Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-11-15

Constantly experimenting IN an en-
desvor to bring the water TO an even
better quality than It's present high stand
ARD. The number Of bacteria in each
cubic centimeter before and after the
filtration process IS carefully ascertained
ard monthly records are kept. These
experiments have always been carried on
to certain extent, but during the past
few years the prevalence Of an opinion to
tho effect that the water was chiefly re-
sponstble for the outbreak Of various cpl
denies resulted IN minute examinations.
held for the purpose Of fixing the blame in
order that the cause might finally be fixed
beyond doubt, or that as far as the water
was concerned there might be complete
exoneration. The results have shown that
compared with other cities the supply
drawn from the Potomac above Great
Falls. even in its most unhealthful state,
is xingularly free from pollution.
After travelling through the various
reservoirs and being subjected to the ex
haustive cleansive processes the harmful
bacteria practically disappeared alto
gether. Occasionally. even after the water
has been filtered, there Is a certain tur-
bidity. but this. according to Supt. Hardy
is such an infreqUent occurrence that It
cannot possibly be harmful.
Indeed, an examination Of the filtered
water, even when II is not as beautifully
clear as 1t Is usually. shows that 1t is
almost free Of the bacteria which cause
w
and physical anguish. Typhoid. it seems,
is one Of Washington's peculiar ailments
and one that cannot be escaped. When
one cause Is obviated another replaces 1t,
and this goes on lad inhnltum." MIX.
improper sewerage and contaminated
foods all assist, according to Health Off
Ger Woodward in keeping up the death
rate from this disease. But Potomac
water, filtered as it is today. is poor
agent for the carrying of typhoid bacilli.
no & N
American Society of Civil Engineers re-
Gently DR. Woodward said: II know of no
evidence that indicates even that the very
plant that has been constructed has not
given satisfactory results when gagged
by the standard of bacterial efficiency,
and the only evidence that has ever come
to my knowledge that it has not yielded
an effluent satisfactorily clear has come
from those concerned in the operation of
the plant. who appear to have been dis
satisfied at times because they were I'M
able 10 attain the high standard of
brilliancy In the effluent that they have
set before them. The public seems to be
satisfied
1t will be seen by this that it is gem
eral opinion. seconded not only by lay
men, but by scientists, that Potomac
water. filtered. is practically germ proof.
PROFESSIONALLY Potomac water, as it is
treated, is far safer during the summer
months when decaying animal matter
til little boys in swimming run danger Of
being eaten alive by rabid, growing ba-
clli.
Opinions Differ.
Local scientists who have Inspected con-
ditions are of the opinion that the Poto
mae river never was an extremely harm
full agent in the carrying of bacteria.
This theory would seem to be justified by
the lack of decrease in typhoid statistics
during the past five years. i, is a mat
ter of comment that the death rates have
been almost as high after the Potomac
river was run through sand before sent to
the householders previously. Cndoubt-
edly the river contained and does contain
harmful bacteria but there are other
sources of trouble equally harmful.
Washington is interested in its new I'LL
tration plant On Sundays the reserva-
ton devoted to the clearing of water is
the haunt of many an excursionist desir
Gus of recreation. But little can be seen
of the workings of the plant. and this
affords the wise young man ample oppor-
tunity to explain to the light of his eX-
istence just how it is that the germs are
firmly but gently killed in the sand
through which the water trickles.
The Waterman at the park. as it is COM
questions by the enthusiastic young
sessed of deep scientific insight nor yet
the future the Waterman is frequently