The Indianapolis journal., 1903-10-16
WATER POWER in INDIANA
INTERESTING REPORT FROM THE
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY.
Falls and Rapids I'm Eel and White
Rivers Which Wight BE Utilized
to Generate Power.
Special to the Indianapolis Journal.

Special to the Indianapolis Journal.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 15.-Reports of an
interesting character are received at the
United States Geological Survey as to the
possibilities of developing water powers in
Indiana. Nj. o. Leighton, hydro-economic
expert of the survey, has some observations
10 make in this connection. He said:
1T is the general belief that water power
of any considerable quantity does not exist
In the prairie States north of the Ohio river.
The work of the engineers connected with
the photographic branch of the Geological
Survey, has, however, disclosed the exist
ence of water power upon lower Eel river,
in Owen county, short distance south of
Cloverdale, Ind.
''At point on Eel river a short distance
below the Hendricks county line there are
two natural falls, the upper one of which,
In a horizontal distance of 195 feet amounts
to 37ik feet, while the lower, in horizontal
distance OF about 400 feet. is 2s feet. the total
fan in distance OF about $500 feet being
Il feet.
Between the upper and lower falls, there
is a natural basin surrounded completely by
high bluffs which give an excellent oppor-
tunity for storage behind a dam which could
be constructed on the crest of the lower
falls. Such dam could overflow about one
hundred acres of poor bottom land and the
gessrvoT , ;s having ,a an average depth of about
OF 900 cubic feet In this immediate ba-
sin. but the slack water which would be af-
forded In the stream for about five miles,
and which could be drawn upon in dry sea-
sons. would afford additional storage of
$4,000 cubic feet giving a total average
capacity of 115.5oO,0Oo cubic feet.
When this reservoir was empty the fall
would be about So feet and when full about
Il feet. On an average, the fall would be 56ih
feet. which would produce $500 gross horse
upon the wheels at the rate of $50 cubic feet
per second. Thus the reservoir, Independent
Of any further influx from the stream above,
would maintain the amount o. power above
mentioned for S2-4 hours.
THE minimum flow of the stream, as de-
termined by dry weather measurements, is
about 129 cubic feet per second. Therefore
even in extended periods of drought, the
actual drafting upon the stored water would
be 261 cubic feet per second for q twenty
four-hour power. If the power were used
only ten hours per day II Is probable that
the actual dimnution in dry seasons of the
stored water would be negligible.
Investigation has been made of another
water power In the State, located at White
river shoals. The estimated quantity OF wa
ter passing these rapids June % was 1000
cubic feet per second. With a ten-foot fall
impounding the night flow $500 horse power
might be utilized for day running of mills.
etc. The river here is $50 feet wide between
the foot OF banks and is on rock bottom At
the plant OF the Star Milling Company; but
ewing to the probable crude Arrangement
the back water in times OF flood prevented
the action of the wheels This fact together
with the opening OF cheap coal veins near by
led to the cessation of labor on the dam,
which consequently went to pieces. Abund-
ant cheap material, however, is close at
hand for the construction of a new dam,
and with scientific investigation of the
condition OF flow and survey of the banks
Of the river above the dam site. Ii is prob
able that the above mentioned horse power
can be developed at cost which will pay
interest on the outlay, provided that the
power can be disposed of.
Another project In this vicinity which is
open TO private enterprise" continued Mr..
Leighton, is the cutting of a canal and
tunnel through the hill at a point three
quarters OF a mile above town. The tunnel
and canal would be through sandstone and
4 natural fall OF feet could be realized by
It's construction. At Hindoostan. on the same
river. about five miles south of the shoals
Is a natural fall of or 3ia feet. which prom
ises good power and has every natural ad-
vantage. namely, fair banks. rock bottom
and a very wide river below the falls to
take care OF the tail power Ii is probable
that a town will develop at this point before
many years and that this power will be util-
ICED"