Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-06-02

reservoir at the District line and by
enlarging the capacity of delivery. tc
the filtration plant near the Soldiers
Home.
The total cost of the Langf1tt project
was estimated at s15,0o1 500 of which
S5.172.600 was allotted to the increase
of the water supply and s9,S49.000 for
generating electrical power sufficient
quirements of the United States and the
District of Columbia. The total an
nual cost of operation and maintenance
for both systems was estimated al
ergy which could be generated by the
project was variously estimated al
from $15,400 to 99,500 horsepower, ac-
cording to the flow of the river. II
was estimated that the daily demands
of power would range from 10,12S to
14.751 horsepower. Provision was made
also for steam auxiliaries to meet pos
sible deficiency of waterpower in dry
years.
"Safe Supply at Small Cost"
According to Col. Langfitt, "the prof.
ect will obtain safe and sure water
supply, capable of indefinite expansion
as needed, at very small cost, and also
furnish a power plant which, from the
savings effected. will return it's cost
within a reasonable period and also
provide interest at per cent"
Changes in the general situation since
the date of the Langfitt report have con-
vinced some of those interested in the
subject that an electric power plant ade-
uuate FOR all purposes can be established
in the vicinity of Great Falls at cost
much below that estimated for the Lang
fit project. The principal means to that
end Is the elimination entirely of the in
creased water supply feature. for which
the estimated cost was S5,172.6OO- 1t has
been suggested also that there is water
power in the river at or near Great
Falls sufficient to generate the desired
electrical energy. and that the tablish-
ment of a power plant there. would cost
much less than the one near the Chain
bridge. recommended by Col Langftt.
These are the principal questions to be
considered by the Newcomer board and
reported to the War Department.
Reasons for Elimination.
Secretary Baker says that the elimina-
ton of the water supply question from
present consideration is based on reports
from the engineer officer in charge of the
District water supply system. showing a
steady decrease in the consumption of
water. from an average daily consump-
ton of 100000 gallons and a maximum
daily consumption of 92,70O,O0O gallons in
the year 1912. to an average daily con-
sumption of 54,500.00 gallons in 1915.
Notwithstanding an increase of popula-
ton. His report showed further that the
pumps supplying the filters are designed
for handling safely about 75,000,000 gal
Ions a day and expressed the belief that
the safe capacity of the filtration system.
which he stated at 65,000,00O gallons, will
not be exceeded before 1925. Secretary
Baker added that the decreased consump-
ton Of 1915 had been maintained since
that year and was attributed to the in
creased installation OF meters and the
better control of the water distribution.
1t is understood that the action of the
Secretary of War in directing recon-
sideration of the Great Falls water power
project was taken on the recommendation
Of the District Commissioners.