New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1906-01-14
CAPITALS WATER SUPPLE
Success Of Filtration System Which
Eliminates Germs and Mud.
From The Tribune Burcau.l

Washington, Jan. 12-Water, clear as crystal
clean and pure, instead of coffee colored semi
opaque fluid, containing much Potomac mud and
many disease germs, is at last being supplied to
the nations capital the result of the compile
uon OF sand filtration plant that has proved
great success in the first months of its opera
ton and promises to increase in efficiency with
further experience. Since New-York is con-
templating the filtration of its own water supply
II may interest Tribune readers to learn how the
Washington plant is operated
Iy the simple process of straining all the water
nsei IN Washington through bed of sand three
iNO' III uepth' oFeriylng n thin stratum of
crushed rock, the supply, which heretofore has
been the despair ana disgust of those dependent
upon it for washing and drinking purposes is
now freed from pollution and comes from the
faucets in bright. clear streams The resident
taking his morning bath does not have to wade
into muddy tub: persons ouenchfnp their
thirst with city water longer swallow the
contents OF a glass with the uncomforta bic feel
ING that each gulp may mean many million
'loAi"us germs taken into the system. The sand
inter with Its thorough process of cleansing has
zone away with all this Along with the par
Hcles OF clay arrested in the passage Of the
water through the sand strainer the bacteria
have also been arrested. The water as finally
served at all the distributing points in the CITY
Is, from a chemical standpoint an inspiration or
confidence
ms wonderful showing made by the sand
hItration plant in Washington NAV be exnected
TO direct attention to it as a possible model for
other cities where plans for a publication of tbe
water supply are under consideration In New
o'h, where the crowded population makes
health precautions more than ever urgent plans
1oF securing a supply Of pure water have now
reached 4 point where definite action is soon to
pe taken, ana the results achieved in Washing
ton VIII probably Influence the decision rs to the
character Of the plant 10 hc built.
The site of the big filtration plant at the
capital is in the rolling hill lands at the north
ern boundary of the city From the summit of
the slope on which the tweuty-rine filter beds
are built the city IS in full view. with the Capitol
Building, only two miles away. in the fore
ground. and the other prominent landmarks
conspicuous, the elistenins gold dome OF the
Congress Library the tall shaft OF the Wash
ingt"n Monument and the White House and
public buildings filing picture unsurpassed In
this country.
The plant is extensive. II occupies forty acres
and among the buildings are pumping stations
gatehouses, storage bins for sand and n chem
i,al laboratory where careful analysis II the
water supplied 10 the city is made each day
II has taken two and half years labor under
the supervision OF the Engineer CorIs Of the
United States Army to complete the plant but
the work has been well done. and now the filters
after full months operation have begun TO
meet the most sauEuinc expectations. The clean
water obtained has already had an apprcciable
effect in lessening sickness throughout the city
and the annual apprehension OF typhoid cpl
denies has passed Analysis Of the water from
day To day shows that despite the newncss OF
the plant its operation. which was FASTENED sew
er'h weeks at least before its actual completion.
has cut down the relative turbidity Of the water
from So. received at its source at Great
Falls. to $40. and the bacterial efficiency. or