THE WAUPACA COUNTY REPUBLICAN

February 27, 1891

 

WATER WORKS

Waupaca Will Have Them Before 1892 if Encouragement is Given

 

            THE REPUBLICAN commenced agitating the question of water works in this city several years ago and predicted that before long a plant would be in full operation. Many people thought then that the editor was rather metropolitan in his views and that the present generation would never see his prophesy fulfilled.  Wonders never cease however and it can now be authoritatively announced that if the proper aid is pledged Waupaca will have a full and complete system of water works in operation before the close of the present year.  There are three or four of our monied men here who have been making investigations. They find that a system can be built for about $50,000.  Two or three feasible plans have been presented, any one of which will be a success.  In the first place the city will be asked for a certain number of hydrants, and then a careful canvas will be made among the private individuals of the city for water for private use.  If sufficient encouragement is offered the plant will be put in.  The benefits of water works can hardly be estimated.  In the first place a reduction of twenty per cent in fire insurance rates within the city will be made, so says Irving Lord our leading fire insurance agent.  The premiums collected for fire insurance in Waupaca for the year 1890 was about $8,000.  Therefore there would be the modest little sum of $1,600 saved annually on insurance alone, to say nothing of the improved fire protection afforded.  In the next place every private individual in the city could have one or more hydrants or faucets at his home or place of business.  This would be a luxury of no small importance.  Lawns, gardens and streets could be watered at will and the result would be a most decided improvement in the appearance of all, to say nothing of our personal comfort.  Other cities in the state where water works have been put in of late, are enthusiastic over the benefits arising thereby, and it is earnestly hoped that the city and private individuals residing therein, will give the enterprise proper and liberal recognition – “Nothing succeeds like success,” ‘tis said, and Waupaca is now on the eve of great prosperity.  Inside of five years we will see a very great increase in the value of real estate about here, and with it substantial and continued advance in all lines of legitimate business.