Los Angeles herald., 1907-12-22
BET
IN PROJECT
GIGANTIC UNDERTAKINGS ARE
UNDER WAY
s2s,ooo,ooo FOR A PERFECT WATE5
SUPPLY
They Are a Guarantee Of Los Angeles
Growth and Faith and Viii Be
Completed Without
Delay

AS rapidly as Los Angeles has grown
and great as have been her achievements
IN the past she cannot rest upon her
Iaurels won. The very marvels that have
added to her fame have increased her
responsibilities. She must now only meet
the present but must prepare for the
future.
wherefore we have the Owens river
project. how happily begun under fiatter-
ing auspices--a plan to bring from the
mountain slopes of Inyo county, 24O miles
away, supply of pure water that shall
be sufficient for all the city's needs for
many, many years to come. even though
the present rate of progress be main
tanned.
The city of Los Angeles at present con-
sumes forty million gallons of water
daily, more or less The supply Is OBJ
tanned by pumping from the great gravel
beds Of the San Fernando valley, into
which the waters of the Los Angeles river
are merged. There are several auxiliary
supplies.
Los Angeles has now sufficient supply
sss water &c: ordinary use. More could be
used. but the supply sufices. But the
conditions of yesterday or today VIII not
suffice for tomorrow. when it comes to
supplying the city with water. The city
has grown rapidly and was certain to
keen on doing so; it was a question of
but few years when the water supply
would be insufficient: then farewell to
prosperous future. No community. espe-
cially one located In a semi-arid region,
can do without water in more than suf-
dcient volume. Water is the community's
life blood.
so that the city water officials and
others intimately connected. taking time
by the forelock, began to cast about for a
supply that should be sufficient not for
years but for many decades of years
They were Obliged to go far afield, but
they worked with secrecy and dispatch.
Soon 1t was announced that the waters
OF the Owens river in 1nyo county, 24O
miles away. was the only adequate avail
able source. and that options had been
obtained on the water rights and water
bearing lands necessary.
Careful investigation and estimates
showed that the plan was feasible ana
that something like s23,0O0,000 would be
necessary to carry It out. II was an
enormous burden to saddle or q COM
munity of less than 100000 sculs, but the
people OF Los Angeles never hesitated
never staggered. The only questions they
water enough? Can It be brought hereP
The plans and estimates of the local en-
rineers were confirmed by Il board coni-
posed Of three of the most eminent en-
gineers in the country. bond election
was called. and the bonds were voted py
q tremendous majority.
1t was the best advertisement Los An
eeles ever had. a city like Los Angeles
which has sufficient faith In It's own ability
and future TO vote $23.000,O00 for q water
supply. must be all right!
Such was the verdict all over the coun-
try Los Angeles had given bond tnat
the only possible obstacle in the way or
her reaching the million mark In popula-
tion-a future obstacle. not a present one.
would be removed. 1t has already peen
removed, to all intents and purposes.
The water shed of the Owens river is
practically inaccessible, and the city Will
always control the valley. so that Los
Angeles will be sure Of a supply of pure,
unpollutable mountain water.
Another advantage is that in bringing
the water to Los Angeles an enormous
power will be evolved which can be used
in generating electrical energy for power
lighting and other purposes, bringing in
large revenue The possible development
Of about $4,000 horse power is shown.
It Is believed that enough water will be
secured to supply a city of 100000 peo
pie and to irrfgate many thousands of
acres of lands adjacent to the city.
A report just issued by Superintendent
Mulhoiland shows that all the pre.imi-
nary surveys for the aqueduct have been
completed. In the Owens valley about
thirty miles of aqueduct have been To-
Gated out OF total of forty-two miles
A power plant is being constructed on
Division creek and diversion dam has
been built; another power plant is being
built on Cottonwood creek. Twenty miles
Of wagon road have been constructed
The work OF building the great works has
fairly begun.
The general plan includes gigantic
municipal cement plant, and a railroad
into the valley. 1t is not decided whether
the city or private interests shall con-
struct the railroad.
The Robinson Plans
Some time ago Charles Mulford Robin
son. & landscape architect of national re.
putation. was engaged to come to Los
Angeles and prepare plans for the beauti-
hcation OF Los Angeles. Mr.. Robinson
spent month in looking over the city
and rendered comprehensive report. To
carry out his plans would involve the
expenditure of several millions of dollars.
but that the money would be well in
vested nobody douots 1t is not neces-
sary, however, either TO appropriate all
the money nor to do all the work at one
time; and the city is committed to moth
ing. 1t simply has an admirable plan
available. 1t will doubtless be taken up
when the proper time comes
Mr.. Robinson's plan includes a wide
boulevard running up Fifth street from
the Arcade depot to the site of the state
Normal school; public library and
museum where the Normal school now
stands. The gathering together of the
city and county public buildings near the
court house and the site of the new post
office, the construction Of a new city
hall where the Bullarc block and Tempe