Water Reservoir01

 

WAUPACA REPUBLICAN

March 1, 1901

 

That Reservoir

 

            The resolution introduced at the last meeting of the council by Alderman Paris, providing for blasting a reservoir in the rock northwest of the present in-take for the water works system, was a step in the right direction.  The water supplied by the city is taken from the mill pond and is unfit for domestic purposes.  Not only is the water muddy at times, but there is no question that the mains will in time fill up with sediment which may necessitate taking them up in a few years, unless the source of supply is changed.  If the plan proposed is impractical, or if a sufficient quantity of water cannot be obtained in that way, there is a chance that water can be supplied by artesian wells.

            A test well, fifteen or twenty feet square, might be blasted out of the rock at a comparatively small outlay which would determine whether sufficient water could be secured in that way.  Surely something must be done, and within a year or two.

            If the city were in condition to furnish water that could be used for domestic purposes, the number of patrons would be nearly doubled thereby increasing the revenue very materially.  This alone, were there no other reasons, ought to be an inducement for the city to incur the expense.  Any good business man, who could increase his revenue by an addition to his plant would not hesitate to do so.  Is there any good reason why a city should not be conducted on good business principles?

            Another thing, the water pumped into the reservoir and from there conveyed through the mains, is full of needle ice and will freeze a great deal quicker than spring or well water.  This plan would considerably lessen the chances of the mains and pipes freezing up, and would do away with a large annual expense for repairs.  The cost of replacing broken mains two years ago would nearly cover the expense of blasting out a reservoir.