1898-Annual Report - Laserfiche WebLink

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117 WATER COMMISSIONERS' REPORT' FOR 1898., To THE INHABITANTS OF LEXINGTON : The Water Commissioners herewith submit the following report : \Ew STANDPIPE AT EAST LEXINGTON. As foreshadowed in our last report, ' it was decided to erect a stand -pipe at IEst Lexington for the reasons therein stated. After making examination of several suitable sites, we finally decided on a lot on the hill rear of Village Hall, be- longing to the heirs of the late Hon. Mark F. Burns, known as " Honeysuckle Rock," where the ledge crops out, this making an excellent foundation for our purpose, which lot containing about an acre, together with a right of• way through projected streets, for the necessary water pipes, was generously deeded to the town by said heirs. Proposals for a stand -pipe 30 feet in diameter and 36 feet high, of steel of suitable thickness, of a capacity of 186,000 gallons, were solicited from five reliable and responsible firms, and when the bids were opened the contract was awarded to Edward Kendall R Sons of the Charles River Iron Works, for the sum of $2,158 above the foundation which was to be prepared by us, this being the lowest bid, and the work was completed to our entire satisfaction. After this standpipe was completed, it was decided to add ten feet to the stand -pipe near the station, and clean and paint it, inside and out, and the same firms as before were invited to bid. This job was awarded to Cunningham Iron Works of South Boston, at a cost of $491. While the tank was empty some needed repairs were made on the founda- tion and a new gate put in to shut off the water from the 118 mains when the same might be required, giving this tank a capacity of 71,500 gallons, and a pressure when full of up- ward of 67 lbs. to the square inch. FILTER. The Filter plant began in 1897, was put into operation in the spring of 1898, and on May 30, 1898, one of the filters gave way under the pressure of the pump, making it neces- sary to shut them off. The contractors were immediately notified and they at once responded and commenced repairs. On investigation it was found that the accident was due to defective castings and new castings were ordered by the contractor. While the repairs were going on, it was decided to change the method of running the water through the filters. Instead of pumping through them it was thought best to pump the water direct to the stand pipe and from thence to pass it through the filters before delivering into the water mains. On November 2nd another break occurred in one of the filters which was promptly repaired. Investigation was made as to the cause of the accident but as yet the responsibility has not been determined. We have called upon the contractor to demonstrate the capability of the plant to perform the guarantee named in the contract. FUTURE WATER SUPPLY. The problem of our future water supply has demanded much thought and consideration by our board. With the adoption of the sewer system which now seems assured at no distant day, the demands upon our water supply will be greatly increased, as statistics show that when consumers are connected with sewers the consumption, or rather the waste, of water is largely augmented.