Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1922-10-15

within Few Months Water Pressure
Thr"uShout city WIN Bc Equal q"
Demand In Any section, II Is Bc-
lieNcd.
In following out the plan to give
Richmond the best possible water
supply. and to remedy tho defects
In this particular which have been
apparent for many years Mayor
A!nsiic and his advisory board have
concurrcd in suggestions and plans
presented by tho Director OF Public
Utilities. L. w. Trafford. and. within
few months. II IS believed tho
water pressure all over the city will
be equal TO the demand in any soc
ZION. The low pressure. which has
caused much distress and incouvon-
fence in the central section partivu-
larry. viii, NY this plan. be relieved.
The cost OF the new service will b.
about sS0oGo. In describing the pro-
posed plant and its values. Mayor
Ainslic SAYS:
Richmond is city Of hills and
valleys. There is a difference of level
OF about geo feet between its high
est and lowest points. Rctwccn these
extreme Variations other !utermeGi-
ate levels exist. Win only one sys-
tenn OF water distribution We would
be confronted with too crca, n water
pressure In t.c valleys aud too little
on the hills: or perhaps enough
pressure at tho low points aud too
little pressure at the higher points.
For this reason the water supply If
Richmond in tho past has developed
from single distribution system OF
mains supplied by the old Marshall
Reservoir. in the early DAYS of water
distribution. first TO two systems
when the New Reservoir was con
s;ructed AT some thirty feet greater
elevation. and later. to three systems
when the city developed wcstwHr,ly
TO higher ground. a. which time the
so-caiicd standniDc. or high pres ur..
service. was established.
Demand Higher Prrssurrs.
Modern requirements demand higher
rressureS than were thought ncc,S.
sary several years ago This has hcen
brought about NY the construction
OF higher buildings. modern fire
sprinkler systems and the demand for
quick service. This demand has
caused the high pressure. or stand
pipe, area to 10 extended from time
to time In a piccc-u"al manner. often
times without regard :" It's effect
upon tn" efficiency Of tho distribution
mains. Tho same reason has caused
tho low service area to H.. diniu.
ishcf; until now II is regarded as
useless. and is TO bc abandoned.
There still remains, however 81 large
area which can h. efficiently supplied
by the New Reservoir, or in;crmc-
diate pressure service for which the
high pressure system would be un-
suitable.
THAT tho water pressure available
In many parts OF the city is insum-
Gent IS NO new condition Thirty
I've years ago. when tho city Hall
was built /; was realized that water
would not flow ahov" the second
story Of tho building ana pumps
We're Installed 10 furnish water to
the higher floors
in 1913 q survey ~ tho water con-
di;i"ns In Richmond was made by
engineers OF the National Board OF
Ere Underwriters. and among other
findings was the statement that
Fichmoud's reservoirs had good
storage caracity. but are on too low
seriously reduced under fire draft"
Huiit on Highest Gr"wnd.
The reservoirs which the under
walton were built on the highest
ground IN the city. hence. it is no: /,
considered feasible TO cunS,ruc; /
other reservoirs at "a greater .l.v#-
lion, or 10 incroSs" tho height ~ the /
banks of the present reservoirs SUI +
fcientiy 20 rcndcr modern water
service 10 a large part Of tho city. /
FOR this reason II has been deter F.
mined 10 rcsor. to auxiliary pump .
.nE
In working out tho water d,s,rt-
hutton problem the Department Of
Public Ctitics had -[iauy factors TO
consider Among then was the dc