USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1908-09 > Part 7
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Some minor repairs will soon be advisable to the water end of the Barr pump, which has not been overhauled for some years. The sewerage plant continues to satis- factorily dispose of the wastes from the engineer's house and the station.
Twenty leaks have been found in the mains, the greater part in Thacher Street and presumably due to electrolysis. In many cases the leak had started at the top of the joint or in the section where the best caulking is always done and the explanation must apparently be sought in some form of electrolytic action. During the year additional investigations of the pipe system in this regard have been made by Mr. Knudson, E. E., and your attention is called to his report, which is appended.
Our experience to date indicates that with proper bonding of the track, an adequate return wire and insu- lating joints to isolate sections of the pipe laid in wet ground, the effects of stray currents can be reduce l to a minimum.
The standpipe continues in satisfactory condition. In the coming year it will probably be advisable to draw off the water and remove whatever deposit has accumu- lated. The possible danger of accident to the standpipe by lightning has been a matter of discussion since its erection. On the assumption that the vertical steel members, which extend from the top to the foundation, would probably safely carry off any charge, no special
174
ANNUAL REPORT
provision was undertaken until the present year. As a matter of precaution, during the past summer, a light- ning rod of one and one-half inch (11/2 in.) galvanized iron pipe, with five wrought iron points, was erected in the centre of the dome and connected by 0000 copper wire to the one inch (I in.) brass pipe which extends down the exterior face of the standpipe to the gate house and through which the cord of the Winslow recording apparatus is carried. From the foot of this pipe another section of copper wire connects with the twenty-four inch (24 in.) water main.
The Winslow apparatus has furnished since May 21 continuous records of the amount of water in the stand- pipe at all times, providing a concise, graphic history of the daily operation of the works and a valuable basis for the investigation of leakage and waste.
We again call attention to the desirability of appor- tioning the assessment for water service on a more equi- table basis than now exists. At present, except for the direct contribution of the Town in amount equal to the difference between income from consumers and the ex- penses of the department and not determined by any method which might express the benefit derived by the Town as a whole, the department is dependent for in- come on the consumers. That this is not a rational ap- portionment of the assessment. for water service is at once apparent when it is realized that one-half of the actual cost of the system is due to provision for fire pro- tection. In other words, if the system had been installed for domestic and manufacturing service alone the rates to consumers could be cut to about one-half. In 1907 the consumers paid ninety-six per cent. (96%) of the expenses of the department. It must be obvious that this basis does not express the value of the service to individuals in fire protection and that many properties which use little or no water are deriving benefits for
175
ANNUAL REPORT
which no return is made. A much more logical method would be to collect a portion of the income in the ratio of valuation and the rest from consumers in proportion to actual use.
The first can be accomplished from a payment by the Town to the department of a certain yearly sum for each hydrant, as would be the case if a private water company were controlling the works. The result would make possible a corresponding reduction of the rates charged consumers and the suggested re-arrangement does not imply any increased revenue, but merely a re- distribution on a more logical basis. It is further to be noted that no credit is given the department for public water used for street sprinkling and other purposes and amounting during the summer to fifteen per cent. (15%) of the total water pumped. It is, therefore, evident that any contribution which the Town has made to the income of the department is merely a return for services rend- ered and much less than would be the case if all public water were paid for at meter rates and an allowance made for fire protection in the form of hydrant rental.
A statement of the present outstanding indebtedness of the department is given in another part of this report. From this it appears that bonds to the amount of four hundred and eighty-seven thousand dollars ($487,000.00) have been issued on a sinking fund basis, the last ma- turing November 1, 1935. In addition serial bonds to the amount of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000.00) were issued during the past year. The sinking fund at the present time amounts to sixty-two thousand and sixty- three dollars and eighty-six cents ($62,063.86) which, with a yearly contribution of nine thousand, five hun- dred and sixty dollars ($9,560.00)-figuring a four and one-half per cent. (47/2%) return on invested fund. until the date of retirement of the last bond, will retire all is- sues on the sinking fund basis. To this amount must be
176
ANNUAL REPORT
added on and after 1910, the two thousand dollars ($2,000.00) yearly installment on the 1908 issue and such further contributions to a serial payment as future issues may make necessary.
Assuming that extensions will require a yearly expen- diture of fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000.00) in con- struction account and allowing for the variable interest charges due to the payment of serial bonds and also esti- mating the probable future increase in revenue, it ap- pears that the average yearly contribution from the Town which will be necessary will be about five thou- sand dollars ($5,000.00). Owing, however, to a falling off in income in the first half of last year the income of the department did not furnish the addition of seven thousand dollars ($7,000.00) to the sinking fund which the finance committee deemed necessary and twelve hun- dred and eleven dollars and seventy cents ($1,211.70) were drawn from the construction account for this pur- pose. This amount must be replaced and it is therefore recommended that the Town appropriate sixty-two hun- dred dollars ($6,200.00) for tlfe present year or twelve hundred dollars ($1,200.00) in excess of the average con- tribution, which it is estimated will in future be sufficient with the income of the department to pay off all out- standing indebtedness at maturity.
One of the assets of the department to which atten- tion may profitably be directed is the hundred and fifty (150) acres of land adjacent to the standpipe and along the main pipe lines to the pumping station. This land is now worth several times the amount paid for it and in its situation, topography and accessibility through the electric service recently constructed furnishes a most valuable foundation for a future park system reaching from the standpipe to Orr's Pond, included.
Following will be found the comparative table and a statement of the estimated income and expenditures :
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ANNUAL REPORT
Comparative Table.
Year.
Miles of Pipe in Use.
Main Pipe Extended.
Income.
Appropriation.
Amount Put in
Sinking Fund.
Interest Account.
Bonded Debt.
1898 30.28 mi.
2, 466 ft. $16, 394. 18 $7, 100. 00 $4, 650. 00 $12, 060.00 $278, 000.00
1899 30.63 mi.
1,845 ft.
19,968.89
7,100.00
4,650.00
12,582.50
293,000.00
1900 31.63 mi.
5,287 ft.
21,424. 41
6,100.00
5,000.00
13,183.44
305,000.00
1901 33.18 mi
8,229 ft.
27,325.34
5,000.00
5,000.00
13,192.50
217,000.00
1902 39.00 mi. 30, 729 ft.
27,539.14|
5,000.00
5,200.00
14,120.00
327,000.00
1903 43.60 mi. 24,299 ft.
29,876.22
4,000.00
5,200.00
13,845.00
357,000.00
1904 44.80 mi. 6,428 ft.
31,524.30
3,000.00
5,500.00
13,645.00
337,000.00
1905 49.30 mi. 24,002 ft.
33,342.34
2,000.00
6,000.00
15,036.61
487.000.00
1906 51.20 mi. 10,199 ft.
42,668.71
1,000.00
6,500.00
18,295.00
487,000.00
1907 52.10 mi. 5,209 ft.
39,360.68
1,000.00
7,000.00
18,695.78
487,000.00
1908 54. 10 mi. 10,562 ft.
45,893.67
3,000.00 10,000.00
19,530.06
537,000.00
Estimated Receipts.
From water rates, etc.
$41,000.00
Appropriation by Town
6,200.00
$47,200.00
Estimated Expenses.
Pumping expenses
$ 4,400.00
Repairs, incidentals, salaries, etc ... 12,505.00
Interest account
20,295.00
Sinking Fund
10,000.00
$47,200.00
Respectfully submitted,
D. E. MAKEPEACE, WM. M. STONE, KARL H. HYDE, Water Commissioners.
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ANNUAL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT
To the Honorable Board of Water Commissioners :
Gentlemen :- I submit the following report of the condition and operation of the Water Department for the year ending December 31, 1908:
Extension of Mains.
During the year there have been thirty-five extensions of main pipe, amounting to 10,560 feet, as shown by fol- lowing table. Thirteen of these were under guarantees, the rest are self-sustaining.
The unusual number of extensions is largely due to the development of new plats, thereby adding to the taxable valuation of the town.
The call for such extensions will probably continue with the natural and prosperous growth of the town.
The longest extensions are as follows :
Mechanics Street, extending 1,008 feet, connecting two dead ends, thereby giving circulation on this line.
Cumberland Avenue, South Attleborough, a distance of 1,339 feet.
The extension from Park Street to the Attleborough Sanitarium, a distance of 1,126 feet.
Services.
Total number of services in use 2,098, including 139 new services this year.
Nine old services have been replaced with cement- lined pipe.
Amount of service pipe laid as follows :
1,824 feet from main to service box.
5,221 feet from service box to cellar.
I.530 feet sold to plumbers and others for inside use.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Total service pipe laid 8,575 feet, or 1.6 miles.
Hydrants.
During the year sixteen new hydrants have been set and five old ones have been replaced. All hydrants have been inspected and flushed during the year and a com- plete list of locations is published in this report.
Leaks.
The total number of leaks is 61. Of these 20 are on mains, 17 on services, two of which were caused by electrolysis, 18 on hydrants, 4 on gates and 2 on stand- pipes.
Gate Valves.
There have been 23 new gates, 30 gate boxes set and 7 service boxes brought to grade.
Meters.
Meters owned by town 1,921
Meters owned by private parties 180
Total number of meters in use 2,IOI
New! meters set 129
Meters repaired at work shop
486
Meters sent to factory
70
Meters cleaned 55
Meters changed
556
Meters frozen
32
Meters discarded I
Total cost of repairs on meters, $1,568.93.
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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.
6 in.
2 in.
1} in.
1} in. 1 in.
Althea Avenue.
Bliss Avenue .
323
Bicknell Avenue
360
170
Brown .
524
Cumberland Avenue. .
1339
Dunham . .
225
Dorchester Avenue
759
Emory
144
Elizabeth
69
Eddy
Franklin. .
108
Fuller Avenue
Hebron Avenue.
207
Harvard Avenue
260
Holden .
84
Hawthorn
132
121
Hackett
320
Howard Avenue
Jackson
105
Jewell Avenue
205
Mulberry
1008
Olive . .
289
Pembroke Avenue
389
Prospect Avenue .
Park-Sanitarium
1126
Rand Avenue.
74
Robert.
196
Sherman
206
Twelfth. .
92
Taunton Avenue
186
89
Wilmarth
327
Walnut
247
Totals
5455
2994
1616
264
233
=10,562 ft
45
Mechanics
372
67
21
East .
94
57
145
Bishop Avenue
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ANNUAL REPORT
Private Fire Connections.
This year there have been three sprinkling connections added, making a total of 33 now in use.
Standpipes for Sprinkling Carts.
There have been two added to the system this year, making a total of 37. Eight have been repaired.
Pumping Station.
The improvements at station have been completed and necessary repairs have been made on pumping plant, except on Barr pump, which should be overhauled and necessary repairs made at once, as suggested in Com- missioners' report. May 4, 1908, W. P. Whittemore succeeded George H. Palmer as chief engineer. The station and grounds have been well cared for during the year and the re-location of the street in front of station will make it necessary to re-grade the lawn of Station and cottage, which will be attended to in the spring.
Electrolysis.
The following reports of A. A. Knudson, E. E., on surveys made during the year are submitted, showing that the danger to water mains has been largely elim- inated.
GEO. H. SNELL,
Superintendent.
ELECTROLYSIS
Report No. 7
DATED MAY 18, 1908
On Lines of Taunton and Pawtucket Railway Co. ATTLEBORO, MASS.
BY
A. A. KNUDSON NEW YORK
184
ANNUAL REPORT
The Honorable Board of Water Commissioners, Attle- boro, Mass.
Gentlemen :- I hand you, herewith, the tabulated volt- meter readings taken upon the lines of the Taunton & Pawtucket Railway Company, together with my report explaining the conditions which cause electrolysis to the mains and service pipes in the vicinity of Briggs Corner :
Voltmeter readings taken between rails of Taunton & Pawtucket Railway Company and hydrants; from power house, through Park Avenue to Emory Street, between 4 p. m. and 5:30 p. m., May 6, 1908 :
LOCATION.
Water
Pipe.
Rails.
VOLTS
REMARKS.
Min. Max.
Oak Hill Avenue, near P. H . .
+
-
1.0 12.0 Near this point ser- vice pipes have failed from electro- lysis.
At last hydrant on Park St ...
9.0
0.2
Park St., north of Steere St ...
5.0
2.0
Park St. opposite Sanitarium . .
3.5
4.0
Park and Maple Sts.
3.7
6.0
Park St. 2d hydrant
4.6
West Bishop Avenue
3.0
Emory and Forest Sts .0.
2.0
1.6 Low spot in street, where rails are con- tinually in water.
Emory and Brook Sts
1.5 2.0
+1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +1
1+ 1+ 1+ 1+ 1+ 1+ 1+
With one exception all of these readings show current flowing in both directions, that is to say, at the power
185
ANNUAL REPORT
house the flow is pipe (+) or from the pipe continuously to rails, while at the other readings it is at times pipe (+) and reverses to pipe (-) or from the rails to mains. It will be understood from former reports that at points where mains are (+) either continuously (as in the case at the power house) or nearly so, they are in danger from electrolysis if in damp or wet soil. The reversals to (-) negative are caused by the movements of cars over the line, during the absence of cars when readings were taken the direction would be pipe (+) ; when a car approached the flow would be forced in the opposite di- rection ; after the car passed, the (+) condition would resume again. The (+) readings grow less from the power house north to Emory Street, and the negative readings increase. We find the danger area is from about Steere Street to the power house, the principal point being in the vicinity of Briggs Corner and power house.
There are two causes which we believe are responsible for these conditions, which result in damage to your pipes :
(a) Defective bonding at the rail joints ;
(b) The low ground at Forest Street, where the rails are continually in water or wet soil, or the rails may be grounded at this point by special connection.
In regard to "(b)," this "ground" has the effect of making a path of low resistance in the soil between the rails and pipe, by which current from the rails easily passes into the main and follows it until they pass out again, which is mostly in the vicinity of Briggs Corner, or near the power house, where damage has been caused.
There is another point to be considered in reference to "(b)." The flow of current from the Interstate tracks over to the Taunton & Pawtucket tracks, which former- ly passed by way of underground pipes in Emory Street,
186
ANNUAL REPORT
causing their destruction, is largely attracted by such ground connection on the Taunton & Pawtucket rails. This has been proven by former tests, as for instance the one made upon the Taunton & Pawtucket rails between Briggs Corner and the power house, with the station switches open, and closed (See report dated August 12, 1905.) When open there was practically no flow of for- eign current on the rails, which shows that what current passes from Interstate tracks to Taunton & Pawtucket tracks by way of the new track connection between the two lines at Emory and Union Streets goes to "ground" at, or near, Forest Street.
Conclusion.
It is suggested that the Taunton & Pawtucket Com- pany be requested to take this matter up of correcting these two points, viz :
Improving the bonding at the rail joints,
Removing the "ground" near Forest Street.
In regard to the "ground,' if it is caused simply by the rails resting in water, some drainage method should be applied, or if this is not practical, the tracks should be raised.
If there is a metallic connection between the rails and soil, it should be forthwith removed.
In either case the removal of such "ground" will not only help reduce the flow on your main in Park Street, and consequent damage near the power house, but also reduce the attraction from Interstate currents to flow to Taunton & Pawtucket tracks.
In view of the fact that your main at the power house is a 3-inch cement lined, the metal is comparatively thin, and unless this matter is promptly attended to you may expect further leaks from electrolysis in the near fu- ture, either upon service pipes or upon the main.
187
ANNUAL REPORT
The cause of damage to service pipes we find due to currents from the Taunton & Pawtucket lines, for which reimbursement should be made.
It was not deemed warrantable at this time to uncover the 2-inch main to determine the extent of damage, and this has been left, with other matters, until our visit in July next.
Respectfully submitted, A. A. KNUDSON,
Electrolysis Report, No. 8 For Attleborough, Mass. Dated Dec. 30, 1908
George H. Snell, Esq., Superintendent Water Depart- ment, Attleborough, Mass .:
Dear Sir :- I beg to report the result of my investiga- tion for electrolysis upon the mains which connect with the standpipe in Attleborough, and also at other places, as shown by the enclosed table of tests.
Last spring, when in Attleborough (May 5, 1908), we investigated the current indications in and around the standpipe, and made measurements of current flow in the basement on the mains.
At that time there was a flow discovered in the mains, part of the time entering the structure, and again leav- ing The reading at that time, which seemed the most conclusive, was taken on the 16-inch intake main, close to where it enters the standpipe. Current was found flowing out of the standpipe at that time with a range of o to 4.2 amperes. This flow was continuously in the same direction, which was ascertained by repeated tests. As this current would in all probability cause damage
188
ANNUAL REPORT
to some of the metal parts of the structure, the question was seriously considered as to what could be done to eliminate same.
At that time a new trolley line was under process of construction, which would pass a short distance north of the standpipe. The question as to what effect this ap- parent new source of danger would have as to a further menace from electrolysis was considered, and after con- sulting with other members of your Board it was thought best to wait until that new line was completed, and then make further tests.
These tests were made when the line was in operation. on Nov. 24, 1908, at the same point on the 16-inch intake main as the former tests were made. At this time an observer was stationed to watch the movements of cars, when they approached, crossed over the mains, and re- ceded. At these tests the writer used a new pattern voltmeter, a most delicate instrument, and with the best possible connections on the main was unable, after sev- eral attempts, to discover the first sign of a current flow- ing either in or out of the standpipe. Another test which goes to confirm that made in the basement of the standpipe, is, the structure was negative (-) to the soil, which means if there was any flow in its vicinity at all it is, electrically speaking, in a position of safety.
I am pleased, therefore, to report that, instead of the new trolley line acting as an additional menace as to electrolysis upon the standpipe, it in effect acts as a means to relieve the mains and standpipe of the cur- rents previously found upon them, by establishing a new path for these currents to return to the power house in this part of the country.
Tests were also made further west (which are re- corded in the enclosed table) between hydrants, rails, and earth. At Orr's Corner, owing to the presence of a track feeder connection a "positive" area was found,
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ANNUAL REPORT
which is reversed to negative when a car is approaching and passing this point.
At Newport Avenue and West Street the highest "negative" reading was found, while a car was ascend- ing grade at a curve, viz., 19 volts. This changed back to low! "positive" after the car moved away.
Taunton & Pawtucket Line.
Other tests were again made over the Taunton & Pawtucket Line. In Emory Street the readings have now changed from the dangerous "positive," which for- merly caused destruction to the 6-inch main in a part of this street, to "negative." This is largely caused by the new track extension into Pleasant Street, where it makes connection with the Interstate tracks. The in- sulating joints in this main also protects it from further damage.
The point on this line where damage may be expected, either to service pipes or mains, is in the vicinity of the power house, where there is a range from o to 10.5 volts, main "positive," to rails. This high reading is undoubt- edly due to inefficient rail return, either in unbonded tracks or lack of proper return feeders.
In conclusion, we have to say that there are no indica- tions of danger from electrolysis at the standpipe, at the present time. In case the bonds should fail on the new railway line in the future, the probability would be the currents formerly found there would return again. This can be easily ascertained, however, by occasional tests.
The readings at Orr's Corner, where the main was found positive to rails, is not considered specially impor- tant, as they do not continually remain in this direction. The same may be said at Newport Avenue, where the high "negative" is momentary. With the exception, at the power house on the Taunton & Pawtucket Line there is now no point on your piping system that I.am
190
ANNUAL REPORT
aware of where electrolysis may be considered as menacing.
Respecfully submitted,
A. A. KNUDSON,
Voltmeter Readings At Standpipe and Other Points.
Date and Time.
LOCATION.
NOTES.
Nov. 24.
11:45 In basement.
All mains negative to earth.
Drop test on 16-inch intake main. No flow either when cars passing on new line or absent.
VOLTS.
Mains.
Rails.
Earth.
Min.
Max.
11:20
Thacher St., opposite Ander- son's house Newport Ave. and West St ...
1+1
+1+1+ 1+
0
8.0 0.4
19.0
12:30
Orr's Cor. junct. with North Attleboro line
Car absent. Car present.
Car absent.
Track feeder connections at this point.
Car absent.
Car present.
TAUNTON & PAWTUCKET
3:00
Park and Pleasant Sts
+
1.5
4.0
0.1
4.0
0
6.0
0.3
0.1
3:30 Oak Hill Ave., near P. H
5:30 County St. Tel. Cable test near Snell's Garage
+++++1+
1+1
0
10.0
Between poles No. 77 and No. 78 on new line.
Car ascending grade with curve.
1.5
2.0
1.5
+
+ 1
3.0
2.0
3:15
Emory and Brook Sts
3:40 Park St., opposite Sanitarium
-
When car present. No + reading as formerly on this street.
Main is (-) to cables, and in no danger,
191
ANNUAL REPORT
12 ΠΌ.
P. M.
Synopsis of Pumping Records for the Year Ending December 31, 1908.
1908.
Total Pumping
Time per Month.
Average Pumping
Total Coal Used
per Month.
Average Coal Used
Total Gallons of
Water Pumped
Average'Gallons of
Water Pumped
per Day.
Hrs.
Min.
Hrs. Min.
Pounds.
Pounds.
Gallons.
Gallons.
January .
162
00
5
13
52,795
1,703
17,870,800
576,477
February
164
55
41
53,905
1,858
18,132,680
625,265
March
161
30
5
12
60,979
1,967
17,859,680
576,119
April .
178
20
56
59,650
1,988
19,691,160
656,372
May . .
198
20
6
24
62,899
2,029
21,546,120
695,036
June .
226
25
7
33
76,585
2,552
24, 757,680
825,256
July . .
242
20
7
49
96,550
3,114
24,597,8440
793,478
August
212
50
52
74,850
2,414
22,569,800
728,058
September
223
15
7
27
78,380
2,622
23, 835, 720
794,357
October .
231
30
1
28
80,217
2,587
24,141,680
778,764
November .
214
15
6
57
77,120
2,570
23,393,600
779,778
December. .
209
30
6
45
76,865
2,479
23,538,440
759,304
Totals for year. ..
2425
10
850,795
261,935,200
Daily average for year ..
6
36
2,626
715,688
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Average duty for year, including banking (coal used for low lift pump deducted) 71,373,000 ft. 1bs. Average duty for year (on basis of coal used during actual run) ... . 82,929,000 ft. 1bs.
Note-Excessive coal consumption in July due to cleaning out coal shed.
ANNUAL REPORT
192
Time per Day.
per Day.
per Month.
MONTH.
Water Analysis-Attleborough. Commonwealth of Massachusetts, State Board of Health-(Parts in 100,000.)
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