New Britain herald., 1916-12-13
State Bacteriologist Reports to
 SeleCtInan on Analysis
DEMANDS IMPROVED SERVICE
Select1nen Will Insist That Use of Reservoir Water Be Discontinued
 Saultus Put on Probation-Briefs.

Water taken from the Plainville reservoir has been pronounced to be chemically pure by State Bacteriol- ogist Conn.,, who, in letter to Select man w. J. Johnson. has given a re- port of the analysis made of a sample taken from Crystal lake a short time after the outbreak of typhoid fever here Dr. Conn has advised the select man that his examination of the water showed 1t to be free from disease germs and as far as it's chemical properties Is concerned, is fit for do- mestic use.
 The results of the analysis occa- stoned no great surprise among the physicians of the town. as the evil dence in their possession from the start of the epidemic led them to be- lieve that the disease had its source in other quarters. Selectman Johnson stated today that he will make pub lie the complete analysis tomorrow and will also give out the letter of pr. Conn which accompanied 1t. Despite the fact that the water has been officially pronounced pure, Se- lectman Johnson stated today that the town will not again be supplied from the reservoir if he can prevent it. He does not consider the water fit for domestic use in it's present con- dition, even though it has no proper ties that are harmful to the health of those who use 1t.
 He does not know just what course he will follow in trying to bring about change, but he is hopeful that the water company will improve the ser vice of it's own volition. He has sug- gested that the company drain the reservoir and clear the bottom of the vegetable growth which causes the water to have an unpleasant taste and odor. Officials of the company have claimed this idea to be impractical.
 If necessary MT. Johnson thinks the company should purchase an addi- tional engine for use at it's pumping station, furnishing we'll water throughout the entire year. This would also necessitate he believes, the enlarging of the standpipe near the reservoir. The question has oc- cured to him, however, as to whether the wells will supply enough water for use for any long period if the pumps are in constant operation With others, he is of the opinion that the water originally came from Hampl1ns pond, finding it's way into the wells by seeping through the sandy soil. Cl1Oulu IIlc uIdlll Oll ClIt pO11u DO COo heavy he thinks it possible that the wells might go dry, making other ar engagements for supplying water to the town necessary.
 Whatever changes will be required, the se1ectman has expressed his de- termination to force permanent dis continuance of the reservoir supply for domestic use. Every summer, he said today there are complaints about the quality of re reservoir water and the present time is perhaps as good as any to remedy the trouble.
 Mr. Johnson will undoubtedly have the support of the townspeople in generaral in his efforts to improve the service. Although there are many people who wee unwilling to enter tain the belief that the typhoid germs came from the reservoir, they do not believe they should be forced to use water which pollutes the very atmos- phere of their homes during the warm weather. Plainville, if it is to grow, should have water that is not only chemically fit for use, but is satisfac- tory to those who have to drink it, they argue, and if the selectmans makes an effort to better conditions the residents will no doubt back him up willingly.
 Saultus on Probation.