The San Francisco call., 1896-02-22
require from five to seven hours of pump

require from five to seven hours of pump
Ing each day.
Ihe cost of pumping is estimated at J. a
cents per 1000 gallons. This expense will
be lessened when the arrangements are
completed for burning the crude oil pro-
ouced IN the southern part OF the State.
Inc reservoir is located a few hundred
leet beyond the pumping station at an
altitude OF LOO feet above the level of the
mains. An excavation was made in the
brow of the hill, which was lined with rock
ana cement, and so constructed as TO allow
the pumping station to supply the mains
during the time necessary fer renovation.
A slx-foot cement walk runs around it's
orlm and an eight-foot iron fence will sur
mount the whole basin. From this
eminence delightful view can be obtained
ana Is visited daily by hundreds of people.
Inc reservoir has a capacity at its me-
alum line OF 1000 900 gallons and for fire
purpos s Will discharge six one-inch
streams to height of eighty feet for
twelve consecutive hours without the as
slstance OF fire engine or other mechani-
cal appliances, except the hose or ordinary
service pipes.
A simple calculation will demonstrate
tnat this amount OF water would supply
1000 people with fifty gallons per day.
II, LOT any reason, greater pressure is de-
slred the reservoir valve can be closed and
the water pumped directly into the mains.
Inc distribution of the water is accom-
pllsned by twentysix miles of castiron
mains, laid in sixteen sections. The mains
| vary IN size from the big 12-inch main
Leading from the reservoir and pumphouse
to the 4-inch connecting pipes on the back
streets. They are laid according to the
loop system, the large mains encircling
the city and the smaller ones connecting
| the cross streets with the loop. All of
| these mains are opened and closed by
street valves of an improved pattern. One
! hundred and sixteen fire hydrants of novel
| design are attached to the pipes, each
| fitted with an independent valve These
| being self-cOntained can be taken out to be
| cleaned Or repaired without shutting off
| the water in the mains. There is also an
| independent attachment for street sprink-
ling, which does not interfere with the fire
| tips in any manner.
These hydrants are simple in construc-
ton, yet handsome in appearance, and
were manufactured here from designs
made by Contractor Perkins, with the as
sistance of Frank Muther, Chief of the
Santa Rosa Fire Department.. The dis
tribution of the hydrants is so arranged
throughout the city that 400 feet of hose
will reach any building within the limits.
The water will be absolutely free for
domestic uses, thereby effecting a saving
to each householder of from $12 to SIS
year. For lrrigating and business pur-
poses charge sufficient to defray operat-
ing expenses will be charged. The tax
rate for water will be fixed at 25 cents on
each 500 OF taxable property, so that the
average taxpayer will pay from $3 to $5
yearly, while the larger part OF the bonds
are yet outstanding.
1t is believed that the additional protec-
tion from fire will reduce the rate of in
surance and, by creating a greater feeling
OF security, enhance the value of property.
Contractor Perkins, who has had an ex-
perience OF thirtyfye years in this kind of
work, has built no less than twenty seven
water systems in this and other States
The testimonials OF confidence and esteem
for this kind OF work received by him in
the past would fill a small volume
At the public test to be had here to-
morrow pole eighty feet high will be set
up just east of the courthouse, from the
top of which will hang an American flag.
The Fire Department will first throw from
the ire engine stream to the top of the
pole or higher. The hose will then be at
tached to four of the nearest hydrants, and
the combined streams, meeting in air, are
expected to cause rainbow to reflect from
the red bars of "Old Glory"