CLEVELAND HIGH-PRESSURE SYSTEM.

CLEVELAND HIGH-PRESSURE SYSTEM.

The Cleveland, Ohio, inspection bureau reports very favorably of the high-pressure system recently established in that city and thoroughly tested. The report states that, so far as water supplies are concerned, it is not claimed that the system is complete, or that it is all that the merchants and city officials of Cleveland have desired. “Unquestionably, however (the report says), the underground main system, including valves, hydrants, special signal-service and accessories, its general arrangement, quality of material and provision for future growth of the city could hardly be improved upon. The independent pumping station, now in contemplation, is required to make the system an ideal one in every respect. No fear is entertained that the present enormous quantity of water which the two fire boats now in service can deliver through the sys tern would prove inadequate to cope with a conflagration. The demonstrating tests, without doubt, show this to be quite true. A weak feature lies in the fact that the two fireboats are depended upon to work together in case of a serious conflagration, although, under normal condi tions, one boat working alone will perform ex cellent service. One boat may become disabled, or be called upon for duty at remote localities along the river frontage where large lumber and manufacturing interests lie. and a serious fire at the same time in the mercantile section would, therefore, be made subejet to secondary protection offered by one boat and the steamers. Again, river water is objectionable, principally in this instance, due to its impurity. Again, a system of this nature should have constant pressure in the mains at all times. The probability of sudden fluctuations of water-pressure is also objectionable. At times, during the extreme cold weather, one of these boats is away from dock for short intervals making a free passage against ice through the river. For the foregoing named reasons the importance of an independent pumping station cannot be overestimated. Recognition must be given, however, for the present installation, assuming that at its best such excellent and efficient service as produced at the tests herein described may be capably obtained. All in all, the system as a whole is good; it is simple, and prompt service should most always be obtained. Several recommendations of a minor nature affecting the system have been called to the atten tion of the fire department. Flushing of a mild nature is frequently advisable; the city should seal open all line-valves; and hydrant caps and stem-valves should be kept well lubricated."

The Cleveland, Ohio, inspection bureau reports very favorably of the high-pressure system recently established in that city and thoroughly tested. The report states that, so far as water supplies are concerned, it is not claimed that the system is complete, or that it is all that the merchants and city officials of Cleveland have desired. “Unquestionably, however (the report says), the underground main system, including valves, hydrants, special signal-service and accessories, its general arrangement, quality of material and provision for future growth of the city could hardly be improved upon. The independent pumping station, now in contemplation, is required to make the system an ideal one in every respect. No fear is entertained that the present enormous quantity of water which the two fire boats now in service can deliver through the sys tern would prove inadequate to cope with a conflagration. The demonstrating tests, without doubt, show this to be quite true. A weak feature lies in the fact that the two fireboats are depended upon to work together in case of a serious conflagration, although, under normal condi tions, one boat working alone will perform ex cellent service. One boat may become disabled, or be called upon for duty at remote localities along the river frontage where large lumber and manufacturing interests lie. and a serious fire at the same time in the mercantile section would, therefore, be made subejet to secondary protection offered by one boat and the steamers. Again, river water is objectionable, principally in this instance, due to its impurity. Again, a system of this nature should have constant pressure in the mains at all times. The probability of sudden fluctuations of water-pressure is also objectionable. At times, during the extreme cold weather, one of these boats is away from dock for short intervals making a free passage against ice through the river. For the foregoing named reasons the importance of an independent pumping station cannot be overestimated. Recognition must be given, however, for the present installation, assuming that at its best such excellent and efficient service as produced at the tests herein described may be capably obtained. All in all, the system as a whole is good; it is simple, and prompt service should most always be obtained. Several recommendations of a minor nature affecting the system have been called to the atten tion of the fire department. Flushing of a mild nature is frequently advisable; the city should seal open all line-valves; and hydrant caps and stem-valves should be kept well lubricated."