Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1903-10-03
Most Interesting Stage Of Con-
struction Now Reached.
CROSSING THE TUSCARoRA
Pipe Line Through Solid Masonry at That
Point-New Sysem VIII be
Ideal One.

the famous Kilmer springs will be at
the disposal of the residents of this
CITY before the snow flies this fall. 1t
is also safe to predict that when the
system is finally completed, and the
people fully realize what fine and
valuable piece of work it is in every
detail of construction and utility.
there Will be common feeling OF
pride and satisfaction among the citi-
zens of this pls &c.
Such, at least, was the impression
gained by representative of The Eve
ming World, who was shown over the
more important points along the new
line by Engineer Davis, under whose
sKillfuI and vigilant eve the system is
being constructed, and who is proba-
bly willing to staks his by no means
meager reputation upon the complete
success of the project.
From the reservoir, or cistren, at
the new pumping station. at the Cum
berland Valley bridgesoversthes Tusca-
rora, to point were the line. Ecrosses
that stream about 100 wards northeast
of the road leading past Kilmer's mill,
the pipe line is fully completed. From
that place to the springs, about 1. 800
feet distant, the trench has been dug,
and the work of placing the pipes in
position will 90 rapidly forward until
all is in readiness to turn the water
into the new line.
The most interesting point along the
whole stretch of pipe line, and the most
difficult withal, was the crossing of
the Tuscarora The point at which
the pipe was taken across the little
stream was probably the most difficult
one that could have been selected, in
that trench had to be cut through a
solid ledge of rock to admit of the
passage of the pipes. This difficulty,
however, was strong recommends
tion in the trained eve of Engineer
Davis. who utilized the rock ms pow
erful means of defense against the
action of the stream. and turned it in
to protection for the pines. In cross
ing the creek the stream was turned
aside for half it's width, the pipe
placed in position. and the water
allowed to resume its natural course.
The other half was engineered in the
same manner.
Nz,. tnfn Nf Foe an fln
east side of the stream the pipe was
laid on a bed of crashed stone and
cement, and covered to depth of a
couple of feet with the same material.
1t WAS then laid in trench of solid
rock through the bed of the creek. and
covered to depth of Is inches with
cement and stone. 1t is thus incased
in solid masonry at that point, which
will make it absolutely impervious to
the action of the stream.
Another point of interest is the
source of the water suDply-the three
beautifully clear and powerful springs
in Kilmer's grove. 1t is doubtful if
there exists, in this whole section of
the Virginias, more ideal water sup
ply than that furnished by these crvs-
tai wells. which burst from unknown
depths in virgin purity. At this point
a strong guard wall. which goes to a
depth of five feet and arises two feet
above the ground, is being erected
upon foundation of concrete. The
wall will form a complete enclosure,
protecting the springs from contamin-
alton through an overflow of the Tus-
carora, or from anv other source A
spring house will be erected over each
spring. being connected one with the
other by underground pipes, the last
house connecting directly with the
pipe line. Everything there will be
underground, and the enclosure will
be made into a grass plot, thus adding
to the beauty of the place.
The advantages in these springs as q
source of supply are the purity Of the
water, the abundant flow, ana the
absolute protection against possible
contamination. This la tier is made
easy because of the topography of that
territory. aided by the precautions tc
be taken in placing everything under.
ground and sending the water direct.
ly into the pipes, without it passing
through open territory.
The pipe line is of 20 inch terra cot.
TIA pipe, having capacity of more
than 2.500,0o gallons in "a hours,
which is about four times the amount
of water consumed in Martinsbure.
This assures water supply that would
meet the requirements of city of 35.
600 population. at the present rate OF
consumption. 1t is altogether prob.
able that no one now living will ever
witness scarcity of water in Mar.
tinsburg.