Evening star., 1921-06-11
FACTS ON CONDUIT
FACING CONFEREES
Sturdy Statements Pointed
Out Dangers to Washing
toms Water Supply.


tons Water Supply.
Senate and House conferees on the
Army bill. which carries a provision
for a new water conduit from Great
Falls. were confronted with sturdy
facts when they came to determine
whether the conduit item should re-
main in the measure. it was pointed
out by government officials today.
These are:
First-Washington is depending for
its water supply on a nine-foot brick
tunnel. built sixty years ago. which
engineers say is in danger of break
ing at any time.
Second - This tunnel is delivering
more than 65.0o0.00o gallons of water
daily. which was the limit placed on
its safe average. carrying capacity
when it was new.
Third-A serious break in the con-
duit would jeopardize the lives and
health Of the people of the National
Capital and subject government and
private property here to unlimited
fire hazards
High Points In Situation.
These are the high points in situa-
ton declared to be more serious than
the average citizen and members Of
Congress probably realize
Those charged with the responsibility
Of bringing to the attention of Con.
gress the need Of immediate legislation
to safeguard tho capital against a
water famine believe the conduit item
which met with no opposition in the
Senate, will receive the approval of
the conferees and will be adopted by
the House by substantial majority.
Figures made public today show that
consumption of water in the District
steadily is increasing, despite the ex-
odHs Of war workers. For the fiscal
year 1915 the avefage daily consump-
ton was in excess Of .51.ooo.o6o gallons.
100000. The year following it
climbed to s2.ooo.0oO, and in 1919 to
a point in excess Of 65,00o.O00. The
consumption in 1920 was close to ST.
600. 600.
Daily Use Past safety Marx.
Daily consumption this month has
gone far beyond the safety mark Of
100000 gallons Mays figures show
ed daily average increase over those
ago. OF more than 100000 gallons.
There is no escaping the fact that
consumption is growing and the con-
duit is being subjected to a constantly
increasing strain which eventually
can have but one ending. Such a
time. engineers frankly admit. It is
impossible to unwater the tunnel long
enough for inspection and repairs be-
cause of the necessity Of keeping it in
operation constantly il the city's
water needs are to be supplied. The
reservoirs barely Is sufficient for a
two days supply. while practically
that much time would be required to
unwater the conduit and get it run
ming to full capacity again.
Maj. NJ. c.. Tyler. Corps of Engi-
plans for a new conduit were ap-
proved by the Senate. discusses the
Importance of starting the work with
the least delay possible in his report,
which is before Congress. He says:
maintenance. without maintenance
work sooner or later failures will
occur. With the consumption of
water what it has been for the past
two years. it is impossible to un-
water the conduit for longer than
two days, which is an insufficient
time to do much more than inspect
it. 1t is impossible to do any work
in the tunnel under the city, because
the time required to pump it out is
about; equal to the time that the
L
will supply the city. The District of
Columbia is. therefore. dependent for
its water on a single line of supply,
which. on account of the amount of
water 1T is carrying. can not be main
tained properly.
This condition cannot be irnnroved
until additional facilities are pro-
vtded. While. SO far as known, all
structures are in good condition they
cannot remain SO without mainte-
nance. and the longer the new work
is postponed the greater will be the
risk Of a failure in some part Of the
supply line which will stop for time
at least the delivery Of water. The
time has passed when an expansion of
the system would be simply wise
provision to care for a growing pop
ulation. It is now more than that.
It is a necessity as insurance against
an interruption of service altogether.
II the project for expansion. which
can be most speedily completed be
authorized. additional water cannot
be delivered inside of two and one
half years. Other projects will take
IL new work is begun this coming
spring. the existing system must con-
ttnue for several years without prop
er repairs to supply the District of
Columbia with water. The risk of
ats eDonson Of secss %Tsa be s
taken. There Is no help for it. The
longer the new work Is postponed
the greater will be the risk. 1t
should be clearly understood, there
fore, that new works are recomme nd
ed in this report. not only to provide
an adequate water supply for the in
creasing population Of the District OF
Columbia, but because such works.
are an urgent necessity for the pro-
lection of the District against an in
of its water service.