Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1905-11-02
THE WATER SITUATION
in ITS VARIOUS PHASES
Not Only Fairness in the Purchase of the Pump but nte
gence in Providing for the Supply for Consumption and
Handling the Volume for Protection Sub
jects for Consideration

Lest there may be at some future
time misunderstanding as TO the
4 course of The Argus relative to the
pending waterworks pump negotiations
1t might be well for those interested
TO cut what follows out and preserve
it, as it's aim is TO sum up the exist
ing situation and the various incidents
that enter into il.
The question of the desirability, IL
not the necessity of improved OF in
creased pumping facilities at the main
waterworks plant is not and never
has been an issue.
The best means of meeting the ext
gencies of the case, with fairness to
the city and all concerned. and with
due regard both for the requirements
and the application of the principles Of
business integrity and economy, are
subjects Of controversy.
To remove all question of doubt it
has been suggested by some of the al
dermen that there be a readvertise-
ment for bids on a broader scope than
was pursued in the former instance
BY means of interviews with al
dermen appearing in the columns of
The Argus. the opinion has been voiced
that the successful bidder had advan-
tages by reason of the limiting Of ad-
vertising and otherwise, that were UNI
fair.
BY an interview with a prominent
citizen and an eX,alderman who is now
in no way identified with the city gov
eminent. il has been suggested that a
commission Of experts be employed toI
examine the present pumping ma
chimes. TO the end that it may be as.
certained if they have been properly
repaired from time 10 time. and just
what amount Of reinforcing power is
now absolutely essential for present
and future contingencies.
incidental TO he discussion OF the
pump question it has been discovered
that the intake pipe through the medi-
um of which the city receives its wa
ter supply. is defective and in need of
repair
Incidental to the discussion. too. it
has again been pointed out that what.
ever the city might do to meet any ex-
listing requirements for strengthening
the present pumping facilities as a
means of protection in the event of
fire. any increase in the volume of wa
ter for such purposes would be of
small advantage to the city unless in
diligently handled.
From which phases of the situation
may naturally be developed the follow
ing inquiries:
OF what use would be a supply of
water for public consumption in any
quantity unless pure?
OF what use would be a supply oil
water for protection in any quantity
unless intellgently handled?
So that from every reasonable point
of view il would seem to be the duty
of the city. first. to look TO the source
of supply and adopt without delay
means of providing for any repairs
that may be needed there. and in the
meantime 90 acquire intelligent know
ledge of what is needed IN enlarged
pumping facilities and then TO put them
in whatever they may be.
And IT. the meantime. further. if the |
city. having determined 10 improve the |
quality of the water for the benefit OF |
consumers and increase the quantity |
of water for the protection of property |
let it carry the application of right |
principles on still far enough to insure |
intelligent handling of the supply |
when emergency arises
Fires are not fought by water alone
they are fought by alertness and |