WELLS FOR BROOKLYN.
The officials of the United States geological survey are interested in the outcome of the Brooklyn water supply problem. There is a feeling among the experts of the bureau who have closely examined into the question that the solution of the difficulty can be found in the location of deep wells on Long Island, which it is confidently asserted will yield sufficient water to supply all the wants of the city easily. Suggestions to this effect have been forwarded to the commissioner of city works at Brooklyn; but little attention has been pai l to them. N. II. Darton, the agent of the geological survey, who made an extensive examination of the artesian well prospects of the Atlantic coast, is among those who think that it will not be necessary for the city to lay pipes into Dutchess county or into New Jersey in order to obtain its water suppiy. ‘ From the results of his researches on Long Island he is of the opinion that at certain depths below the surface large bodies of fresh water will be found sufficient for all ordinary wants of Brooklyn.
The entire underground of Long Island (said Mr. Darton recently) is composed of a soft soil, very much like a sponge, and contains numerous water deposits. I wrote to the commissioner of city works at Brooklyn some time ago, submitting a few suggestions in regard to the results of my investigations on Long Island; but for some reason or other he has ignored them entirely. All that is necessary will be to sink a few test wells, and, if it is ascertained that a large flow of water is realized from them, enough wells can be established to get all the water needed. If my plan is carried out, it will remove all objections that the people at the eastern end of Long Island have to the proposition to extend pipes to that territory. If the city decides to get its water supply from the lakes at the eastern end of that island, it will seriously threaten that section, for it would prove a big drain on their present facilities.
I heard a short time ago that the department of city works had directed that an experimental well be sunk in Jamaica, and I wrote asking for information in regard to it. I received a letter from Mr. De Varona, the engineer of the department of city works, in which he stated that a well had been started at that point, but that, owing to financial difficulties, little progress had been made with it. I then wrote to Mr. De Varona asking for samples of borings taken each ten feet so that I could make a report on what the prospects were; but 1 have yet to receive any of the samples. I think that if the city would give my plan a show, it would relieve them of the necessity for carrying their pipes to any distance in order to get the water they need.
At Springfield, Mass., the extensions in 1896 were 23,521 feet of pipe at a cost of $21,018.62. The total maintenance cost $124,660.15. The cash receipts were $213,522.14—an increase of $1,652.59 over 1895. The net total cost of the water works up to December 10, 1896, has been $3,039,379.11. There are now in use, 127.80 miles of supply and distribution of mains, cement-lined, and cast iron, a total of 127.80 miles. Six hundred and eighty-six service taps have been made—a net addition of 398 in use; total number now connected with the system, 8,298, Total number of public fire hydrants (high service, 601; low service. 240) 841—net addition, 1896,48; private hydrants, 86, all connected with works. Total numberof gates, 1,545. Meters 2,188; indicators, 111.
