Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-04-02
Problems in Water Pollution

In Mr.. Leighton's report, after telling of
pollution caused by the waste from the diff
ferent towns, he says: Far more difficult
problems are offered by conditions of water
poiiution which arise by reason of indus
trial wastes than because of sewage. Such
substances are usually more complex. more
dlfhcult of treatment and have more varied
unfaVorabe effects. The damage which
they cause is economic as well as hygienic.
dangerous or troublesome characteristics
are impaired to water which may not be
removed by filtration. The subject is too
extensive to review in this communication,
as 1t involves the detailed consideration of
all the industries from which wastes are
derived. Certain wastes contain cumulative
polsons which If taken into the system with
drinking water will finally produce serious
results.
water hard. and thus become troublesome
and expensive in steam boilers, in manufac-
turing industries and in domestic use
Others impart tastes, doors and colors to
water and thereby render it valueless for
domestic purposes. The effects of indus
trial wastes are various and in nearly all
cases highly detrimental.
THE final question for consideration is
whether the conditions in the Potomac
basin are such as to promise a pol
luted condition of the river water than is
now present. In the first place 1t should be
stated that even at the present time there
are occasional short periods when the
character of the water passing Great Falls
is such as to render its publication quite
difficult. Such periods occur during floods.
when the accumulated filth of the upper
basin is brought down by the rush of water
with rapidity which admits of little or no
publication on the way. Bearing this in
mind, it will be instructive to examine the
records of the United States census bureau
concerning political and industrial develop
ment in the Potomac BASIN"
Manufacturing Interests.
A table giving the manufacturing inter-
ests of the several towns also forms part
of the report. Referring to the informa-
ton presented in the tables the writer of
the report says it shows that population in
the Potomac basin is increasing at a rapid
rate in the larger cities, towns and villages.
Such growth inevitably leads to the con-
struction of sewerage systems and many of
the municipalities are looking forward to
such installation. In a region where these
conditions exist there Is always rapid
sewerage development when once the move
ment Is on foot, for civic pride and compe-
tition seem to be controlling factor in
municipal improvements. In this way the
sewerage pollution of the Potomac may be
expected to increase enormously.
Continued progress along these lines at
rate even more rapid is clearly evident.
Therefore there is every assurance that the
amount of pollution in Potomac river will
increase If prohibitory steps are not taken.
1t Is evident. too, that as soon as the
Washington filter is placed in commission
the restraint which now exists within GER
tain areas in the upper valley with refer
ence to the deposit of foul matter In the
stream will be thrown off and the signal for
promiscuous contamination Of the river Will
be raised.
Prohibitive Measures Necessary.
In conclusion he says: Wise and con-
siderate prohibitory measures are necessary
and should be enforced as soon as possible.
If the problem is attacked now, when
changes can be made by the municipalities
and manufacturing plants without undue
hardship, the work Will be accomplished
with far less trouble and expense than at
a later date when the increasing foulness
of Potomac river will make such steps abb
solutely necessary. Firmly established
abuses require heroic treatment. especially
when great expense is involved in their cor
rection. Potomac pollution Is now In its
early stages; therefore prohibitory measures
tod OF