USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > Town annual reports of the several departments for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1885 > Part 14
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The value of the stock and tools is $37,425.18. A good stock of pipe and special castings is on hand.
221
REPORT OF WATER COMMISSIONEE.
The number of bills rendered to the City Treasurer for collec- tion has been 2,107, amounting to $22,047.72.
The number of abatements 35, amounting to $224.73.
Number of bills in the hands of the City Treasurer for collec- tion 305, amounting to $4,085.97.
Amount collected during the year, $21,547.16.
Two hundred and nine shut-off notices for non-payment of bills for service pipe, meters, labor, etc., have been sent to parties.
The water has been shut off from the premises of 18 takers and 15 let on, on payment of bills ; 3 remain off.
The Commissioner is under many obligations to the Committee for their confidence, forbearance, and aid; to the Registrar for assistance in his branch of the department, and to the clerks upon whom so much of the details of the department devolves.
They have all tended to very much lighten the labors of the Commissioner during the past year.
Respectfully submitted.
LUCIAN A. TAYLOR, Water Commissioner.
Worcester, December 15, 1885.
SUMMARY OP STATISTICS.
WORCESTER, WORCESTER COUNTY, MASS., WATER-WORKS.
Population by census of 1885, 68,383.
Dates of construction, 1845, 1864, 1883.
Works owned by the City.
Source of supply :- Impounding reservoirs in Leicester and Holden, Mass.
Mode of supply :- Gravity.
Maintenance :- Receipts.
Water rates, fixed, estimated, · $18,855 32
Water rates, meter,
91,409 71
$110,265 03
EXPENDITURES.
Management and repairs,
$55,133 90
Interest on Bonds and to various Sinking Funds, 55,131 13
$110,265 03
CONSTRUCTION-RECEIPTS.
Appropriation from tax levy,
$30,000 00
Bills for services, meters, and repairs,
21,547 16
$51,547 16
EXPENDITURES.
For main and service pipe, meters, etc.,
$36,967 26
Transferred to various departments, 9,995 40
Balance, transferred to Sinking Funds,
4,584 50
$51,547 16
Net cost of works to date, Cost mostly in general city debt.
$1,720,329 62
CONSUMPTION.
1. Estimated population at date of report, 69,000
2. on lines of pipe, 59,000
3.
supplied, 51,808
4. total number of gallons consumed during
the year, 1,259,250,000
223
REPORT OF WATER COMMISSIONER.
5 and 6. Passed through meters, 496,174,960 gallons, or 39.4 per cent.
7. Average daily consumption, 3,450,000.
8. Gallons per day to each inhabitant, 50.
9.
10. 66 66 66 consumer, 663
tap, 480.
DISTRIBUTION.
MAINS.
1. Kind of pipe used, cast-iron, ce- ment lined and wrought-iron.
2. Sizes, 2 to 30 inches.
3. Extended in 1885, 29,573 feet.
4. Discontinued in 1885, 17,792.5.
5. Total now in use, 97.93 miles.
6. Cost of leaks per mile, $34.32.
7. Number of leaks per mile, 1.25.
9. Hydrants added in 1885, 23.
10. Number now in use, 784.
11. Stop-gates added in 1885, 37.
12. Number now in use, 886.
14. Number of blow-off gates, 59.
15. Range of pressure on Main street : High service, 140 to 145 pounds. Low service, 70 to 75 pounds.
SERVICES.
16. Cement lined mostly, little cast- iron, tar coated, and galvanized.
17. 4 to 8 inches.
18. In 1885, 20,189.4 feet.
19.
20. 63.87 miles exclusive of temporary mains.
21. Service taps added, 366.
22. Number now in use, 7,191.
23. Average length of service, 46.9 ft.
24. Average cost of service for 1885, $21.36.
25. Meters added in 1885, 367.
26. Number now in use, 6,005.
27. Elevators added in 1885, 10.
28. Number now in use, 98.
REPORT
OF THE
WATER REGISTRAR
To the Joint Standing Committee on Water.
GENTLEMEN :- In compliance with Section 8 of the Ordinance relating to Water, I herewith submit my annual report :-
Three hundred and sixty-two applications for water were re- ceived during the year and placed in the hands of the Commis- sioner.
Bills for water have been rendered to the City Treasurer for collection, as follows :-
For Metered Water,
11,532,
$96,081 35
For Annual Rates,
2,025,
19,440 48
Total,
13,557
$115,521 83
The amount of revenue received from water rates was $110,- 265.03.
The amount of uncollected bills in the hands of the City Treasurer, December 1, 1885, was $12,388.28.
The amount appropriated from Water Rates to Sinking Funds was $12,807.02.
The water has been shut off from the premises of ten (10) takers for non-payment of bills. Eight settled and the water was immediately turned on ; two remain shut off.
During the year the sum of $4,523.17 has been deducted from the amount charged for water rates and metered water, owing to changes from annual to metered rates, adjustment of bills of water takers, special contracts, and by votes of the Committee.
225
REPORT OF WATER REGISTRAR.
The quantity of measured water furnished during the twelve months ending September 30, 1885, inclusive of water used for street sprinkling, waste and leakage, was as follows :-
From October, 1884, to April, 1885, From April, 1885, to October, 1885,
228,137,549 gallons. 268,037,411 66
Total,
496,174,960
METERS.
Four hundred and seven (407) new meters have been placed upon the works the past year, making at the present time six thousand and five (6,005) in use.
REVENUE.
The revenue for the past year shows an increase over last year of $2,749.76. This, in view of the special contracts existing this year and which were in force only a portion of last year, makes a very flattering showing.
The amount transferred to Sinking Funds this year seems small when compared with former years. This is owing to the fact that early in the year the Committee on Water voted to replace old and worn out cement-lined pipe with cast iron and pay for the same out of the revenue received for water, thereby reducing the revenue which has heretofore gone into the Sinking Funds.
The wisdom of the action of the Committee in replacing worn out cement pipe with iron, I think, must be apparent to everyone in the least familiar with the subject.
COLLECTION OF WATER BILLS.
I again call your attention to the collection of water bills. When we carry over twelve thousand dollars in uncollected bills from this financial year to the next, it seems to me to be time for the City Council to adopt some means to stop the growing evil.
I have given the matter considerable attention during the past year, and have corresponded with several Water Registrars for
226
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 40.
the purpose of obtaining information in regard to the matter. As a result I find that in nearly all places where water is fur- nished by city, town or, water company, that if bills are not paid in thirty days from date, a per cent. is added, and of so large an amount that it insures prompt payment. I respectfully suggest that some such ordinance be recommended to the City Council by the Committee on Water.
RATES.
Our rates were established when we had but a limited supply of water, since which time by the introduction of the new supply from Holden, our present capacity for furnishing an abundance of pure water, and at a moderate cost to the takers, is not equalled by any other place; Portland, Maine, possibly excepted. No one thing can add more to the growth and business prosperity of a city situated as Worcester is, than an abundance of water and at a low rate. Worcester has grown from a little town to be the second city in population in the State. This rapid growth has been caused by her manufacturing industries, all of which are, in part or wholly, dependent on steam as a motive power. These very people have been taxed heavily for the purpose of establishing our water-works, and are joint owners of the same. I think it is the duty of the city to furnish all manufacturing industries with water at as low a price as possible without detri- ment to the city. I recommend that all manufacturing industries be charged the same per thousand, regardless of the quantity used. I certainly fail to see the justice in charging different rates to parties in the same line of business. If our water-
works were owned by a company instead of the city, it would be a different matter, but in this case all have been taxed alike, in proportion to their property, for the construction of the works, and it seems to me that we are doing an injustice to the small manufacturer by charging him more for his water than his large competitor is obliged to pay.
Our metered rates for domestic purposes are much less than in any other New England city ; New Bedford alone excepted ; and I am convinced are as low as the city, or any private company can
227
REPORT OF WATER REGISTRAR.
afford to supply water. On the other hand, I am of the opinion that our rates for unmetered water for domestic purposes are too high ; take for instance a small house with modern improve- ments, occupied by one family, our present rate would be $15 per year, this forces the owner to put on and maintain a meter, which is frequently a severe tax on him. I trust the Committee will see fit to recommend a change the coming year.
ASSESSMENT OF RATES.
By our Ordinance the Registrar must assess all rates as estab- lished by the City Council, and to him all complaints come; he is the only one to whom the public go with complaints and for information.
I therefore deem it for the best interest of the department to recommend that meter readers be under the direction and respon- sible to the Registrar, while every complaint is made direct to him, and all explanations must come from him. I fail to see how he can perform his duty to the city, as well as to the individual, in a proper and satisfactory manner, unless those to whom he is to look for information are responsible to him.
PLUMBERS.
In my last report I urged the necessity of a new, or amending the old Ordinance in relation to plumbers. I am still of the opinion that no person should be allowed to do any work in con- nection with the city water-pipes, except a licensed plumber.
RULES.
Our rules were formed for a population of less than forty thousand, but, having nearly doubled that number in population, and having more than twice the number of water takers, have entirely outgrown them. I respectfully suggest that some change be made in them.
228
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 40.
REMARKS.
Frequent complaints are made at the office from parties who think their metered water bills are too large, and in nearly all cases think it must be owing to their meter.
The causes for large or increased measured water bills are but few, and are as follows : defective pipes, overflowing tanks and water allowed to run to waste in closets. The latter I consider one of the principal causes.
People do not seem to realize that if water is allowed to run in a closet but a single hour they will be called upon to pay about twenty cents for the same.
While a water bill is small every one has perfect confidence in the meter ; in fact, it is the most perfect machine ever invented by man. Let an increase of 25 per cent. occur from defective fixtures, and what a change ! The meter that has been so relia- ble all these years suddenly becomes worthless in their estima- tion. Again, people complain that their bill is higher than some neighbor, who, by the way, always has the same number in his family, same fixtures, and, in fact, everything just the same ; con- sequently their bills ought to be just the same. If water bills should be just the same, why not grocery and all other family bills just the same ?
I have endeavored to notify parties in all cases where a very marked increase in the use of water is shown by the reader's book. Where the increase is gradual for the six months, it would be impossible to notify each person, as it would be neces- sary to compare our monthly readings of six thousand meters with the corresponding six months of the year before. Next to the parties directly interested, this department dislikes to see an increase in any one's water bill, as the only explanation that we can give is that the meter indicates that amount of water has passed through it, how, when or where it has gone we have no means of knowing.
If every water taker in Worcester will see that the pipes are so placed as to avoid all danger of freezing, thus removing the necessity of keeping the water running, all faucets in closets self- closing, tanks perfectly tight, fixtures in perfect order, pipes in
229
REPORT OF WATER REGISTRAR.
good repair, and no faucet left open by child, servant or tenant, then the time will have come when visits to the water department with complaints of excessive water bills will be known no more.
I wish to say, in conclusion, that it has been my endeavor to do exact justice to the city and individual, ever remembering that all citizens are members of this great corporation and are share- holders alike ; it is common stock, not preferred, therefore all will receive the dividends to accrue from a wise and judicious management of the affairs of this department.
Respectfully submitted.
GEO. E. BATCHELDER,
Water Registrar.
16
REPORT OF THE CITY ENGINEER
TO THE
COMMITTEE ON WATER.
CITY ENGINEER'S OFFICE, December 19, 1885. S
To the Joint Standing Committee on Water.
GENTLEMEN :- The City Ordinances require the City En- gineer to report annually to you, "the amount expended on the work under his direction," and to make suggestions, etc. As there has been no work done under the direction of this depart- ment the past season, I only desire to say, that I have carefully examined the dams and their surroundings at frequent intervals during the year, and have found everything in most excellent condition, the supply of water has been abundant, large quanti- ties have been wasted, and at the present time the reservoirs are full to overflowing, insuring an abundant supply for a long time to come.
Respectfully submitted.
CHARLES A. ALLEN,
City Engineer.
REPORT
OF THE
JOINT STANDING COMMITTEE ON SEWERS.
In compliance with the provisions of Chapter 40, of the City Ordinances, the Joint Standing Committee on Sewers respectfully submit to the City Council their annual report for the year end- ing November 30, 1885, together with that of the Superintendent of Sewers.
At the outset, your Committee desire to express their satisfac- tion at the results attained by the Department of Sewers during the year that is past-not only has the number of miles constructed been far in excess of recent years, but the work has been thor- oughly done, and in the face of obstacles, both as to the variety and extent of the work undertaken, that have never before been encountered by the department, and this together with the bene- ficial results, as viewed from a sanitary standpoint, that have already accrued afford just cause for mutual congratulations.
The principal recommendations of the Sewer Committee of 1884 were adopted by their successors, and have formed the basis of the work of the year.
In the East Worcester district the sewer has been extended in Shrewsbury street and Putnam lane, cutting off all contributions to this swamp and thereby permanently abating this long-stand- ing nuisance, and making available for building purposes land before considered worthless.
The extension of the sewer in Southbridge street to its inter- section with Hammond street has effected a similar result in that locality, and has practically completed the work of which the
232
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 40.
Kansas-street sewer was the beginning-and while the presence of springs in this swamp prevents the immediate use of all the land, its complete redemption is only a matter of a short time.
With the completion of these two jobs, there disappears from the surface of our fair city the worst blotches that disfigured its beauty, and the most fruitful sources of danger that threatened the health of its inhabitants,-but lest we appear over sanguine in our view of this subject, we respectfully refer our readers to the Board of Health, whose decision we are confident will fully support the claim of your Committee.
The west-side trunk sewer has progressed rapidly throughout the year, - work upon the Crystal-Maywood street tunnel was successfully continued through the winter, and work begun upon Park avenue early in the spring, since which time it has pro- gressed in Park avenue, Tufts and Mason streets, and its connec- tion with the Pleasant-street terminus will be accomplished early in 1886.
. We desire to call special attention to that section of this line of sewer lying in Crystal and Maywood streets. For thirteen months this formidable work has occupied the attention of the depart- ment, and to an unusual extent, we are glad to say that of the public, and yet very few are aware of the magnitude of the work accomplished.
From the Boston and Albany R. R. on the east, to Park avenue on the west, a distance of 3000, feet there has been constructed a tunnel 54x78 inches in size and lying from 32 to 48 feet below the grade of the streets. This has necessitated the hoisting to the surface of all the material displaced, and the lowering of a corresponding amount used in construction, together with innumerable trips up and down of those employed. To this must be added the great risk incurred by the use of more than 17,000 lbs. of the highest explosives used in blasting, and yet the work was completed without the sacrifice of life or limb,- a result most gratifying to the committee, and reflecting great credit upon the Superintendent and those to whom the work was entrusted.
233
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON SEWERS.
And just here we desire to express the belief, that whatever differences of opinion may have before existed as to the route over which this sewer should pass, the completion of the work has fully justified the wisdom of the route finally adopted.
In addition to the work recommended by the committee, the City Council ordered the arching of that portion of Mill Brook lying between the B. & A. R. R. and Pond street. The work was completed early in the season and has transferred the termi- nus of the arch from a comparatively unoccupied to a densely occupied section of the city, and has made desirable either the continuation of the arch to Green street, or else provisions for its proper ventilation.
Including the work of which we have spoken at length, there has been constructed during the year 2.94 miles of main and lateral sewers.
Reference to the accompanying report of the Superintendent of Sewers will give in detail a description of all work accom- plished and the cost of the same, together with interesting and instructive facts that will amply repay its perusal,-and so much of said report as refers to the expenditures of the department, your committee desire to make their own.
With reference to the work for the year to come, your com- mittee desire to speak with no uncertain sound.
For several years the principal work of the department has been that of constructing main or trunk sewers, the expense of which has been funded ; but until these main sewers are utilized by the building of laterals, they are worthless to relieve the necessity of the localities through which they pass. We believe the time has come when they should be utilized, and that both economic and sanitary arguments support our posi- tion.
We have called upon posterity to share their proportion of this outlay, let us see to it that a just proportion of this year's appropriation goes to relieve the pressing necessity of the sec- tions of the city for whom relief has before been impossible.
234
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 40.
And to this end we beg leave to emphasize the communication already addressed to the Auditor, to the effect that the sum of seventy thousand dollars is, in our opinion, the least that should be appropriated for sewer construction in 1886.
Respectfully submitted.
ANDREW ATHY. E. O. PARKER. A. M. STONE. W. H. CRAWFORD. J. B. O'LEARY. HENRY MELLEN.
WORCESTER, Dec. 28, 1885.
REPORT
OF THE
SUPERINTENDENT OF SEWERS.
To the Joint Standing Committee on Sewers:
GENTLEMEN :- The Superintendent of Sewers herewith presents a report of the department in his charge for the financial year of 1885.
The main and lateral sewers of the city are in good repair and condition for service. They are thoroughly cleaned when occa- sion requires, and twice each year, spring and fall, are flushed from hydrants. A force of men is in constant employ cleaning sewers and catch-basins. Their work has been materially les- sened the past year by the exceeding good care that the Highway Department has taken to keep the street gutters clean, and by the increase in the number of paved gutters.
Iron covers for catch-basins have been placed on the business streets and should be used on all principal thoroughfares. The experiment of perforated man-hole covers for ventilation of sewers has proved quite satisfactory and many localities hereto- fore annoyed by sewer gas have been relieved.
The necessity of further ventilation of Millbrook sewer will soon be felt as the odors of noxious trades are confined therein by continued arching. The 24"x36" brick sewer in Main street from Thomas street, one hundred and ninety-seven feet southerly, has been relaid at a lower grade to accommodate the deep cellars of new blocks at a cost of $685.00. It will be necessary to relay and lower another section of this sewer very soon.
Millbrook sewer from the B. & A. R. R. to Pond street has been arched with stone at a cost of $14,000. This main sewer, which is located in a thickly settled portion of the City, has ever been the receptacle for all the rubbish and offal of the neighborhood, and the prevention of the nuisance caused thereby should be a source
236
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 40.
of public satisfaction. The equipment necessary for continuing this work is owned by the department and can be again used should occasion require.
The concrete invert which was put in over a year ago is in every way satisfactory and does all that was claimed for it.
TABLE OF SEWERS CONSTRUCTED DURING THE YEAR 1885.
STREET.
LOCATION.
SIZE.
LENGTH,
MAN- HOLES.
COST.
Ætna,
Barclay St. westerly,
12/ 30''x45"
208.6
1
$144 55
Bl'm'gd'le Rd. Grafton St. easterly, .
545.6
2
4,662 31
Cross, Crystal,
East Worcester St. northerly, -
12" 48"x72"
1,579.2
2
46,191 60
Surface sewer : -
Inlet basin, south,
15"
362.7
2
Dwight,
Cambridge St. south,
12"
28.0
1
43 43
Dorrance,
Cambridge St. to Sherman,
12/
345.1
2
467 96
Ford,
Hill St. to Gage,
12/
215.7
2
508 00
Franklin,
Millbrook St. to Grafton,
30"x45"
413.0
2
3,527 02
Maywood St. westerly,
12/
22.6
1
33 90
Maywood St. easterly,
15"
37.9
1
56 85
Gage,
Ford St. easterly,
12"
189.2
2
375 62
Hammond,
Southbridge St. westerly,
24''x36"
48.6
1
94 30
Holmes,
Cambridge St. southerly,
15"
527.0
4
568 22
Lamartine,
Extension, easterly,
12/
62.9
1
79 90
Maywood,
Main St. to Park Avenue,
54"x78"
1,113.2
3
32,210 23
Mason,
Tufts St. northerly,
44"x66" 15"
59.0
1
118 00
Maywood,
Surface Sewer : -
20''x30"
704.5
4
18"
153.8
1
Main,
Maywood St. east,
18"
41.1
1
102 75
Maywood St., west,
18"x27' '
35.0
1
105 00
Prospect,
Extension, easterly,
12"
180.0
1
385 06
Putnam Lane,
Shrewsbury St. to W. & S. R. R. 24"x36"
15"
45.0
67 50
54"x78"
1,988.9
4
44,296 37
Southbridge.
Extension to Hammond St.,
12"
35.0
26 25
Southgate,
Southbridge St. westerly,
32"x48"
57.0
1
151 75
Shrewsbury, 66
Muskeego St. to Putnam Lane, 3
48"
382.5
2
8,307 71
Tufts,
Park Ave. easterly,
44"x66"
458.0
1
Woodland, Wall,
Maywood St. east.
12/
41.9
1
52 37
Grafton St. northerly,
12/
168.4
2
208 27
Main,
Thomas, southerly,
Sewer rebuilt,
24"x36"
197.
1
$685 00
Millbrook,
B. & A. R. R. to Pond Street, Arching,
1,004.0
2
14,000 00
12"
369.4
Inlet basin, north,
12/
519.5
3
2
May,
Park Ave. easterly,
(Inlet basin, south,
Inlet basin, north,
12/
194.3
1
3,799 64
Park Avenue, Maywood St. to Tufts,
48"x72" 51" 28"x42"
395.5
1
6,524 41
1,011.7
4
Hammond St. north,
54"
613.6
2
Putnam Lane, easterly,
32"x48"
34.0
285 94
451.8
3
66
W. & S. R. R. to B. & A. R. R.
1,121.8
2
3
365 04
Extension to Main Street,
305.9
38.3
1
Florence, 66
400.0
237
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SEWERS.
The number of lineal feet of sewer built the past year is in excess of recent years, and the amount of material used and labor employed far in advance of any year. The work has been principally extending main lines of sewer through undeveloped territory, to utilize which will require the laying of a large num- ber of laterals. To do justice to these outlying districts will require a more liberal appropriation for sewer construction the next year than has been accorded to the department for several years past.
During the summer, eight separate gangs of men were worked, a total number of two hundred and seventy-five. All the ma- chinery of the department was in use to its full capacity, and five engines hired ; at one time eleven engines were in use. The compressor engine is in storage, and will probably soon be sold. Several hoisting engines are not now in use, but will be needed when active work opens in the next season. They have all been overhauled and put in good repair. The department is well equipped with all necessary machinery for any job of construc- tion likely to be projected.
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