Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1906-02-16
A GRAVITY SYSTEM.

In last Fridays issue we publish |
ed the report prepared by Acting City
Engineer Otto F. Wasmansdorff on the
feasibility of furnishing Lewistown
a gravity system. Mr. Wasmansdorff |
finds it not only feasible from an en-
cheering but also from a financial !
standpoint. The report should be
read by every business man and tax
payer in the city. in order to become
familiar with the plan proposed
If pipe line can be laid from the
present reservoir site to connect with
the springs at the head of Spring creek
for a sum approximating $4,000 and
without increasing the rate of taxation
it is a proposition that should meet
with general approval.
Mr.. WasmansdOrff produces figures
to show that in addition to the city's
bonded Indebtedness of 100000, it will
be possible to realize more than $50
900 without exceeding the cOnstitu
tional and statutory limits or in any
ed debt to the assessed valuation
which existed when the original water
works system was inaugurated
Mr.. Wasmansdorff is of the opinion
that for the sum mentioned a water
supply can be secured sufficient for
the demands of city from 10000 to
$1,000 inhabitants which would be am
pie for Lewistown for good many
years. He also believes that the
amount paid by the city to Mr.. Bright
for power costs of pump man, re-
cient to pay the interests on $4,000,
at five per cent. BY the gravity sys-
TEN all this expense will be cut off
and the city will be getting something
for its money.
Another thing should be taken in
TO consideration in this connection. and
that is the contract with Mr.. Bright
expires next June. and there is no as
surance that the present low rate for
power can be secured on a new CON
tract
And as Mr. Wasmansdorff says:
s'It will be a very good stroke of bust
ness on the part of the city if ii can
he built for less than $50, 10000 as it
will then actually save money annu-
ally for the city; never losing sight of
the essential features of pure supply,
increased supply. independence of the
will of any one man. or association
of men. or of corporation: decreased
insurance rates. and a greater immun-
ity from natural calamities and break
downs
1t is evident to every citizen that
Lewistown cannot long be dependent
upon its present method of getting a
water supply. The pumping or pow
er plant is at best poor excuse. like
ly to meet with disaster any day. As
regards municipal ownership in water
We have it only in part To complete
absolute ownership and not be depend
emf upon men, or corporations for pow
er We should have a gravity system
if it can be had within a reasonable
limit of cost
AS Mr. WaSmanSdorff intmates,
there are some problems yet to work
out as regards water rights, right of
way. etc Surely. now would seem to
be the time to secure water right
for the city, if ever. 1t might not be
an easy matter a few years hence.
If, as Mr. Wasmansdorff Shows, this
project can be carried out within the
estimated cost and without increasing
the city tax levy, it would seem to us
the part of wisdom to take immediate
steps in that direction. We must look
Iewistown. If we act wisely those
who come after us will willingly foot
'he bills.
Il is barely possible that the city
might not be able 70 sell these addi
'ipnal honda. II might be well to make
some inquiry into the matter before
submitting the question Of voting
bonds for a gravity system to the PEG
pie. If any citizen has anything to
offer for or against this project we
would like 10 hear from him through
the columns of the Argus Those who
have not read Mr.. Wasmansdroff's re.
port should avail themselves of the op
pOrtunity.