St. Johns review. (Saint Johns, Or.) 1904-current, 1905-09-13
EXAMINE WATER.
Mayor King and Councilman Lind
quist Drink Some Water.

To satisfy some of those who fine
fault with the quantity and tn,
quality of water furnished consum
ers i'll st. Johns Messrs King anc
Lindquist went to the tank early
last Friday morning to see if any
thing could be discovered which
should provoke criticism.
They climbed to the top of the
tank and investigated the affair as
closely as it was possible to do.
Each of the men was anxious to
find some place where they could
kick-because, as city officials, they
have been forced to have many
kicks registered against them OF
account of this same water, and if
these kicks were well-grounded
they desired to know it.
In the tank there was not over a
foot of water--as it was early morn
ing and the supply was low. On
the surface there was no scum nor
oil nor foreign substance of any sort
so far as the Investigators could see .
nor was there any sediment dis
cerned on the bottom of the tank.
So far as those investigating the
matter could determine the water
seemed of the best and no deleter-
ious substances could be found.
Messrs. King and Lindquist then
took look at the reservoir-about
which there has been some fault
found. 1t has been stated that this
water here stored gave All unpleasant
odor-in other words that lit stunk
awfully." 1t has also been stated
that green scum was to be found
on the surface-and that it was not
fit TO drink.
Messrs. King and Lindquist found
several feet of water in this reser-
voir-and found such sediment as
would be natural in an uncovered
receptacle where dust could enter.
There was nothing else visible and
there was found not particle of
scum, nor did they find any often
sive odor. Both men took cups
and drank of the water and found
10 taste at which they could com
plain: and they seem satisfied that
the water company is doing its best
10 furnish its patrons pure water.
II might be added right here that
the water in the reservoir is not
for domestic consumption
but for purposes of fire protection
on the riveriront. There are gates
which prevent this water running
n the domestic pipes (Which are
supplied from the tank rs are the
balance of the mains) the reservoir
being constructed merely rs a holder
II reserve water.
The opinion rendered in this
water case is the honest conclusion
u the mayor and a councilman who
Ire not in the employ OF the water
THR REvI W gives
pace to II that the people may
,now. They report only upon the
Iuality-nothing being said as to
Iuantity.
Some complain that, although
welling close 10 the tank, their
upply is weak-but that condition {
xists in many portions of Portland
I seasons OF the year when much
'ater is used and more is wasted. ;
hen there are accidents which |
nay occur To the mains or To the {
umps Tone happened few months !
Ince) over which no human has
ontrol and these frequently cause
iuch complaint among patrons who 5
o not investigate the cause.
Manager Scott. of the water com
any, states he does not desire any 5
Misrepresentation in the matter of a
ervice, Steps are being constantly \
lken to make all points better;
cad ends are being arranged so as 5
, admit of flushing, and he believes a
18th the new machinery installed \
le service is being made the n
iperior Of many districts in Port 8
fact, numerous cases can I
: named where this city is far q
head i'm the tVater SrrViee IL