudence II the commission
Mould take steps now, or as early as {
practicable, to acquire water rights |
N Big Creek, and secure that supply /
o the future city, S
Me Conduit Z
The conduit as planned may be de- 5
cribed as follows; Starting from 9
apacloua settling basin Immediately G
Glow the low masonry divertIng dam, I
n lS-inch wooden-stave pipe extends e
or the first ilsOO feet, where the pres {
ure Is very light throughout; then !
blows 1900 feet of 1e-inch steel pipe r
rossing West Bear Creek. where the u
Maximum head is 275 feet; then lO.AO0 Q
Aet OF wood, with maximum head of Y
20 feet; then 2,4OO feet OF steel; 5000 c
set Of wood; 1900 feet Of steel: and a
nally, 1860 feet Of wood, reaching Z
he summit Of the ridge overlooking q
he city, at an elevation OF 1858 feet. n
hence to the reservoir site the dis Z
Ince Of .5.45o feet. and the fall l4l q
ct A i4-inch steel pipe is to be used n
this section The total distance o.
ON the head works is eO.SOO feet. or Il
"a miles, Of which $3.50 feet Of rs q
lies, Is moOden stave pipe. d.
The proposition of using wooden-stave 10
Pc over 50 large portion OF the con- u
IL Is one which has provoked con- II
isI@ble discussion and criticism in 81
3 city. reearae wood IS seneraliy re,
rded as - quickly persshable as 10
~ ff>tfftfnIl tsaflt. a. - -.