The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1895-02-08
HIS ANNUAL REPORT.
The City Engineer Sub
mitS His Summary.
Interesting Comparisons on the Water
QuestiOn-COsts the City 81 Cents
to Pump 1000 Gallons Sibley
Park and Sewers.

many interesting facts on live ques-
tions, chief among which is water.
He says:
''The mains laid this season amount
to 1909 feet on five different streets.
Five MIGRANTS have been placed and 5
6-inch main valves. There have been
SO permits issued Tor new connections
and SO for changes and extensions.
"We have now 624 water takers on
our books, as against $40 at the date
of my last report. Total revenue for
the year from the rents is 7437 go. The
revenue for the year from the 5 cent
tax is $27S9.35.
ga year ago | called attention to
the desirability of second reservoir
at about half the elevation Of our
present one, to give us less pressure
for domestic service and holding the
upper reservoir for fire protection.
The year has proven the correctness
of the position taken then.
every few cities hold a continual
fire pressure as we do, for constant
use and these few are cities where the
supply is from elevated natural reSer-
voirs. Atsay 40-pound pressure, there
would be marked saving in fuel, in
the amount wasted and consequent
demand upon our arteSian wells which
are now taxed nearly to their full
capacity. In fact it is quite probable
that with the legitimate larger de-
mand for water, we may be compelled
to sink third arteSian well next year.
We are placing meters on our large
consumers as fast as practicable and
in every case with good results. Our
water supply contains small trace of
oxide of iron which is injurious to the
mechanism Of the ordinary water
meter. 1t is the policy of many cities
to place all meters on all takers, whose
service pipe is larger than 1-inch aud
to leave family service without meters
except for violation of rules and known
waste of water.
'"The average cost of pumping 1000
900 gallons to the reservoir" says the
city engineer, sis $500 and IA cents
per 200 gallons. These figures give
simply the cost at the pumping sta
tion with nothing allowed for interest
on cost of plant, maintenance of same,
salaries, deterioration, etc. These in
Guided would make the total cost per
1000 gallons about 81 cents.
The capacity of the two pumps is
100000 gallons in q hours, and the
capacity of reservoir, $4,000 gallons.
There are 1916 miles of water mains
and 90 hydrants.
BY the water rate the consumer
pays 20 cents per LOCO gallons in esti-
mates of 10000 gallons or less, while
the one who uses $4,000 gallons per
month gets water for Scents per l 200.
The daily average of water pumped in
Jnue was 8S6, 100 and in December
687.550. Surely there is a big leak
somewhere.
In regard to Improvements at Sibley
park, one of the most beautiful in all
Minnesota, he says:
we have this season secured the
sale and removal of the unsightlv
buildings and stables on the grounds. |
repaired and painted the track fence
and also the fence around the park;
made improvements on the grand |
stand and painted the same, construct
ed walks, laid out drives, trimmed the
trees, and removed underbrush, and |
fitted up picnic grounds, etc. The
whole amount expended on the park
this season is S1653.01.
"Slbley park has this season been a
popular resort for outing parties, and
will be hereafter still more attractive,
and what our people have right to
expect in return for the money ex-
pended in its purchase. 1t is very
desirable that the grounds be extend
ed by the purchase of some three
acres on the north side.
sit is hoped that next season fur
ther improvements may be made in lay
ing out and identifying the grounds
south and east of the race track"
The total cost of street sprinkling
last year was 81, 19O.SS.
Oh tie subject Of sewers he says:
The season of ] S94 records extensive
and desirable improvements in our
sewer system. AS will be noticed be-
low, We have expended $13, 1886. 81 in
sewers, and it is safe to assert that we
lave value received for this sum.
1.-THE location and establishments
which have greatly needed sewers
facilities are now provided for. Ninety
three permits have been issued from
this Office, which together with four
private sewers, make 81 connections
made with the sewers this year as
against &c in 1893. The system is
working satisfactorily, and but
trifiing sum has been spent on clean
ing or repairs. 1t is probable that
there will be demand next year for
extensions on Clark and Center streets
and perhaps in other localities. Our
brick outlet sewer is now completed,
and any pipes laid hereafter will be
paid for wholly by assessments. We
have this season made five sewer con-
tracts.
"The city expended $444.84 f O side