New-York tribune., 1908-08-14
SEWER FOR kAT0NAH
WATERSHED INSPECTION.
DIR. Darlington Finds Conditions
Much Better than Last Year.

katonah, the Cross River dam of the Gro
ton water supply system. is planning build a
sewer. Dr. Thomas Darlington the Commissioner
of Health, made inspection of the watershed
yesterday, and when he reached the village H R
Barrett and E. P. Barrett showed him plans and
discussed the sewer scheme in all its health bear
ings
Ever since the typhoid outbreak in the village
about eighteen months ago the leading men of
Katonah have been considering sewage methods
An enactment by the Legislature at its last session
gave 1t the power to build sewer system and
the understanding in the village is that the city
will build a disposal plant. The city is doing II
1or Mount kisco, and will do it for Katonah
1t was shown by the Barretts that there was
practically no place in the limits of the village
where disposal plant could be built to take in
the sewage by gravity. There one section that
might be available. but it was too near the upper
reaches of the Muscoot reservoir and also too near
the dwellings There would be objection from the
persons living near the level reaches, and Dr. Oar
lnston was sure that the water supply would be
threatened with contamination.
To connect with the sewer in Mount Kisco would
be too expensive. and the next method pumping
to higher ground. the only feasible one Plans
emoodylng the latter scheme will be prepared If
the department of Water Supply Gas and Elec-
tricty engineers approve. A conference with one
OF the engineers will be held in a short time and
a typographical survey of the village NAV he noada
1t was said by the Barretts that 1t would be nee
essary TO incorporate Katonah before the neces-
sary funds for the sewer could be raised The
village is now q part of Bedford Steps to Incor-
porate will be taken an agreement has
been made with the two city departments regard
ing the disposal plant
reporter for The Tribune learned from DR. Oar
hngton last evening that the conditions in the Gro
ton watershed We're better by far than last wear
Rensico reservoir is clear and fresh and only
about three feet below the spillway The grass has
been cut about twelve feet from the waters edge
and six feet from the banks Of the brook which is
the feeder Discoloration from dead grass and nos
sible contamination thus avoided
An investigation by a Tribune reporter disclosed
the fact that Lake Wampus. of the feeders
was free from scum and full Muscoot was
also full. and so was Byram- At each the grass
cutting precaution had been taken. The Cross
River reservoir within few inches of being
full and conditions there good.
The big Croton alone showed the effects of
drouth and much of water. was about eight
feet below the spillway, and the shores were bare
far up among the reaches of the reservoir There
was no evidence of any impurities. The exposed
bed of the big water .container getting green
with grass in places, and there were no stasnant
sections.
conditions were found, and it was said that these
were not menace because of the filtration OF the
water through the adjoining soil. The brook one
of the Croton feeders crept sluggishly along tur-
bid as il was last year when The Tribune exposures
of threa tenlng watershed conditions compelled rigid
inspection and the cleaning Of cesspools that emp
tied into the stream. The cesspools have not been
used since and drainage from stables has been
stopped The work the sewer system is being
pushed, SO that soon every possible danger to the
city's water will be removed.