Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-08-21
A Water Supply for All Purnoses

To the Editor of The Star:
The water supply for this city IL getting
10 De serious matter. both as to GUAM
tity and quality. The sooner some definite
means for giving a perfect system and an
abundant supply for all purposes is ef-
fected the better 1t will be for all parties
interested
1t Is quite evident that from the condf-
lions now. and in the future existing, the
supply from the Potomac watershed by the
way OF the contaminated streams to the
Great Falls Will be more and more delete
rlous 10 the health of the people using it
Tor drinking without the process of boiling
winch always produces a fiat and disagree
able taste; and possibly the filtration plant
may not SO purify 1t that in its filtered but
raw condition 1t may not be harmful 1t
is understood that there are various meth
obs OF filtration in use, and while the one
lnaugurated IN this city may be the best
yet II remains to be tested by actual expert
ment as to its purifying Of the Potomac
water under present and future conditions
Another question Is the capacity of these
inter beds to supply sufficient quantity,
all or which is very doubtful
No one will deny that the very best sery,
Ice has been intended. but it Is often found
out that in all such provisions first ideas
are generally defective. Take the introduce
ton OF railroads. Originally they followed
the old buffalo paths and climbed mount
aims, but now the straighter the track the
better the road; or, in this city, what is be-
Ing done to abolish grade crossings 1t
may be said without fear of successful
contradiction the longer the question of
pure and adequate supply of water for all
purposes is postponed the more difficult the
job and greater the expense.
If the system of water rents was ad-
justed to any equitable mode of assess
ment fund might be provided to meet the
interest, and in few years pay the prin-
cipai for the expense. No other city has
such water rates as this. Think of I'll!
Bath, culinary, street washer, closet flush
ing. hydrant in yard and drinking, besides
laundry water furnished for $3.50 for q
whole year. when 1t should be quite as
much per three months instead of year.
Three separate supplies Of water are
needed for this city. 1 have not read or
heard of a better one for drinking than the
plan of MI. Copp of Woodstock. Va, viz,
pure spring water from the mountains,
taken directly from springs owned and po-
Iced by the government to secure absolute
purity for drinking purposes only. This is
the first supply
For bathing laundry and culinary uses
the filtration plant. with the present sup
ply, will probably be able to meet the de-
mand for these. This Is the second supply.
For flushing of closets, sprinkling streets
and lawns. the fire department, stables and
such like, where ordinary Potomac water
only Is needed 1t is not necessary to take
the supply from the Great Falls. A pump
ing station. with engines and boilers OF
sufficient capacity. for one-half Of them
only to be used at one time, located on Po-
tonac Park to raise the water directly
from the river into a stand pipe, and water
tower of sufficient height to produce what
pressure is necessary for this supply would
suffice. This Is the third source.
Such | conceive to be a practical solu-
ton OF the water question for this city for
all time-a guaranteed unlimited supply OF
water, for all purposes unless the mountain
springs and the Potomac river should fail,
which Is not very probable.
I am aware that the expense Will be
great The streets will have to be opened
for new mains to be put in. Also additional
plumbing will have to be Installed in every
house and possibly three water meters, but
after 1t is done 1t will not have to be re-
newed, and we can then boast Of water
supply which ather municipalities Will be
glad TO copy Of they have the sources OF
supply at hand, which they should OF ne
cessity every public improvement OF the
capital city. w. II. ri