Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-10-26

voir, a new tunnel, larger in diameter
than the present one, also is proposed.
Studies made as to the discharge of the
Potomac river conclusively indicate, it is
stated, that the flow will be more than
sufficient to meet the enlarged facilities
of the proposed distributing ssystem.
From fifteen years observation by the
United States geological survey, it has
been found. according to the report, that
the discharge amounts to between COG. :
100000 gallons and 81 900. 100000 gallons
daily.
AS the predicted maximum daily con-
SUMPTION in 1850 is only 10000. 900 gal
Ions observes Col. Langfitt, 1T may be
stated that the Potomac river at Great
Falls can furnish for all time a sufficient
water supply to the city. and that until
long after the usual limits of predictions
have been passed a surplus will be avail
able. even in times of excessive drought
Referring to the capacity of the present
supply, he states: The delivery of 3d.
100000 gallons daily can be allowed only
for a very short time on days of maxi
mum consumption-thisv mainly on &C
count of reduction Of storage necessary
to attain it. and because the pumps sup
plying the filters were designed to handle
safely only about IS, 100000 gallons daily
w While nile the pumps can be pushed to
100000 gallons delivery, if necessary,
such course involves risk, not lightly
to be undertaken under present condi-
tons.
* x
las previously stated the filter beds
aggregate Twenty-Five acres in extent,
and. while designed for an average rat.
of 100000 gallons daily. it has been
found that with the addition of the CO.
agulating plant, now in use, and on ac-
count of their inherent capacity they
can safely be run at a rate double this
reservoir with capacity of 100000
gallons. will soon prove too small with
increased consumption, as will also the
present piping. designed for an average
consumption of 100000 gallons daily"
With the need of an enlarged system
yearly becoming more apparent. the Com
missloners have not been unheedful of
the Importance of bringing about econ
Before 1905. as pointed out by Mr. Hardy.
the use OF water practically was unre-
stricted After that date, however.
meters were installed on mains supplying
niters. The next effort of the authori-
ties In the direction of economy was
when the water department began the
work of locating leaks
rms resulted in a considerable reduc-
ton on IN 2. the per capita consumption of
water states Mr.. Hardy so that
while the population increased steadily
Inc amount OF water supplied gradually
decreased between the years 1905 and
ISlO. when it began to increase again.
In 1912 the District of Columbia water
department increased the water rates and
also decreased the amount of water To
De furnished for the minimum fixed rate
IN order to enable that department to
meter the services more rapidly"
Coming to the power part Of the plan.
1t VIII be in order to consider the fea
lures OF the I-angfitt report "a thew re-
late to the objects for which nouer 10
desired as set forth in the act of Con
gfess directing the investigation.
As already pointed out the Commits
slohers favor utilizing the power which
may pe developed in excess of the
amount required for purely govern
iheht needs for furnishing cheaper
heht 10 consumers and for other pur-'
poses. but this phase of the problem
was not considered BY the designers
or the Great Falls project. whose in
auirs was confined strictly to the OBJ !.
Jects outlined by Congress in the act
referred to. In connection with the study
OF power possibilities. consider.a ton
was given TO a plan submitted in a re-
port OF n. =. leighton. chief hydrog-
rapher OF the United States geological
survey who at the request Of the Dis
trict Commissioners made an fnyesti-
cation of the feasibility Of attempting
to develop water power at or below
Great Falls.
The conclusion reached was that the
out of this scheme, which
the building OF a canal
from Great Falls to Dalecarlia reser-
voir. would not be advisable, for the
reason. it was believed. that the cost
of the power output per kilowatt hour
would be greater than practicable. In
lieu of the canal plan the Langf1tt rec
Is for the construction of
a high dam in the river about one-third
Of a mile above Chain bridge and the
of power by utilizing the
head thus created -. = :.
IF that head were concentrated