Evening journal., 1916-02-04
NEW CITY RESERVOIR
IS URGED By EXPERT
Engineer Fuller FavorS Rod
ney Street in Preference
to Weldin Farm
URGES NEW ENGINES
AND WATER RIGHTS

OWING 10 a number OF City Coun-
cilmen not being at the conference
with the Water Commissioners on
wednesday evening. nothing definite
was done by Council last night rola-
tive TO the suggestions and recon-
mendations of tho Water Board for
funds for the extension and improve
ment OF the city water supply. Fol
lowing the receipt OF "a letter from
the commissioners and report Of
George W Fuller of Now York. an
expert, who investigated the water
system OF Wilmington. Il was de-
cided 10 defer the subject until next
"Wednesday night when all the Coun-
cilmen are expected TO be present
Members Of Council received copies
OF Mr.. Funcr's report several days
ago in which he sets forth what he
believes TO be essential for the better
ment OF the city's water supply.
The report sets forth that about
100000 will be necessary 10 carry
out the suggestions Of the expert. He
recommends new reservoir at
Eighth and Rodney streets, turbine
engines and that additional water
rights. along the Brandywine be ac-
quired Following the receipt OF the
letter. Edgar NJ Hopes. Jr, munich
pal engineer. made a statement to
Council which he said had been au-
thorized by the Water Commission
ers. Mr. Hopes said;
"The Water Commissioners wish TO
explain that the item Of Sl5O,O0O put
in the Fuller report as the cost of
additional water rights is tentative,
and does not represent any agreement
that they can be obtained for the city
at that figure In justice to MI.
Fuller we would state that he did not
make tests to determine what i'm his
Judgment is the actual value Of the
water rights, but the figure named
Sl50.00O-is largely based upon Mr..
Leisens report OF 1906 and Mr..
Fuller's estimate OF the minimum flow
OF the stream
The letter OF the wafer board to
Council and a summary OF Mr. Fullcr's
report are as follows
February 8. 1916
To the President and Members of
City Council. Wilmington. Delaware.
Gentlemen This Board has rea-
lized fer some time that extensions
and bettcrments TO the existing sys-
tenn Of water supply were urgently
needed. and after carefully invostieat-
ing the matter itself. secured the assist
ance OF Ny. George W. Fuller, one OF
the foremost experts on water purlh-
cation IN the United States. to pass
final Judgment on the various pro-
jocts.
We wish respectfully to submit
herewith a copy OF report on Pro
posed improvements to The Water
Supply OF the City OF Wilmington
Project No. 3. as outlined on page 23
or the report, has the unanimous en-.
dorsoment OF The Board Of Water
Commissioner and is urgently rec
commended TO your honorable body
for favorable consideration.
Without wishing unduly 10 alarm
the citizens. we feel compelled "a
state that the time for immediate ac-
tion i at hand. and that any unneces-
sary delay may produce disastrous ef-
fects. for which this board is unwill-
ing 10 assume the responsibility.
Omitiing for the present the rec
ommcndation dealing with the pur-
chase Of additional water rights. Pro
icct No. 9 calls for an expenditure OF
5000 600 S425.O00. Of which would bC
needed during 1916. and the balance
OF $i75.000. during 1917
May we have the assurance OF youi
honorable body that this sum OF mon
ey will be available for the purpos'
outlined. in order that we may al
once start the preparation Of PLAN
and specifications with a view OF ac