USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1911-1914 > Part 49
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The first tests were made in 1899. At that. time six, two and one-half inch iron pipe wells were driven in the southwesterly side of the Purgatory Brook Valley at a point on the northerly side of Neponset Street and about six hundred (600) feet distant from the junction of Pleasant Street.
Five of the wells were connected up and pumped continu- ously for a period of two weeks, or from December 29th, 1899 to January 12th, 1900. The amount of water pumped from the wells was from 340,000 to 460,000 gallons per day. Appli- cation for advice was made to the State Board of Health to which the Board replied as follows:
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" The State Board of Health received from you, on Dec. 2, 1899, on application for advice with reference to a proposed additional water supply for the town of Norwood, in which you state that you propose to take water from driven or drilled wells on the easterly side of Neponset street, in Norwood, at a point about 600 feet from the intersection of Pleasant Street; and subsequently you furnished the results of tests made at this place, which is in the southwesterly side of Purgatory Swamp, by sinking six tubular wells and by pumping from five of the wells for a period of two weeks, between Dec. 29, 1899, and Jan. 12, 1900, at a rate ranging from about 340,000 to 460,000 gallons per day.
The Board has caused the locality to be examined by its engineer and several samples of the water collected from the test wells at this place, both before and during the pumping test, to be analyzed.
Regarding the probable quantity of water which wells in this region can be expected to yield, a satisfactory estimate cannot be made with the information which is at present available; and, while water could be pumped from the ground with much freedom, and a large quantity was pumped nearly continuously during the test referred to, it cannot be stated definitely from the results of this test that an adequate additional supply for the town can be obtained by drawing water from the ground at this place.
Analyses of samples of water from the five wells, Nos. 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, collected soon after the wells were completed, while found to differ considerably, indicated that the water had at some time been polluted by sewage and subsequently well purified in its passage through the ground. During the pumping test, which ended on January 12, water was pumped from wells Nos. 1 to 5, inclusive, and ten samples of water were collected in the course of the test. The results of the analyses of these samples showed in even more marked degree than those from the individual wells that some of the water entering the wells had been polluted, but at the time these investigations
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were made it was thoroughly purified in its passage through the ground before reaching the wells.
The source of the pollution referred to is probably the sewage discharge into the ground from the houses in the portion of the village nearest the wells, many of which are located at no great distance. The effect of this pollution upon the quality of the water was to make it somewhat hard, and the conditions are such that the water would be likely to become considerably harder if a sufficient additional water supply for Norwood should be drawn regularly from the ground at this place. Moreover, the information furnished by you as to the character of the soil in which the wells are driven shows that there is a layer of peat at the surface of the ground, which extends to a depth of about 11 feet; and, judging from experience with other ground-water supplies in similar situations, there is danger that water taken from the ground at this place will deteriorate and become affected by an excess of iron after a longer or shorter period of use, making the water objectionable for many purposes.
A comparison of the record of the quantity of water pumped for the supply of the town during the past year with the esti- mated capacity of the source of supply, indicates that the yield of the present source is insufficient to meet the requirements of the town in a dry period, and an additional supply is required. In order to determine whether it is practicable to supplement the present source, an examination has been made by the Board of the feasibility of diverting into Buckmaster Pond the water of any of the surface sources in its neighborhood. The only source from which it appears to be practicable to supplement the yield of the pond by gravity is Colburn Brook, which could be diverted into the pond from some point near where it crosses the Medfield Road about half a mile west of the outlet of the pond. The results of analyses of the water of this brook show that it is highly colored and contains at times a considerable quantity of organic matter, due, probably, to the slow passage of the water through swamps. There are several dwelling-
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houses and other buildings situated close to the stream, and, if this source should be selected, provision would have to be made for preventing the pollution of the brook from these buildings. The water of Buckmaster Pond, while it has but little color, contains usually a larger quantity of organic matter than is found in a good surface water, and it has at times been very offensive to taste and smell, chiefly on account of the presence of certain microscopical organisms. It is not likely that any material improvement in the quality of the water of the pond would take place after supplementing it with the water from Colburn Brook, and it might have a somewhat higher color than at present. An examination of the bottom of the pond, at the end of the last year, when the greater part of it was exposed, has shown that a considerable portion of its area is covered with mud and decomposing organic matter, which probably has an unfavorable effect upon the quality of the water, and it is not practicable to remove this mud while the source is being used for the supply of the town.
A good ground-water supply would be far more satisfactory to consumers than the water of the present source; and, if a supply sufficient for the needs of the town at all times, and which is capable of being developed to allow for the growth of the town in the future, could be obtained, it might be found more economical and otherwise satisfactory for the town to draw all the water from the new source, and discontinue the use of water from Buckmaster Pond.
Much of the soil in the lands bordering the Fowl Meadows, especially on the northeasterly side of the meadows which border Purgatory Brook, appears to be course and porous and favorable to the absorption of a large proportion of the water falling upon it; and it is possible that a supply of good water, adequate for the needs of Norwood, can be obtained from the ground in this region.
The Board would, therefore, advise that, before deciding upon a source of supply, you cause a further and thorough investigation to be made, with a view to determining whether
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it is feasible to obtain from the ground at any place in the region referred to a water of satisfactory quality and in sufficient quantity for the supply of Norwood. The investigation should be made under the direction of an engineer of experience in the selection of ground-water supplies, and should include a thorough test of the probable quantity and quality of water to be obtained at the place or places where the conditions are found to be most favorable for obtaining a. satisfactory water supply.
The Board will, if you so request, assist you in any further investigations you may decide to make, by making such analyses of the water as may be necessary to advise you as to its quality and its probably action upon lead pipe."
In 1905 another group of test wells was driven. These wells were located in the Purgatory Brook Valley, at a point about 3000 feet easterly from Washington Street, and near the Northerly side of the Valley.
Nine two and one-half inch iron pipe wells were driven in this location. The wells were connected up and pumped continuously for several days at a rate of about 485,000 gal- lons per day. Application for advice was made to the State Board of Health and results of the test, together with samples of water for analyses furnished the Board. In answer to the application the following reply was received :-
" The State Board of Health has considered your application for advice as to taking water for the supply of the town of Norwood from the ground on the southwesterly side of Purga- tory Brook, about half a mile southeast of the Ellis station on the Midland Division of the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad, and has caused the locality to be examined by its engineer and considered the results of a pumping test made to ascertain the probable quantity and quality of water obtain- able from the ground in this region.
The wells which were used in making the pumping test were nine in number, and were located in the meadow, close to the upland. The depth of peaty soil at the surface of the ground
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in this location is not great, and beneath the surface soil the wells penetrated a coarse sand, from which water could be drawn very freely.
The results of the test, during which about 485,000 gallons per day were drawn from the wells, indicate that a sufficient supply of water for Norwood can probably be obtained from the ground in this region. Samples of water collected daily during the test show that the water is clear, colorless and in other respects of good quality for the purposes of a public water supply but the quantity of chlorine present is consider- ably higher than that of normal waters in this region, and the nitrates are also high,-conditions which are doubtless caused by the presence of dwelling houses and a group of farm buildings upon the sandy and gravelly lands northwest of the wells and by the cultivation of these lands. The quantity of iron also is somewhat higher than is found in good ground waters. It is probable, however, that by removing the sources of pollution nearest the wells the danger of serious pollution of the water could be prevented; and it is likely that by locating the wells in the hard land, instead of in the meadow, danger of trouble from an excess of iron in the water could be avoided.
While this test indicates that a sufficient supply of water for the present requirements of Norwood could probably be obtained from the ground in this region by means of a system of tubular wells, and, while it is possible that by removing cer- tain sources of pollution and changing somewhat the location of the wells the quality of the water would be satisfactory, an examination of the locality shows that the conditions are more favorable for obtaining water free from pollution on the oppo- site, or northeasterly, side of the Purgatory Brook valley, from a quarter to half a mile west of the present wells. So far as can be judged from surface indications, the soil in this region is coarse and porous, and it is probable that water can be obtained from the ground here freely by means of wells or other suitable works.
In the opinion of the Board, it is very desirable that tests be
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made in this locality before deciding upon the final location of the works; and, if water of good quality can be obtained from the ground in sufficient quantity at some point at least 100 feet away from the edge of the meadow, it would be best to locate the works here, rather than at the place now proposed.
The Board would, therefore, advise a further test in the lo- cality indicated, and will give you further advice, if you so request, when the results of further tests are available.
After the receipt of the above communication and before the tests recommended by the State Board of Health had been made this committee was appointed. At the adjourned town meeting held April 3, 1911, following a report by this com- mittee (the text of which may be found in the record of that meeting) it was voted:
" That the committee be given authority to drive such wells and to expend such sums of money as may be necessary; such sum not to exceed one thousand ($1,000.00) dollars."
In view of this action tests were made during the early sum- mer of 1911.
At this time nine wells were driven in higher land and at a point about 300 feet westerly from the wells that were driven in 1905.
These wells were connected up and pumped continuously for a period of ten days. Throughout the test careful records, show- ing elevation of the ground-water, were kept and daily samples sent to the State Board of Health for analyses. In reply to the application, the Board answered as follows:
The State Board of Health has considered your application of June 12, 1911, for advice as to a proposed additional water supply for the town of Norwood, to be taken from tubular wells near Purgatory Brook in the northeastely part of the town, and has examined the results of a pumping test made by pumping from eight tubular wells in this locality from June 2 to June 11.
An earlier investigation in this region, made in 1905, indi- cated that a large quantity of water could probably be obtained from the ground in this valley by means of tubular wells, but
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there appeared to be danger that the ground water at the loca- tion then tested would be affected by the presence of an exces- sive quantity of iron, and you were advised to secure, if possible, a location on the easterly side of Purgatory Brook, where the conditions appear to be more favorable for obtaining water free from an excess of iron.
It appears that it has been found impracticable up to the present time to make tests in the locality indicated, but in view of the urgent necessity for an additional water supply, it is deemed desirable to use water from the locality northwest of Purgatory Brook, if an adequate supply of suitable water can be obtained there.
During the recent pumping test water was pumped prac- tically continuously from a group of eight wells located in the upland from 200 to 450 feet northeast of the wells tested in 1905, and samples of water were collected at frequent intervals during the test and sent into the laboratory of the Board for analyses. It is evident from the analyses that the ground water at the locality now selected has at some time been pol- luted, probably by the cultivation of the ground in the neigh- borhood of the wells and in part also from groups of farm build- ings located at a considerable distance from the wells; but the analyses show that the water has been thoroughly purified in its passage through the ground before entering the wells and is at present of good quality for domestic purposes, the quantity of iron present being insignificant.
The quantity of water pumped from the wells during the test was not great, but the indications furnished by this and previous tests are favorable for obtaining an adequate quantity of water in this locality for the present requirements of the town when used in connection with your present source.
Considering the circumstances, the plan of taking water from the ground in this locality appears to the Board to be the best available method of increasing your water supply in the present emergency. It is important for the town to control the lands in the immediate neighborhood of the wells and prevent
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further cultivation and use of the soil there, and it will also be desirable to acquire control of the group of buildings nearest to the wells, which are situated at a distance of about 800 feet, in order to prevent danger of pollution of the ground water therefrom. It is very desirable to plan the works, so far as practicable, so that at some future time they may be extended to the region across Purgatory Brook, where it is probable that water of better quality can be obtained.
There is no reason to doubt that if water from the wells near Purgatory Brook should be stored in an open reservoir it would deteriorate rapidly and become objectionable, on account of growths of organisms and the tastes and odors resulting there- from. It is understood, however, that danger from this cause will be obviated by the construction and use of a covered tank, keeping the present open reservoir for use in emergencies. It is likely, however, that while the present source is in use, pump- ing at the two stations can be so arranged, for some time at least, that there will be no danger that any of the well water will reach the open reservoir."
After receiving the above reply, seven test wells were driven along the easterly side of Purgatory Brook as suggested.
The underground conditions however, were not found suit- able for a water supply.
Hard, impervious material was reached in each well at from eight to ten feet below the surface of the ground, thus making it necessary to abandon the location. After a careful considera- tion of the various locations it was decided to locate the perma- nent system in the vicinity of the second and third groups of test wells.
At the adjourned town meeting held April 17, 1911, upon the request of the committee it was voted:
" That the committee on the additional water supply for the Town of Norwood be and hereby is authorized and directed to make application to the legislature of the Commonwealth at its present session for the passage of an act giving the authority and permission necessary to take, by purchase or otherwise, all
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lands, rights of way, and easements together with any water rights connected therewith, for securing, holding and pre- serving water for additional water supply and for conveying the same to any part of the Town of Norwood and for the erec- tion on the land thus taken or held of proper dams, buildings, fixtures and other structures and for providing such means and appliances as may be necessary to make such additional water supply available for all proper purposes, and for the issue from time to time, for the purpose of paying the necessary expenses and liabilities to be incurred, of bonds or notes to an amount not exceeding in the aggregate one hundred thousand ($100,000.00) dollars, and for such other necessary legislative authority there- with as may be necessary in the premises."
At the special town meeting held August 3, 1911, under article two it was voted:
" That Chapter 559 of the Acts of the Legislature for the year 1911, entitled " an act to authorize the Town of Norwood to provide an additional water supply and to make an Addi- tional Water Loan " be and hereby is accepted.
Under article three it was voted:
That the Town of Norwood issue bonds to the amount of eighty thousand ($80,000.00) dollars, said bonds to be of the amount of one thousand ($1,000.00) dollars each and to have interest coupons attached thereto payable semi-annually; said bonds shall be dated the first day of September, 1911, and shall be numbered consecutively from one to eighty, both in- clusive, and interest coupons attached thereto payable semi- annually; said bonds shall be dated the first day of September, 1911, and shall be numbered consecutively from one to eighty, both inclusive, and shall be payable in successive annual in- stalments of four thousand ($4,000.00) dollars each on the first day of September beginning with the year 1913 and shall bear interest payable semi-annually at the rate of four per cent per annum; the principal and interest shall be payable in gold coin of the United States, at such Bank or Trust Company as the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Water Commis-
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sioners, shall select and determine on presentation and sur- render of the coupon and bond therefor as the same shall sever- ally become due; each of said bonds shall be signed by the Treasurer of the Town and countersigned by the Water Com- missioners of the Town and shall bear on its face the words " Town of Norwood Water Loan, Act of 1911 "; and that the Town Treasurer be and hereby is directed to affix to each of said bonds the seal of the town and to sell said bonds under the direction of the Board of Water Commissioners for not less than their par value; and that said bonds shall be issued and the proceeds realized from the sale of said bonds shall be applied in accordance with, under the provisions of and for the purposes named in Chapter 559 of the Acts of the Legis- lature for the year 1911 entitled, " An Act to Authorize the Town of Norwood to Provide an Additional Water Supply and to Make an Additional Water Loan."
Under article four it was voted:
That the Committee on Additional Water Supply, so-called, appointed in accordance with the action taken under article 6 of the warrant at the special town meeting held December 29, 1910, be and hereby is continued for the purpose of advising with and assisting the Water Commissioners in providing an additional water supply under the provisions of Chapter 559 of the Acts of the Legislature for the year 1911.
Your committee engaged the services of Mr. Lewis D. Thorpe, Civil and Hydraulic Engineer, and the entire construction of the plant was done under his superintendence.
A description of the additional water supply system can be found in the report of the Engineer, said report being included in the report of the Water Commissioners for the year ending January 31, 1912.
In the report of the Engineer, included in the report of the ยท Water Commissioners for the year ending January 31, 1913, he estimates that about 600,000 gallons per day can be obtained from this source during the summer months; as this is not suffi- cient for the present needs of the town it has been found neces-
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sary to supplement it by pumping a portion of the time during the summer months from Buckmaster Pond.
This Pond will furnish 500,000 gallons per day during the dryest year. The quality of the water, however, has of late years proved objectionable for drinking purposes.
The Engineer suggested that the water could be made satis- factory by a system of sand filteration or collecting galleries at a comparatively small expense and further advised that a through examination be made, together with tests, to determine the best method of accomplishing this result.
These suggestions were approved and seconded by the State Board of Health.
Acting on these suggestions, experimental filters were estab- lished and operated for about four months, during which time samples were submitted to the State Board of Health on an average of three times a week for analysis.
On July 2, 1913, the Board of Water Commissioners made application to the State Board of Health for advice, and re- ceived reply as follows:
" The State Board of Health received from you on July 2, 1913, the following application for advice as to a proposed plan for filtering the water supplied to the town from Buckmaster Pond.
" The Water Commissioners of the Town of Norwood desire your advice and submit for your approval plans of a slow sand filter, which it is proposed to construct at Buckmaster Pond.
It is proposed to filter the water from Buckmaster Pond and use it in connection with the New Purgatory Brook Well Water Supply (which supply is at times inadequate for the needs of the Town.) Buckmaster Pond will furnish about 500,000 gallons of water per day throughout the year. The quality is at times unsatisfactory, particularly during the summer months when the water becomes affected by tastes and odors, caused by pos- sible vegetable growths. It is proposed to use the filter during the summer and fall only. During the winter and spring months the supply will be pumped from the Purgatory Source.
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The filter will have an area of 13,000 sq. ft. or a little less than one-third of an acre. A clear water well having a capacity, when full, of 375,000 gallons will be constructed in connection with the filter.
The plan provides for aerating the water both before going onto the filters and after passing through the filter.
In operating the filter it is not proposed to exceed a rate of over four million gallons per acre per day.
The present maximum daily consumption of water during the dry months is approximately 900,000 gallons. The Buck- master Pond water in its present state is unsatisfactory for domestic use and the Commissioners desire the approval of the plans submitted in order that they may proceed with the con- struction the present summer."
The application was accompanied by the general plans of the proposed filter prepared by your engineer and by information relating to the operation of a small experimental filter during a period of several weeks before the plans were submitted.
The Board has caused the locality to be examined by its engineer and has considered the plans presented and the results of analyses of samples of water sent in by you from the experi- mental filter from time to time during the past two months.
The plans in general provide for filtering the water after aerating through an uncovered sand filter containing 3 1-2 feet of filtering material at a rate of not more than four million gallons per acre per day. Provision is made for the aeration of the water after leaving the filter and for a storage well of suitable capacity to receive the water after filtration.
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