The Washington times., 1917-08-07


Grave waste Of water in the gov
ernmeutsl departments and indiffer-
ence of United States Government Of
ficiaIs to the pleas OF the Water De-
partment of the District for conserva-
ton are resulting in a menace
against which the Water Department
is struggling.
The activities Of the Government,
due to the war, with the establish
ment Of numerous camps near WASH
ington, and the demands coming from
Washington's increased population,
are drawing heavily upon the water
supply of this city.
The average daily consumption Is
now running over $4,000 900 gallons,
with the United States and District
governments consuming IS per cent
That is, As per cent is the amount
that is paid for by the people, and
the IS per cent is supplied free OF
charge.
Doubt Maximum.
While the maximum capacity Of the
Washington aqueduct has been esti-
mated by some engineers at 90. 900 900
gallons daily It is felt by others that
"a, 900, 900 gallons is the limit of safety
under present conditions, and they
would hate TO see the maximum put
to a test.
On some days in the last few
months the consumption has reached
100000 gallons daily, approaching
pretty closely othe $4,000, 900 limit,
and nfRfrFrf nArtaI1
over the rapid increase in consump-
ton In the face OF unconcern by gov
ornamental establishments as to con-
servation.
1t is the positive statement of Dis
trict experts today that conservation
by private consumers has been prac-
iced for a long time, through the rs
tablishment OF meters, and that gov
eminent departments must realize th,,
necessity for speedy conservation Dr.
there will shortly loom up before
Congress can bring relief. q mighty
dangerous situation.
District PowerIeas.
The District government has no
control over Washington's water sup
ply. The law of nifty years ago gives
the control and supervision OF this
supply to the Secretary OF War,
through the chief OF engineers. The
theory Of the law. in fact the words.
give the General Government all II
wants of this water supply free OF
charge and the people OF Washington
are to have whatever Is left. Under
the existing law II emergency should
ever arise by which the Government
wishes TO exercise its rights, the citi-
Eens Of the city could be denied water
absolutely.
The Districts supervision and con
troll, and even that IL limited, begins
at the Bryant street pumping station
near the steel plant The District is
merely allowed to distribute the wa
ter TO the Government and citiEens.
II can and does dictate to the citizen,
but can do nothing as to waste in
Government Institutions.
II Is revealed today that the Govern
ment Printing Offce uses from 2 600. ono
tn 100000 gallons Of water daily; the
Navy Yard 100000 gallons: the State.
War and Navy Departments. in one
building. 10000 gallons. AMI other de-
partments In proportion.
Conservation Asked.
There Is no fight by District officials
against necessary use. but II Is stated
that II there should be proper conserva-
ton by the departments all danger for
a long time in the future uouli be re-
moved. The trouble is due TO anti
Quated condensinE plants on the ma
chinery. through which the water flows
In a never ending stream Of millions Of
gallons. The District has been urging
the officials OF departments TO ask Con-
gress for cooling towers by which the
same water could be used over and over
again. giving a saving estimated at not
less than 50 per cent
Navy Yard officials have shown more