Contemplated Inprovements in Water Works

Contemplated Inprovements in Water Works

Cities and Towns From All Over the Country Report on Coming Additions and Changes in Their Water Works — Some Extensive Work Planned

THE series of letters which follow were received by FIRE AND WATER ENGINEERING in response to a questionnaire sent out broadcast as to the extent of improvements and additions which the various water works departments contemplated making and when these would be put into effect. The wide distribution of these replies as regards territory is noticeable and also the extent to which some of the departments are going into the matter of improvements and additions. For instance, one city of considerable size expects to spend $25,000,000 in this work. Another has a $5,000,000 project in view, while there are several other plans involving amounts of over $100,000. This would seem to show that the water departments intend to push the improvements to their plants in spite of the prevailing high prices of materials and labor, rather than allow the water service to suffer as regards its efficiency This is probably a wise move on the part of these departments as there does not seem to be much prospect of reduction of expenses in this regard for sometime to come. Where the efficiency of the department is in question, it would seem to be an act of wisdom to put through these improvements even at the expense of paying a little higher rate and incurring little heavier outlay than might be the case if the department waited one or two years before making these changes. In the mean time, however, the public and, in consequence, the city is the sufferer and such a policy of procrastination in the long run is far more injurious to the welfare of the water department than the spending of a few extra hundred dollars. The letters in regard to improvements follow: