Durango semi-weekly herald., 1902-11-20

| near the city, capacity
above stated ........ 10000
For connecting such reser-
voirs with the present
system of distributing
pipes .......-........... $4,000
Total ..-.............. sl5O.0OO
The above estimates are based upon
the proposition made to the city and
careful estimates of cost, and are
maximum estimates, and 1t is believed
VIII cover the entire cost
Before determining to submit this
proposition to the electors. this coun-
ell, as well as preceding councils. has
spent much time and considerable
money In investigating all the various
sources OF supply of water for said
city which have been suggested, and
IN securing estimates of the probable
cost OF securing an adequate supply.
| special Investigations have been made
of the suggested supply from Cascade
creek, and as result OF these investi.
cations and Of the estimates Of cost
made . 4 The como. L.. and that
the cost of bringing any supply from
Cascade creek to the city, and of dis
| tributing the same, would be from 21a
TO times the estimated cost of the
proposed supply from the Florida and
the present proposition is submitted in
the belief that it is the only propo-
sition for a water supply from any
| source other than the Anmas river,
which can be made available at any
| cost within the reach of the city.
1t seems to have been generally
conceded that the supply from the An
mas Is unsatisfactory, and this, and
former city councils have been re-
peatedly urged to make some other
provision for water supply
The cost of maintaining the present
| pumping system from the Animas riv-
er was found to be $9,2S3. and the ac.
tual cost steadily increased with the
Increase in consumption while (up to
the capacity of the proposed conduit.
which is sufficient for a supply about
six times as great as the present de
mand) the cost of maintaining
gravity system would not be increas-
ed by the increase of consumption
The $9.2S3 will be eliminated II the
gravity system is adopted
Another reason which influenced the
council in submitting the question at
this time is the fact that the present
pumping plant is in sad condition
from long wear, and must soon be en-
tirely renewed at probable cost OF
not less than $25. 900. and If any con-
siderable increase in demand arises. a
considerable expenditure should be
required.
It Is estimated that without taking
into consideration any expenditure re
quired for the renewal of the pumping
plant, the gravity system would be
maintained and the interest on the
bonds proposed to be issued can be
paid at an annual outlay to the city
not to exceed the present cost of
maintaining the pumping system. and
with the increase of supply which
could be obtained by the gravity sys-
ten, it is expected the revenues of the
city for water Will be greatly increas-
ed. and that a sufficient supply will be
available SO that no restriction will be
pldttu upon Tie use Vi WdItT lTTl-
cation purposes.
The condition in the Animas river
for domestic supply has been going
steadily from bad to worse, and is
slch as to apparently demand that a
different supply be secured, and be-
lieving that the proposed plant will
secure an adequate supply of the best
avai1ahla of
than any water can be obtained from
other sources, and that such supply
can now be obtained more cheaply
than 1t could probably be secured at a
later period. the council has submit
ted to the people for their determine
ton the question as to whether such
gravity system shall be constructed.
The reservoir which 1t is proposed
to construct adjacent to the city will,
of itself. contain a supply sufficient to
supply the present heaviest demands
of the city for at least three months.
and will furnish ample protection
against any possible shortage of water
occasioned by possible accident to
any part of the conduits.
In submitting this proposed plan
the council has taken into considera-
ton the possibility of the future
growth of the city and the increased
demand, aud have made provision
which is ample for any such increased
growth. believing that such provision
should now be made while the increas-
ed supply necessary to supply such
increased consumption can bc obtain
Ell at comparatively smi cost.
With respect TO the expenditure OF
$29 900 for the additional priorities
in the Florida river. and the land, the
city will hold an option upon this
properly running for about one year
so that it will enable 1t to buy these
properties If found desirable, or they
may be omitted if 1t is found there
will be no need of them. In case they
should not be purchased, the estimat-
ed expenditure will be reduced by the
amount of $29 900
With respect to reservoir and dam
sufficient guarantee has been prom
ised and will be required before neao-
tiaitons are completed or any money
or bonds turned over to the owners,
,,,l q, ton pytlI ha ~