New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1906-03-03
PHILADELPHIA'S WATER SUPPLY.

One of the gravest responsibilities which
Mayor Weaver Of Philadelphia has been called
upon to assume is the duty of completing the
new city waterworks, whose construction was
authorized several years ago. Inasmuch as 1t
was proposed TO continue to derive the supply
from the old sources-the Delaware and Schuyl-
kill rivers-and the death rate from typhoid
fever had been abnormally high, 1t was deter
mined TO provide filters as well as pumps in the
interest of public health. Had this undertaking
been pushed with energy. it might have been
finished by the present time, but owing to a
variety of causes there has been vexatous de-
lay. The Mayor therefore sought the advice
of engineering experts of unquestoned char
acter and ability in regard to the amount and
cost of the work yet to be done. Major Gill
lette. of the United States Army, one of
them. These experts have just reported to
Mr. Weaver, and the Mayor in turn has trans
mitted the report to the Councils, in response
TO request for information.
Not the least important recommendation made
by Major Gillette and his associate is that
SumerS he obliged to make of meters, to
teach them the necessity of economy. The opin-
ion is expressed that fully one-haf of the water
| forced through the city mains is wasted, and
| the saving which would result from the intro
ductiOn of meters is put at 80 per cent The
engineers declare that the figures heretofore
have grossly misrepresented the truth. The &C
cepted daily rate per capita has been 233 gal
Ions Mayor Viewers advisers tell him that
the amount does not exceed 1874 gallons and
that if their suggestions about meters should
be adopted not more than 50 gallons would be
required. On that basis they calculate that a
daily supply of 120,OO0,OO0 gallons would meet
the needs of the city at present-that is to say
if prompt action be taken. About year would
be needed to put the system into operation,
and it is evidently assumed that by that time
the population of Philadelphia would not ex-
| coed 100000 Eventually of course, 1t would
be a comparatively simple matter to install adj
ditionaI pumps and construct more filters.
The cost Of completing the works now under
! taken would depend, obviously, on the quantity
| of water demanded. If this should be only
! 12O0OOOOO gallons a day, the engineers think
| that the expense would be trife under $1,000
O0O while without them S4.44299O would be
required, for in that they would not sup
ply less than 200.OO0.000 gallons daily. Besides
the saving in the original outlay whSch would
be practicable If the recommendations Of the
engineers were adopted. there would be great
economy in the operation of the plant, when
! it was once in service, for pumping involves
coal bills. 1t is estimated that about 100000
meters would be needed, and they would cost
| SIC each. 1t is proposed that the consumers
| be obliged TO pay Tor them, perhaps on the IN
stalment plan, that the city would be reim-
bursed for what 1t spent on them.
When this report comes up for consideration
by the Councils, number of questions will
arise. The most important locally, no doubt
will be how the city is TO raise the money
needed for the work in view. Outsiders will
watch with eagerness the disposition which 1t
makes of such incidental matters the use
of meters The example set by the third city
in the country will have wide influence else
| where