The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1908-06-27

Hays City Water Works.


The question of larger facilities for
water supply is one in which all citi-
zens should take a deep interest. We
are all acquainted with the fact that
our present system is entirely made
quate and should large confagration
occur as we experienced short while
ago in the loss of out largest industry,
we should find our present system very
inadequate. Our present pumping ma
chinery and water supply will not meet
the daily demands and should it be
called upon in an emergency to furnish
a larger supply of water, it would be
incapacitated to do so.
In view of these facts, THE HON
ORABLE WATER COMMISSIONERS
have employed engineers to investigate
our need and the estimated cost of en-
larging our present system. The engi
neers have been on the ground and
have made careful study of our pres
ent wants. They have also consulted
the States Biologists records and
have found that there is apparently
sheet of water undertaking the greater
part of this county and that III this
particular location it has the peculiar
places than others. From the test
holes that have been located, it is clear
ly proven that the present site is the
best anywhere in the vicinity and that
it is merely a matter of covering a
sufficient area to obtain an adequate
supply of water of extremely good
quality. The engineers recommend
that eight wells be sunk in the center
of the intersecting streets at the pump
ing station and distributed over an
area of approximately $50, 900 so. it,,
and at a depth that will pass through
the water bearing gravel. This ar
rangement will safely furnish supply
of so, 900 gallons per hour, which re-
presents the ordinary requirements of
the city and will no doubt, have the
twenty years to come. The present
system of street water mains are
ample and are able to carry the IN
creased supply.
The gasoline engine is too expensive
to operate and will not supply more
water in twenty-four hours than is now
required for sprinkling one hour during
the summer season. This leaves the
city at the mercy of VULCAN. It
is therefore recommended by the engi-
neers that of either crude producer,
gas or electric unit, of approximately
60, 900 gallons an hour, they are strong
ly of the opinion that it will be found
desirable to use the crude oil motor.
According to authentic tests, crude oil
motors can be operated at about one
eighth the cost of operating gasoline
motors.
The present proposition also calls for
an additional mile and half of street
mains, with dozen fire hydrants in
the outlying district which are at pres
ent without any water supply or fire
protection. These additional mains
will of course increase the revenue.
The improvements will cost approx
mately $4,000 for which amount the
City Council desires to issue bonds. 1t
therefore behooves all citizens, who are
interested in the welfare of our city, to
urge the voting of these bonds, for
nothing is more essential for the ad-
vancement and growth of the City,
than an adequate water supply and
proper fire protection, and the money
thus spent, will produce the greatest
return in improving our City Let
US therefore all work together and
urge the voting of these bonds for we
can not continue longer with the pres
ent system. AS soon as the bonds are
voted upon, the engineers will furnish
accurate, detail estimates of the cost
of the improvements from three differ
ent points of view at which time THE
HONORABLE WATER COMMIS-
SIONERS will decide which is to be
used.