New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-06-20
PROFESSOR LEEDS'S REPORT.
THE IMPURITIES IN BROOKLYN WATER
DUE TO A PLANT GROWTH-RESER-
VOIRS SHOULD BE COVERED OVER

DUE TO PLANT GROWTH-RESE2-
vOIRs SHOULD BE COVERED OVER.
The report of Professor Albert r. Leeds of Ste
vens Institute, the expert employed by City Works
Commissioner Willis to ascertain the cause of the
bad odor and taste Of the Brooklyn water has been
published in pamphlet form. 1t contains 40 pages
and, with and tables. gives exclusively the
result of the experts work. The following is the
professors summary:
The Objectionable appearance taste and odor of
the Brooklyn water during midsummer last ana
later periods have been principally and essentially
asterionella. 1t resides in the distributing reser-
voirs at RidgewoCd and Mount Prospect, and more
sof ahd in +" Moan Re %
has nothing whatsoever to DO with artificial causes
like drainage, sewage or contamination
The asterionella derives its name from its form.
being starshaped organism, usually eight or four
distinguished from the other alge by being in
closed in an envelope or capsule OF silica; This
popularity OF secreting substance in the nature
Of an oil which possesses taste and odor so char
elsewhere designated 1t the asterionella favor.
1t is combination of ishy salty and oily tastes.
II is evident that these vast numbers of asteri-
brief period after the water came in and before Il
b T Sda acc@s Of sh hC by s
motion of the water; by the absence OF peaty or
in shallow reservoirs All these conditions exist in
an eminent degree in the Brooklyn reservoirs.
While sewage impurities have entered the supply
from Springfield Pond. Hampstead and other local
ities-and these impurities should be cut of with
leas; possible dolay-they have not produced the
tastes and odors complained OF. II should also be
stated that the oily substance secretcd by the as
terionella has not been known 10 be the immediate
cause Of any sickness more serious than that OF
the nausea connected with Its disagrceable taste
and odor Yet until It's growth is prevented. ali the
expedients which may be resorted TO In the cleans
ing Of ponds; diversion Of sewase ETC. will no,
result in delivering to consumers the excellent
water which the wells and ponds Of the Brooklyn
water system naturally afford.
I should recommend that the covering OF the res
ervoirs should begin with Basin No. On the Con-
tinent OF Europe and In England the covering Of
reservoirs which Is very general and growing
practice is effected by building parallel walls OF
masonry and capping them with brick arches.
These arches are covered over with sand and eartn
to the depth of several feet, and the top surface
converted into lawn with grass and flowers In
this country the construction has been made less
costly by the substitution Of piers Of masonry. in
stead OF walls.
Leaving the consideration OF the mere numbers OF
the bacteria and taking up that of their characters
and kinds II is great satisfaction to state that of
all the bacteria described In the summary given the
bacillus coll communis. referred TO later on, not
being included In this summary. none belong TO
what known pathogenic or disease produc-
Ing bacteria.