Weekly Arizona journal-miner. [volume] (Prescott, Ariz.) 1903-1908, 1903-05-06

rivers, lakes, etc.
Second. The method of chemical
treatment. This consists of adding
certain chemicals to the sewage which
causes part of the suspended natter
both organic and mineral, to settle to
the bottom of settling tanks and be
removed This residue, or sludge, has
to be burned, buried, or spread over
large areas of land, or it will itself
decompose. By this method, from 20
to 80 per cent of the bacteria can be
removed, and about 60 per cent of the
organic matter. The remaining 40 per
cent will itself decompose by the &C.
tion of other bacteria which will null
tiply in it after leaving the tanks
This method therefore removes about
60 per cent of the evil and delays the
process for a short time. 1t costs con-
siderable to install the necessary ap
paratus, and about 30 to 80 cents per
year per capita to operate it, and
yields no return.
Third. The method of disposal by
broad irrigation. This method con-
sists in using the crude sewage for ir-
rigation. Its advantages consists of
exposing the sewage to the action of
the air in the fine pores of the soil and
allowing the time for the bacteria to
reduce the organic matter to harmless
nitrates. The only expense consists
of conducting the sewage to the fields
and the proper distribution and care
of it there 1t has the advantage of
yielding an income which in turn is
partially off set by the purchase price |
or rental of the land. 1t has the dis
advantages of requiring some other |
method of disposal during the part of
the year when not needed for grow
ing crops. Tbs method has been in
vogue in Europe since 1870 and has |
proven very satisfactory and is today |
the principal method of sewage dis
posal. 1t is in accord with scientific !
principles, meets the requirements,
and is the only method by which an
income is received to defray the ex-
penses of operation. 1t is especially |
adaptable to arid regions, where land |
is available. 1t is successfully en-
ployed in several American cities. |
Los Angeles, Calf, received in 1895 a
net revenue therefrom above all sal
aries and repairs, of sl140, and in 1896
s943 80, and in 1900 of about $500.
Pasadena, Calf, in 1899 raised |
1912 SO worth of hay on 157 acres,
s29S4. SO worth of walnuts ON 60 acres
and SOL. % from other products or
total of S5942 90; the cost of main
flamenco being s2915. 20. The total
cost of farm, 300 acres, and imple-
ments was about 1000 Altoona,
Pa, received in 1898 500 rental for
their sewage farm; and in 1901 $500
for the privilege of farming u acres
of farm and GAL II acres of filter
beds.
Fourth. method of intermit-
tent filtration. This method consists
of alternately applying sewage to
porous soil, either natural or artifi-
cial, and allowing this soil to dry out
again. This method is especially
adaptable to places where land cannot
be acquired or is not suitable, and can
be operated the entire year. 1t is
the ideal method when properly oper-
ated and removes about 80 IL of all
bacteria, and decomposable matter,
and renders the effluent pure, clean
and permanently harmless. The only
disadvantages is the cost of installa-
ton, small amount for operation
and yields no return of itself. The
affluent can be utilized for any pur-
pose that water can with the excep
ton of drinking water. e
The ideal combination of all these
methods would be the intermittent
method of purity, the broad irrigation
to utilize the effiuent for irrigation
thereby defraying the expenses of
operation, and providing a sinking
fund to pay for installation. All the
requisites for this combination are
present at the end of the Prescott
sewer and there is no reason apparent
to the average business man why Pres ,
rott sewage should not be so disposed
Of as to render it harmless and make
the system of disposal self supporting !
and benefit to the whole community :
and be monument to the foresight !
and intelligence of her citizens and '
The authorities who now have this
important matter under consideration
and upon whom it devolves to make a c
disposition of what now is nuisance. !