Perth Amboy evening news., 1919-09-18
MASON MAKES
CANAL REPORT
Tells Water Board ReCOnStTuc-
ton of System Necessary

Superintendent of the Water De
partment, Samuel J.. Mason last nigh
made a brief report to the Board of
Water Commissioners on the effect
the proposed Intra-Coastal Canal
would have on the city's water plant
at Runyon and South River. Mr.. Ma
son explained that he had not yet
completed the investigation but his
findings to date would indicate that
the digging of the canal, along the
route proposed at present, would
mean the reconstruction of the whole
collecting system now being used by
the city.
Another effect the canal would have
on the water plant, Superintendent
Mason said, would be to lower the
present water table-which Is at ele-
walton seven-to elevation one, q loss
of six feet. In rearranging the col
lecting system, Mr.. Mason said, the
wells would be dug in a line along the
canal.
If the canal is dug. Mr.. Mason
said, and the reconstruction of the
collecting system made necessary, the
pumping station which is now situated
at Runyon, would be moved and re-
located at South River, where the
city's water supply is now being Sc
cured, and relayed to Runyon from
which point it is pumped.
The canal project is not causing
tho water superintendent nor the
water commisS- oners any worry, 1t
was apparent, as they seemed to be
of the opinion hat it would be many
years before the project became a
reality.
If the canal should be built, Presi-
dent Harry b. Wilson pointed out,
the city would not lose any money
If the canal Wen through the water
plant as it would have to be reim-
bursed for the expenses caused by the
changes to the collecting system.
With reference to the conference
in Elizabeth, which he attended rep
resenting this city, Mr.. Mason said
that city was in a serious condition
because of the lack Of enough water
to meet the demands now being
made. The local superintendent de-
clared the supply nov available in
Perth Amboy would be sufficient to
allow the city to sell Elizabeth water
If tina became necessary. Approx
mately two million gallons of water
are flowing away daily at the Perth
Amboy water works, Mr.. Mason said,
SO large is the supply on hand. Be-
tween ten and eleven million gallons
a day are now being pumped.
The ordinance establishing new
Idlto G ItN1S@
on it's second and third readings, this
going into effect October l.
The superintendent was instructed
to lay q four inch pipe line in Ken
nedy street. The matter of laying a
main in Lee avcnu was also discuss
ed but no action taken.
A petition vas received by the
board requesting that a water main
be laid on the south side of New
worth nf tho
present main, and was referred to the
pipe committee to investigate and re-
port back to the board.
A letter asking 5000 damages, the
result of an accident caused by an
unprotected excavation. was received
and referred to the city attorney for
action.
Superintendent Mason was in
| structed to advertise for bids on ue-
| ton pipe to be used in connecting
| the seven newly driven wells at South
| River.
1t was decided to start next week
shutting off the water of consumers
| who are delinquent in their payments
| approximately 100000 in~arrears no"
being out, according to figures pre-
| sented by President Wilson. TIT
| clerk was instructed to prepare q
| complete list CT all delinquents ant
to start next week TO smut Oil Liz
| water of all whose names appear OF
| it. Notices have beer sent out warn
| ing the consumers of the Boards pro
| posed action, Mr.. Wilson said, bu'
these have not had the desired effec'
in bringing in the money.
A motion was passed that the Alder
| men be requested to refund $4,000
worth of temporary water improve
ment bonds due November 9, of thi
year, at the best interest rate pos
| sible.
The real estate committee was au
thorized to secure bids for the paint
ing of the windows, doors and wood
work on the power-house n tW'
well houses.
All of the commissioners wer'
present with the exception of G. c
Baldwin.