Norwich bulletin., 1909-05-04
34151.2S
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 While the above shows a gratifying net amount for the city the earning capacity of the department would be better understood if credit were given for the hydrants maintained and in- stalled without cost to the fire depart- ment. We know of no municipal plant in which such credit is not giv- en, and in no case is 1t less than S2O a year for each hydrant in use. There are 3SS hydrants, and at s20 each would add S7,760 to the net earnings.
 The condition Of the reservoir has been such as to create great anxiety On June 1 there was a full pond, but 1t steadily fell until on February 3 it was 207 1-2 inches below. The rain fall from July to January amounted to 16.16 inches, while in 1907 1t was 24.33 inches. and the general average is 2415. The entire fall for the year was S7.9s Inches, or S.61 less than the average.
 Much more work than contemplated at the beginning of the year has been done. Dead ends in Third and Fourth streets have been connected by a four inch main in Page street To relieve small pressure on Lambs Hill the six inch main has been continued from Mckinley avenue through Rockwell street to the main of the same size in Rockwell street near Platt avenue
 The question of meterage has re- ceived careful attention, and inspection has revealed conditions which show an utter indifference to the low condition of the reservoirs. Tn one place where the packing had entirely gone a meter was placed, and in 17 days 225.OO0 gal Ions were registered. When confront ed with the figures and informed he would have to pay for the water used the conditions were at once remedied The department only objects to the useless use of water. Waste can and should be prevented, and this can be done by meters. There have been 139 meters set, and more should be in- stalled.
 Acting upon the belief that there should be a new dam at Meadow brook. the hIlrd voted February q to build a new dam with concrete core which will require additional land. all of which can be done for S20,0OO II is expected the work will be finished by July 1st. The board also suggests that additional service be giver Thamesville and number of hydrants ned replacing.
 There has been some trouble to the service pipe by the action of cleo trolysis thereon, and inspection shows some or the cast iron mains are beinr affected. The work of clearing tho upper end og Meadow brook basir should be continued till clear pass age way for the water from the ex. treme upper end of the same has beer secured.
 E. L. Burnap in his annual report a, superintendent says that a genera cleaning up has been done at Fair. view and the concrete platform ana iron rail built about the gate-house Steps should be taken to prevent tray. el across the embankment to the lands on the east shore, where one land own CT now has a right of way, as it re. quires an almost daily visit to cleai up after the cattle The land should be purchased and the nuisance abat- ed.
 At Meadow brook the cleaning up ot the upper portion has been continued the main ditch opened, the brush. grass and weeds cut and burned, so the meadow is now in an excellent condi- ton. All the buildings on the La Pierre farm have been removed and fences and walls rebuilt. Twenty hv drants have been replaced, four VI which have steamer connection. NC water has gone to waste at Meadow brook during the year and the water has been of good quality, except pos sibly near dead ends.
 There has been an extension of mains amounting to 6.5S6 feet. ten new hydants set, 133 new meters set, mak- ing a total of 335 now. There have been 36 mains repaired, 6S new ser vices totalling 1,49S feet. 29s services II gates, 34 hydrants repaired 61 ser vices and 24 hydrants renewed.
 The report of the board is given in a thorough and comprehensive manner being carried out in detail by Clerl W. W. Ives of the board, whose expert ence in the work plainly shows. Tho showing for the year is considered an excellent one under the existing con- ditions, inasmuch as low water and