Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-09-12
SUNDAY. ...... SEPT. -, 1897,
WATER SUPPLIES.


Norfolk and Petersburg and many
other cities and towns of this country
are just now much alarmed about their
water supplies, the long continued
drought having reduced most streams 10
their minimum size. Here the James
river is very low--almost as low as 1t
ever gets, but the clearness and sweet
ness OF the water make up for the re-
duced quantity coming over the falls.
And that tho water is pure and whole
some. we may safely conclude from the
fact that our people, as a people. are
enjoying fine health. There is more
fever in the country where wells and
springs furnish the water supply, than
in Richmond, where 1.-The noble Jeems"
blesses us with water power, mechani-
cal and physiological.
Nor need we fear being put upon any
very short allowance of water. Bosher's
and Grants dams enable us to avail
ourselves Of the entire volume Of the
river Should the pumps driven by
water power be curtailed of their usual
capacity, we have the Worthington
steam-pump at hand to make up the
deficiency. This pump was bought by
the city in 1ss1-the year OF the York
town Centennial. when a great drought
prevailed throughout Virginia. We had
not completed our new water-works
then. and the city was in daily danger,
since there was no water upon our hills
TO supply the fire engines in case of
need. A great portion of the James's
volume vts then drawn from the river
at the Tiiree-Mile locks and carried down
the canal TO the Tredegar. the Gallego,
The papsr-mils. etc.
Colonel Darlington. who was then
Mayor, becoming apprehensive as to tho
results OF the water famine" here, had
a part OF the canals stream turned out
of the canal into the river just west
OF Hollywood. with the view of filing
tAe dam OF the Old pump-house. The
people approved his action. but it was
without warrant of law, strictly speak
ing. and was long thereafter subject
Of controversy. Nor did II add much
10 the water supply.
All through August. September and
October OF that year the drought con-
tinued. and the streams cot lower and
lower and our supply scantier and
scantier. At last. when we had almost
reached tho limit of patience and en-
durance. the steam pump was gotten
into operation. and our water supply was
ut once improved.
Tho cost OF running the steam pump
Is considerable, but there never ought
to be any hesitation about using
st when It's services are required.
as the health of our people ought ever
70 be the prime consideration.
The greatest objection that has been
urged against the use of water-meters
has been from those who fear that par
simonious persons will refuse to use
enough water TO cleanse their persons
and premises properly. But the adop-
tiou OF a minimum price for a minimum
supply would remedy that. The time Is
nearing when Richmond will have 20
compel the general adoption OF water
meters, or else increase her supply
Whether the meter Is TO become popu-
lar depends very much upon the expert
ment with IL now being made here upon
q largo scale. IL water bills are de-
creased rather than Increased. the
meter will be popular; but not other
wise.
Our understanding Is that where fami-
lies have proper water fixtures in their
houses. ana where they have always
been reasonably economical! IN the use
OF city water. the bills are lower than
formerly. But where contrary cond-
lions have prevailed the bills are larger.
Urls. We believe. is rude; but there
arc exceptions 10 It. We know OF in
stances where the water-hxtrres are
v excellent condition, and where