The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-01-27
Break Or Increase
 In Pressure Danger
FRANCIS LEvEsQUE
Continued From Page D

ed to a maximum of SIS per cent above the average for i've years preceding. With the pipe line only half its present age and the normal consumption g per cent below what 1t is today, the 36 inch line was able to handle the emergency. To. day the situation is such that a similar increased demand for water could not be handled. Such an increase occurring now would seriously reduce pressures and en- danger the health and property in- terests of the people of Waterbury. The importance of continuing the development of the city's water sys- tenn is brought to your attention at this time so that consideration can be given to a plan for its coln-' pletion.
 Very respectfully
 CHARLES A. ROOT
 City Engineer
 Letter to Smith
 MT. Root has sent the following letter to Congressman Smith: Congressman J. Joseph Smith 1406 House Oftice Bldg.
 Washington, D. o.
 Dear Sir:
 Tn regard to your inquiry con- cerning the project for the con- struction of the Second Pipe Line and high service reservoir but wish to state that an application for 8 P. W. A. grant was pre- pared a year ago for @ pipe line and high service reservoir but due to lack of funds and the authority to borrow for the city's share, 1t was not submitted. A copy of the application and plan of the system showing existing and proposed structures is en- closed.
 From the brief account given in the application and plan 1t can be seen that Waterbury, while possessing a sufficient source of supply, lacks adequate facilities for transporting the water to the city. The main dependence of Waterbury in getting water from its reservoirs into the city is the 36 inch pipe line from the Wig waIn Reservoir. This line was laid in 1894 and first delivered water in January 1895. Since that time 1t has been in practically con- tinuous service, allowing no oppor- tunity whatever for cleaning, re. packing valves, and other at- tention calculated to keep 1t in condition for maximum service. Nor will such opportunity occur, unless and until another pipe line is provided which can take care of the city while this present line is reconditioned. At the present time the city is absolutely de- pendent upon this 36 inch line over 10 miles long and 45 years old. With this line out of service from either failure or damage only the lower levels of Water. bury can even be itladequately supplied from East Mountain Res- ervoir located within the city.
 During the last war the water consumption in Waterbury in- creased rapidly to 8 maximum of 87.5 per cent above the average for five years preceding. With the pipe line only half its present age and the normal consumption 9 per cent below what 1t is to- day, the 36 inch line was able to handle the emergency. Today the situation is such that a similar increased demand for water could not be handled. Such an Increase occurring now would seriously re- duce pressures and etldanger the health and property interests of the people of Waterbury.
 In conclusion 1t can be stated that Waterbury's facilities for transporting water to the city are deficient in two respects. First, 1t is absolutely dependent upon the continuous operation of Q 36 inch main 10 miles long and 45 years old, much of which is lo- cated in country where emer. gency repairs would be difficult and slow. Second, the present line is operating at about maximum capacity and any increased de" mand on it would seriously incon. venience a large number of con- sumers.
 Yours very truly
 Charles A. Root, City Engineer