Western news and the Libby times. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1920-1933, 1929-11-28

added safeguards were made in the
cross connection Ia bleeder relief
pipe installed between two gate
valves) when the chlorine applica-
ton was stopped. The apparatus is in
stalled read for instant use if the
cross connection is opened This has
not occurred during the past summer.
made an inspection of the water
supply for distance of about mile
above the reservoir with a council
man, and the reservoir, chlorine in
stallations and cross connections with
Mr.. Russell, manager of the water
utility.
The survey of the past summer
brought forth some unsolicited" COM
plants relative to the water supply
The city council thereupon made an
inspection Of conditions and found
them unsatisfactory The complaints
allege a disagreeable taste and too
much sediment in the water obtained
from the faucet.
The conditions found unsatisfactory
by the council are a .stagnation" in
the reservoir, the presence Of much
decaying vegetation in and upon the
banks of the reservoir and too free
access to the water by humans and
animals
These factors in the situation may
be classed under two headings, !. G.
physical and sanitary.
The reservoir IS of a rather pecu-
liar shape due to the length of the
dam. It receives water from the creek
at enc corner and discharges 1T at a
point nearby thus producing short
circuit with back water more or
less undisturhed, extending the great
er length This back water flood
over shadows along the upper bank
Opposite the dam and it is along this
portion of the reservoir that the dead
trees, rank grasses and shrubs are
found
The sediment complained Of, as far
as could determine, is of light
weight, organic rather than sandy orI
clay character This leads me to con-
clude that the logging operations, de-
nuding the area Immediately above
the reservoir, and the rank growth
Of grasses, weeds and shrubs along
the shallow stagnant portion contrib
ute more than normal amount of |
seed pods and leafy material from
dried vegetation.
For reduction Of this trouble |
would recommend that the water COM
pany begin program to straightanl
and fill the south bank to deepen the
water there and to eliminate the shall
low pools. The dead wood and debris |
should be removed and all weeds and
grasses be kept down. Nondecidous
trees could well be plant in this area
to assist in holding the earth and inl
keeping the grasses from growing sol
Spruce would be adapt
able here according TO the Forest Su-
pervisor.
To prevent so much "back water"
leading to stagnation the water com
pany should make studies how best
to bring in the water at other points
to produce the best circulatory condi-
tons.
The conditions now existing at the
abandoned camp of the lumber COM
pany have no sanitary significance.
There are very few domestic ami
mails ranging in this vicinity. A few
head of cattle may be found along the
creek below the dam. No evidences of
horses or cattle were seen above it.
There is no grazing in the forest
above she reservoir and intake. The
stream is now closed to fishing 1t is
stated that there is some swimming
in the reservoir but no one has ever
been caught at it. There are fish in
the reservoir but signs prohibiting
this are conspicuously placed
The taste of chlorine is complained
Of and can probably be explained by
the 0kype of installation in the power
houseA, The chlorine apparatus applies
the dlsinfectant through hand con-
trolled valve The dosage is constant
for any one setting. On the other hand
the amount of water dosed fluctuates
according to the consumption. Unless
the control apparatus is changed to
accommodate the change in flow of
water there are times when the water
is overdosed. This is frequent, appar-
emily, in the morning. AS far as is
known the amount of overdose is in
no way harmful but it is disagreeable
and it is feasible to reduce the dose
of chlorine during the hours of dimin-
ished consumption of water. 1t is not
possible to determine the dosage of
chlorine per unit volume Of water be-
cause there is no measurement of
the water. However, the operator has
a