USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1907 > Part 7
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166
ANNUAL REPORT.
five thousand (275,000) gallons per day, may apparently be credited to infiltration through the ground from Orr's Pond. The available supply is therefore made up of the natural run-off of ground water, the amount which may be drawn from storage during the periods when this run-off is less than the daily draft and the amount derived from Orr's Pond.
The watershed contributing to the present source is ample, except in periods of drought, to supply the re- quirements of the town for some time to come, but the available storage from which the shortage or excess of draft over run-off in such periods is drawn in small and must be supplemented by some additional supply, as was proved to be the case in August of the past year. The amount drawn from the pond is presumably a more or less constant quantity when the wells are lowered to their minimum level.
As already stated the month of August illustrated ex- treme conditions. September, 1906, was almost as dry, but no other month in thirty-two years of the Sudbury records is recorded in which the amount available would not be thirty (30) per cent. greater than in August, 1907. On the basis of the estimated ground storage and the amount of infiltration from the pond, and on the assump- tion that the inflow of ground water would be equivalent to the minimum surface flow as recorded on the Sud- bury, the capacity of the source would not fall below one million (1,000,000) gallons in more than nine months out of the thirty-two years. Assuming again that the works as now constructed would intercept the entire flow during the dry period of an average year the capacity of the source in such a year would not be less than one million, five hundred thousand (1,500,000) gallons.
The problem in the further development of the present supply, therefore, is the obtaining of some means by which the amount available may be increased during periods of minimum run-off. This might possibly be
167
ANNUAL REPORT.
done by extending the area of ground effected by the draft, or in other words, increasing the underground stor- age, by sinking additional wells at greater distances from the present point of supply. But such investigation as has been made by test wells does not indicate this method to be advisable. Another means to the same end would be the development of storage basins at one or more points on the watershed, by which some of the water now lost in surface flood flows might be held until the dry period and then let down to replenish the ground water and so reach the wells . I is to be noted that within the circle of influence of the present point of drafting the water the stream bed is always dry-the water sinking out of sight and flowing under the surface to the wells. With the source developed as at present it would there- fore appear that the most economical method of obtaining the necessary emergency supplies is by the addition of surface storage. By such reservoirs, the ordinary flow would be more nearly equalized, and the extreme variation in quantity available under different seasonal conditions, reduced.
The study of methods by which the capacity of the present supply may be increased has therefore pertained largely to the possibility of developing such reservoirs. The existence of Orr's Pond at once suggests this body of stored water as of possible use to the desired end. Al- ready it has served a similar purpose in the temporary plant employed during the month of August. It has an area of forty-two and seven-tenths (42.7) acres at the level of the crest of the dam and when drawn down three feet an area of eighteen (18) acres. Between these levels its storage capacity is about thirty million (30.000,- 000) gallons and, with an allowance for such water as would be drawn from the ground of the surrounding shores of the pond, the available storage may be esti- mated at forty million (40,000,000) gallons. The use of this water necessitates the employment of pumping ap-
168
ANNUAL REPORT.
paratus, while reservoirs upstream would permit a gravi- ty flow of the stored water to the wells. Until such time, however, as the cost of pumping becomes more than the interest of the exependiture necessary for the develop- ment of additional storage basins, the use of Orr's Pond is the part of economy. An eighteen (18) inch pipe al- ready leads from the pond to a screen-well near the sta- tion. If the forty million (40,000,000) gallons of surface water stored in Orr's Pond can, by suitable arrangement, be added to the ground water surrounding the present point of draft the capacity of the source will be increased to an amount not less than one million, three hundred and fifty thousand (1.350,000) gallons under minimum conditions.
In the temporary plant recently used the water was pumped into the stream bed above the wells. Such an arrangement would not serve for any length of time, as the percolating area would be too limited to effect any considerable degree of purification under prolonged use. If a permanent installation is to be considered a larger area should be prepared to which the pond water may be applied in intermittent doses and allowed to slowly pass through the gravel to the underlying water table. Such an area of about two (2) acres can be obtained adjacent to the present wells by stripping off the surface soil and constructing a dam or embankment across the valley of sufficient height to hold the water to the desired level. If a reservoir upstream were to be constructed in the fu- ture, the stored water could, if necessary, be flowed on this percolating area by gravity. A plan is herewith pre- sented showing the proposed arrangement. The scheme involves the construction of a small concrete controlling dam in the stream, by which the natural flow of the river can be passed to Orr's Pond in times of flood and proper control of the water level above the dam at all times made possible, a low embankment across the valley, the strip- ping of the proposed percolating area, the paving of the
1
1
ST.
PUMPING STATION
Steam turbine and centrifugal pump
WEST
River
16 " Force Main
74 3cfion
Old Screen Well.
Well const. in 1984
Conduit
Mile
Old Well
Aerator Fountain
Seven
Level Area El. 96.5
PLAN OF DAM Scale
012345 10
14'-3"
"dia rods 6'cc both ways
in top of slab
+12ª
E196.5
12'
ELEVATION
VEL.930
LET 9216" Cast Iron Force Main
2-6
E1914
AERATOR Scale
SECTIONAL ELEVATION ON CENTER LINE
01 23 4 5
10
ATTLEBOROUGH WATER WORKS PLAN SHOWING SOURCE OF SUPPLY
2'0"
-7-05
10'-
-7-0ª
4-2:0"
1
6'-
ET 1010
Slope 2101
Concrete Abutment
E. 93 2'-0".
Slope 2 tol
E1.97.5
5-0
10-
EL. 96.5
Buttress
1.95.0
Concrete Apron>
12
Dam and apron reinforced with #" and "dia rods for temperature stresses
El 910
SECTIONAL ELEVATION OF DAM ON LINE C-D
Scale
2
4 5 o
Paving
Stop-planks
Stop-planks!
Embankment
Core Wall
Bolts for flashboard brackets in top of spillway
3'6" ¥240% 3-6"
3-6
.
Buttress
Buttress
Wasteway
Concrete Apron
9'-0"- - >
52"0"
Concrete Dam
Top of Embankment El. lol.o
ORR'S POND
GENERAL PLAN
Scale
100
20 30
40 50
4-30-0-
19'0
Conduit
New Well.
Old Well
SECTIONAL ELEVATION ON LINE A-B
Connection to Our's Pond
Wasteway
Bracket
AND PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS SEPT. 1907. Frank A. Barbour, Engineer. Water Commissoners, William M. Stone David E. Makepeace George H. Snell.
28-0
169
ANNUAL REPORT.
stream banks, the laying of a pipe from the present screen-well to a centrifugal pump installed in the pump- ing station and of a force main from this pump to an aer- ating fountain in the center of the field. The underlying idea of operation is the intermittent application of water to this area in doses such that no head will be created to force the water too rapidly through the ground, but rather in a way as to permit a slow percolation from the surface to the water table.
The estimated cost of developing the area is six thou- sand dollars ($6,000.00) ; of the pumping plant two thou- sand dollars ($2,000.00).
Looking toward possible further development of the supply surveys have been made in the valley of the stream a short distance above the pumping station. A plan is herewith presented showing the results obtained. The conditions are unusually favorable for the construc- tion of a storage basin at relatively small expense. By a dam twenty-five (25) feet high and about two hundred (200) feet long an effective storage of seventy-five mil- lion (75,000,000) gallons can be developed. The follow ing table shows the area and amount of water stored at different elevations :
Area of surface. Amount stored.
At elevation 124
26.4
84,500,000
At elevation 119
18.I
48,200,000
At elevation 114
12.7
23,000,000
At elevation 109
6.75
7,200.000
From this table it appears that a storage about double that found in Orr's Pond and with little more than half the surface area of this pond can be obtained.
170
ANNUAL REPORT.
The estimated cost, exclusive of land damages, but including an allowance for stripping the entire reservoir to a depth of one foot and fifteen per cent. for contingen- cies, is fifty-four thousand dollars ($54,000.00).
By the use of this storage, in addition to that found in Orr's Pond the total capacity of the present source may be increased to one million, seven hundred and fifty thousand (1,750,000) gallons per day.
While no additional surveys have been made at other points in the watershed a sufficient examination of the ground has been undertaken to prove the possibility of further increasing the amount of water held in storage by the construction of another reservoir, when it shall become necessary.
It therefore appears that by reasonable expenditures the capacity of the present source may be developed to an amount which well justifies the taking of all possible means for the conservation of the supply and the preserv- ation of its quality. Experience has proved that under extreme conditions the source, as now developed, may, for short periods, be incapable of meeting the present consumption. Some means should, therefore, be at once taken to meet these emergency conditions.
The most economical method available is the pumping of water from Orr's Pond and the preparation of an area sufficient to guarantee the satisfactory purification of this water before it reaches the wells. I therefore recommend the immediate preparation of the area surrounding the wells to serve this purpose in accordance with the plan herewith submitted.
Yours respectfully,
F. A. BARBOUR.
ATTLEBOROUGH WATER WORKS PLAN SHOWING POSSIBLE LOCATION FOR AN IMPOUNDING RESERVOIR ON SEVEN MILE RIVER NEAR PUMPING STATION SEPT. 1907
Water Commissioners. William M Stone David E Makepeace. George H. Snell
Frank A. Barbour, Engineer
Scale
0 25 60 75 100
CAPACITY OF RESERVOIR After being stripped Ift. deep.
At Elev. 124 High Water 84,500,000 gal5. At Elev. 119
48,200,000 11
At Elev. 114 23,000,000 11 At Elev. 109 7,200,000 "
Dam to be built 1 of selected materia
:- 125
-120
River
West
Dike to be built with material stripped -
Mile
ENLARGED PLAN OF GROUND AT SITE OF DAM.
Scale
0 10 10 30 40 50 100
Seven
Mile
Proposed Re-location of River.
River
114
1
Flowage Line Elev. 1240
PUMPING STATION
Seven
St.
FIOVE
171
ANNUAL REPORT.
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT
To the Honorable Board of Water Commissioners :
Gentlemen :- I submit the following report of the con- dition and operation of the Water Department for the year ending December 31, 1907.
Extension of Mains.
There have been twenty-one extensions of main pipe laid during the year, amounting to 5,209 feet. Although the mileage of pipe extension is less than for any year during the last nine, yet with the 122 new services added, which is larger than any former year when the mileage was much more, each extension made this year has been a direct benefit to the town, either by income to the De- partment or by taxation to the town. This we consider a healthy growth, as all except one have been new build- ings and most of them near the centre of the town.
In making these extensions there have been only two guarantees necessary, as in all other cases the income de- rived would exceed the 5 per cent., thereby giving the department a profit.
Some of the most important extensions might be quoted :
. The Dunham street extension was made to connect the factory of the Sweet Mfg. Co. with service and also sprinkling connections.
School street, extending the pipe from Hazel street to the Speedway, for the benefit of the W. H. Wilmarth Co. who are large consumers, and thus giving them addi- tional fire protection.
Jewel avenue, the street which leads from County street, parallel with and near Thacher street, which is opening up a new plat, and the indications are for rapid growth. It seems appropriate at this time to inform the public of the conditions as they exist. The prospect of
172
ANNUAL REPORT.
the Department's continuous growth is apparent from the requests for new extensions and the opening up of new land for building purposes. The lack of tenements to ac commodate the people who would live here if it were pos- sible, convinces us that there will be a large number of extensions asked for in the future as in the past, and it is absolutely necessary to make these extensions in order to accommodate the people.
Is it not evident that the growth of the town in taxable property is largely dependent on the efficiency and ser- vice of the Water Department ?
The work of the abolition of grade crossings was com- pleted this year, the work extending over a period of two years, as it was necessary to do the work at such times as convenient for the N. Y., N. H. & H. R. R. Co. and at the same time protect the supply of water for domestic and fire purposes.
Services.
Total number of services in use 1.961, including 122 new services this year. Eight old services have been re- placed with cement lined pipe.
Amount of service pipe laid as follows :
2.793 feet from main to service box.
4,817 feet from service box to cellar.
1, 102 feet sold to plumbers and others for inside use. Total service pipe laid. 7.610 feet, or 1.4 miles.
Hydrants.
During the year four new hydrants have been set, On Dunham street. Mulberry street, School street and Jewel avenue respectively, making a total of 384. Two old ones have been replaced. All hydrants have been inspected and flushed during the year and a complete list of loca- tions is published in this report.
173
ANNUAL REPORT.
EXTENSION OF MAIN PIPE.
Table, Showing Kind, Size and Length of Pipe Laid on the Several Streets.
Cast Iron Pipe.
Cement Lined Pipe.
Streets.
8 in.
6 in.
2 in.
1} in.
1} in.
1 in.
Atwood .
11
Birch
125
Cherry
612
Dunham
203
Elizabeth
88
Holden
Jewel Avenue.
7
525
16
Jackson
121
155
Mulberry
308
261
258
Pembroke Ave . Robert
227
44
School
466
20
83
Soloman Place.
233
85
Tappan Ave.
108
Twelfth
236
Wilmarth
404
Watson Ave.
231
Washburn
.....
291
Totals
473
1056
2508
769
307
96
=5209 ft.
..
..
.
88
.
Linden
Perry .
Sherman
Leaks.
The total number of leaks are 60. Of these 13 are on mains, 13 on services, five of which were caused by elec- trolysis, 25 on hydrants, 7 on gates and 2 on stand pipes. The small number of leaks show the system to be in good condition.
174
ANNUAL REPORT.
Gate Valves.
There have been 20 new gates, 38 gate boxes set and 53 service boxes brought to grade.
Meters.
Meters owned by town 1,78I
Meters owned by private parties 191
Total number of meters in use 1,972
New meters set
97
Meters changed
619
Meters repaired at work shop
468
Meters sent to factory
149
Meters discarded
2
Meters frozen
62
Total cost of repairs on meters, $1,610.57.
Private Fire Connections.
This year there have been three sprinkling connections added, making a total of thirty now in use.
Stand Pipes for Sprinkling Carts.
There have been IO added to the system this year, eight . of which were on South Main street, extending to Hebronville, one on Wall street and one on Park street, making a total of 35 now in use.
Pumping Station.
The work started in 1906 for addition to Pumping Sta- tion and the installing of two new boilers referred to in our last report was completed this year. The boilers were put into commission in June, also the repairs on pump, as noted in the Commissioners' report, were com- pleted.
175
ANNUAL REPORT.
At the present time we have a complete duplicate sys- tem, that is to say, a double pipe line, two pumps and four boilers, that either alone can take care of the entire pump- ing should occasion require. The boilers are so situated, being installed two together, should accident happen to one it would be impossible to affect the other pair to the extent that they would be out of commission. The piping from the old boilers has been replaced with extra heavy new pipe so as to be ready at any time should it be re- quired.
While we should be unable to carry a high pressure of steam that would be economical they would be avail- able for an indefinite time to furnish steam for the pump and every precaution has been taken to protect the entire system in this line.
Automobile.
We believe that automobiles for municipal purposes are rapidly coming in favor, as a large number of cities and towns have adopted the use of them. The one in use by this department has proven very satisfactory, as Attle- boro is so situated that the pipe line extends further than in most cities. From the centre to the extreme end of St. Jean Plat is eight miles, and to cover this distance with a horse it is necessary to consume half a day, but with the automobile from one to one and one-half hours and thus saving much time and labor, and it is on this account we have been able to dispose of one horse and with the increased amount of work it is practically doing the work of two teams.
I believe it is plain to everyone that in case of a leak or a break either on mains or services the repairs should be made as soon as possible, and by use of the automobile we can reach the extreme limit of the system much sooner than by team. thereby adding to the efficiency of the system.
176
ANNUAL REPORT.
Electrolysis.
. This year 625 feet of 6-inch pipe on Emory street has been replaced with new. The chief trouble from electro- lysis has been confined to this section, where the railroad tracks run directly over the water pipes, which conditions should not exist. Every service was affected and the main pipe badly pitted, so much so that it was considered worthless.
With the co-operation of the railroad companies we made a thorough investigation and survey and decided through this particular section, which is of quicksand formation, we would lay our pipes outside from the rail- road tracks and put in insulated joints made of wood. This work was done, the connection made and the cur- rent completely cut off for that distance, and the fact that we have had no further trouble as yet assures us that the work was justifiable. We are still making tests at dif- ferent points and believe eventually other insulated joints will be installed in the system.
Appended will be found tables showing a condensed statement of the pumping records for the year and copies of the analysis made from samples of water taken from the wells.
GEO. H. SNELL,
Superintendent.
ANNUAL REPORT.
Synopsis of Pumping Records for the Year Ending December 31, 1907.
·
1907.
Total Pumping
Time per Month.
Average Pumping
Time per Day.
Total Coal Used
per Month.
Average Coal Used
per Day.
Total Gallons of
Water Pumped
Average Gallons of
Water
per Day.
Hrs.
Min.
Hrs.
Min.
Pounds.
Pounds.
Gallons.
Gallons.
January .
192
00
6
12
49,060
1,582
18,506,520
596,984
February
178
00
6
00
48,055
1,716
16,436,800
587,028
March .
200
00
6
27
51,800
1,746
18,743,120
604,617
April .
183
00
6
6
48,400
1,613
17,554,050
585,135
May .
258
30
8
21
72,843
2,349
18,862,600
608,470
June .
223
30
1
17
54,610
1,761
21,117,100
703,903
July ..
228
30
1
22
63,420
2,046
25,085,240
809,266
August
274
30
8
51
66,679
2,150
25,190,040
812,911 ·
September
185
00
6
10
59,425
1,980
19,797,240
659,908
October
191
30
6
10
63,315
2,042
21,518,040
694,130
November
349
45
11
39
84,348
2,811
20,667,040
688,901
December .
165
00
5
19
53,375
1,722
18,369,040
592,550
Totals for year . Daily average for year
2629
15
7
14
1,953
661,975
Average duty for year, including banking . ..
73,022,500 1bs.
Average duty for year, without banking, lighting or machine shop
93,522,700 1bs.
Note-Amount of coal used for lighting and machine shop .
20,000 lbs.
Leaving total amount for pumping ..
695,330 1bs.
.
.. .
.. .
. .
.
. .
.
.
.
. . . . . .
... .
.
.
.
.
.
. .
.
.
.
715,330
241,846,830
177
per Month.
Pumped
MONTH.
Water Analysis-Attleborough.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, State Board of Health-(Parts in 100,000).
1906.
DATE OF
APPEARANCE
AMMONIA.
NITROGEN AS
Hardness.
Consumed. Oxygen
64930
Feb. 12
Feb. 13
None
v. slight
.00
4.90
.0018
.0024
.39
.0080
.0000
2.1
.0170
.03
65986
May
14
May
15
None
None
.00
3.90
.0004 .0002
.0016 .0020
.35
.0100
2.0
.0020
.06
66308 66309
June
4
June
None
None
02
4.10
.0006
.0014
.31
.0080
.0000 .0000
1.8
.0120 .0100
.05
67399
Aug. 13
Aug.
14
None
None
.00
5.60
.0002
.0016
.36
.0070
.0000
2.5
.0080
.01
68322
Oct.
7.
Oct.
9
v. slight
None
.00
4.70
.0006
.0036
46
0130
.0000
2.0
.0130
.06
69538
Dec. 12
Dec. 13
None
None
.07
4.00
.0012
.0042
.40
.0120
.0000
2.0
1 .0090
.08
1
Average
.01
4.57
.0007
.0023
.37
.0093
.0000
2.0
.0093
.05
.
No.
Collection.
Examination.
Turpidity.
Sediment.
Color.
Residue on
Evaporation
Free.
Albu- mi- noid.
Nitrates Nitrites
May
14
May
15
None
None
.02
3.80
5.60
.0004
.0016
.32
.0070
.0000 .0000
2.0
.0060
.04
65987
June
4
June
5
None
None
.01
2.0
.05
ANNUAL REPORT.
178
.35
.0100
Chloride.
IRON.
179
ANNUAL REPORT.
TABLE SHOWING RAINFALL FOR YEAR 1907.
Month
Rainfa'l
Normal
Departure from Normal
January
5.53
4.18
+1.35
February
3.04
4.06
-1.02
March
2.16
4.58
-2.42
April
4.00
3.32
+ .68
May
4.08
3.20
+ .88
June
2.40
2.99
- . 59
July
1.48
3.78
-2.30
August
1.17
4.23
-3.06
September
9.45
3.23
+6.22
October
1.60
4.4I
-2.81
November
6.65
4.II
-2.54
December
4.48
3.7I
+ .77
Total
46.04
45.80
-- 4.84
Monthly average
. 3.84
3.81
- . 40
180
ANNUAL REPORT.
Report of Water Registrar, December 31, 1907.
At the close of the year 1907 every water bill is collect- ed, which makes a record of five consecutive years. This condition is very gratifying, and again would thank the patrons of the Water Department for their prompt pay- ments, which greatly assists the Registrar in his work and reflects credit on the town, as very few departments can show such a record.
The amount of uncollected bills, as shown in the finan- cial statement, is not for water bills, but for miscel- laneous work, mostly for abolition grade crossing work.
Below is given the financial report of the Water Regis- trar.
Financial Statement.
Dr
Uncollected bills January 1, 1907 127.09
Charged meter allowances, January 1, 1907, to July 1, 1907 5.139.78
Charged meter allowances, July I, 1907, to January 1, 1908 5.318.75
Charged meter rents, January 1, 1907, to July I, 1907 1.717.83
Charged meter rents, July 1, 1907, to January 1, 1908
1.779.52
Charged excess water, January 1, 1907, to July I, 1907
9.763.23
Charged excess water, July 1, 1907. to January 1, 1908 9.345.68
Charged repair of meters, January I, 1907, to July 1, 1907 292.08 Charged repair of meters, July I, 1907, to January 1. 1908 35.IT
181
ANNUAL REPORT.
Charged sale of meters, January I, 1907, to July 1, 1907 20.00
Charged sale of meters, July 1, 1907, to Janu- ary 1, 1908 13.55
Charged guarantees, January 1, 1907, to July
I, 1907 150.70
Charged guarantees, July 1, 1907, to January 1, 1908 182.94
Charged miscellaneous, January 1, 1907, to July 1, 1907 2,732.25 Charged miscellaneous, July 1, 1907, to Janu- ary 1, 1908 2,957.17
Charged N. Y., N. H. & H. R. R. Co,, work done during years of 1905, 1906, 1907, on account of abolition of grade crossings .. 6,195.37
Cr. $45,771.05
Abatements, January 1, 1907, to January I, 1908 $166.58
Cash paid Town Treasurer $39,360.68
Bill for collection for Construction Acct. :
Abolition of grade crossing .. $6,195.37 Sundry Account 48.42
6,243.79
$45,771.05 Examined January 10, 1908, and found correct.
BENJAMIN F. LINDSEY, W. L. ELLIOT, FREDK. L. LeBARON,
Auditors.
182
ANNUAL REPORT.
LIST OF HYDRANTS AT ATTLEBOROUGH
Street.
Location.
Angell Atwood North side, beyond No. 9, opposite Perrin's barn.
Alder
West side, opposite Ottawa street.
Bacon
South side, 400 feet south of Allen street.
South side, corner Pond street.
Bowen avenue
West side, 450 feet south of South Main street.
Benefit
West side, front No. 62, Nye's house.
Bicknell avenue
South side, corner Bank street.
South side, at Horton & Angell's shop.
Bank
West side, opposite Odd Fellows' building.
East side, opposite Sanford street.
East side, corner Dean street.
East side, corner Peck street.
Brownell
North side, corner Hazel street.
Bailey County
South side, front Dr. Sanford's.
North side, front J. M. Bates buildding.
South side, opposite No. 49, G. H. Snell's.
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