USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1895-1897 > Part 23
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I would recommend that one more telephone box be con- nected at the corner of Grove street and Massachusetts avenue, for telephone calls to the station.
I also recommend that the apartment now occupied by the postoffice, soon to be vacated, be utilized as police head- quarters, as the small room so long used by this department for office and guard room is now inadequate for the growing demands of the service.
133
REPORT OF CHIEF OF POLICE.
Conclusion.
In conclusion I wish to thank your honorable board for the courteous consideration received from you officially, also all town officials for their assistance.
It gives me great pleasure to state that the members of this department have shown a desire to perform their duties faithfully at all times, and to assist me in the discharge of my duties, for which I wish to extend to them my hearty thanks.
Respectfully submitted.
ALONZO S. HARRIMAN, Chief of Police.
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE ARLINGTON
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
GENTLEMEN :- I herewith submit my annual report for the year ending Dec. 31, 1896, which contains several recom- mendations and suggestions, which I trust are of sufficient worth to receive favorable consideration. Fortunately, we have had no large fires to contend with during the past year, although the opportunity has been frequent. Owing to the promptness of the department, large fires have been averted. The men in the department are capable, faithful and deeply interested in the arduous duties which they are called upon to perform and deserve the confidence of the citizens of the town.
FIRES AND ALARMS.
The fire losses this year have been very small. The de- partment has answered 17 box and three still alarms, as follows :
Jan. 23d. 4.10 P. M. Box 36. Naphtha explosion in Finance Block. Value $4000. Insurance $3000. Loss $100. Stock value $500. Insurance $400. Loss $40.
Feb. 2nd. 2.15 A. M. Box 25. Lime fire at Mrs. H. C. Whittemore's, 207 Massachusetts avenue. Damage to Mrs. D. C. Rood's house, lime value $50. Loss $30. D. C. Rood's $2000. Insurance $1500. Loss $10.
135
REPORT OF CHIEF ENGINEER.
March 7th. 3.55 P. M. Box 39. House of Mrs. E. L. Bartlett. Valuation $3000. Insurance $2500. Value of furniture $500. No loss.
March 14th. 9 P. M. Box 27. S. A. Fowle's mill. Valuation $7000, Insurance $5000. No loss. Stock and machinery $10,000. Insurance $6000. Loss $325.
April 11th. 4.50 P. M. Box 25. House of E. L. Well- ington and Annie L. Proctor. Valuation $3500. Insur- ance $3000. No loss. Furniture valuation $1000. Insur- ance $800. No loss.
April 13th. 1.05 P. M. Box 46. Grass fire. J. Ma- loney's grass. Hotbed mats and planks. Valuation $800. Insurance $600. Loss $12.50.
April 15th. 2.50 P. M. Box 21. Board fence fire of Michael Coughlin. Valuation $25. Loss $10.
April 18th. 12.05 P. M. Box 61. Grass fire on Arling- ton Heights. No loss. May 13th. 11.30 A. M. Box 36. Unfinished house of L. C. Tyler. Valuation $4500. Insurance $4000. Loss $20.
June 13th. 8.50 A. M. Box 36. Peirce & Winn. Co.'s coal yard. No damage. June 28th. 8.45 A. M. Box 36. F. P. Winn's store. No fire.
June 29th. 3.50 P. M. Box 15. Grass fire on J. P. Squire's estate. No damage.
July 4th. 12.15 A. M. Box 26. Stable of Mr. B. F. Russell. Valuation $3000. Insurance $2500. Loss $140. F. P. Winn's stock value $350. Insurance $200. No loss. J. O. Holt's stock value $350. Insurance $250. No loss. Oct. 21st. 1.04 P. M. Box 45. R. T. Sawin's house, corner Brattle street. Valuation $1450. Stingle's furniture $300. No loss.
Oct. 29th. 7.10 P. M. Box 15. House on J. P.
136
REPORT OF CHIEF ENGINEER.
Squire's estate. Valuation $1200. Insurance $1000. No loss. P. Quinn's furniture $200. No insurance. No loss.
Dec. 12th. 4 45 P. M. Box 54. New house of E. C. Bolles, Arlington Heights. Valuation $4500. Insurance $4000. Loss $82.
Dec. 23d. 11.45 P. M. Box 36. New block of Warren Sherburne. Valuation $20,000. Insurance $15,000. Loss $425.
We have had two fires of incendiary origin which have been investigated by the Fire Marshal.
MEMBERSHIP.
The membership of the department remains the same as in last report, with the exception of one permanent man as driver of Hook and Ladder truck. We have now three permanent drivers. The pay of the call men has been raised from $35 to $50 per year, which I hope will have a tendency to keep the companies full of men, who are in town all or a greater part of the time. Our inability, heretofore, to do this, has been a great disadvantage.
APPARATUS.
In accordance with the vote passed at the March meeting, we have placed in William Penn House a two-horse Hose Wagon capable of carrying 1500 feet of hose ; also a two- horse Hook and Ladder truck. We now have five pieces of apparatus, and I think no town in this vicinity is better equipped.
BUILDINGS.
Hose Houses 1, 2 and 3 have been thoroughly repaired as follows :- Hose 1-New floor has been laid, and some new sills. Repainted outside, and a room finished for a sleeping room. Hose 2-New floor and some new floor timbers. Some changes have been made making room for extra stalls. A large sleeping room has been added. This build-
137
REPORT OF CHIEF ENGINEER.
ing is now in good condition and ought to be kept so for some years. William Penn House has had extensive repairs. Room has been made for four stalls back of apparatus with horses facing out. In order to make this change closets and stairway had to be removed. This is a convenient House with the exception of not giving quite enough room. William Penn House is now in good condition, but some new heating apparatus should be placed in it the coming year. The furnace now in use has been in the House twenty-three years.
Hose 4 at lower section of the town still remains in the same condition as last reported. I think the town will be called upon to place a building in this section in a short time.
HOSE.
The hose is in the same condition as last reported. No new hose has been bought this year. Some small appro- priations should be made each year for hose.
FIREMEN'S RELIEF ASSOCIATION.
The association is in good condition. Through the gener- osity of the citizens who purchased tickets for our Annual Ball, we were able to place in our Treasury $300. This worthy institution not only helps members in sickness, but causes them to take a deeper interest in the department.
FIRE ALARMS.
This branch of the system has been maintained in good condition by the superintendent. We have had two burn- outs caused by electric currents, and I hope I shall be able to place in our line some apparatus which will take this current off.
SUGGESTIONS.
I would suggest that the citizens acquaint themselves with the location of the nearest Fire Alarm box and where the key for the same is kept. Any responsible person liv-
138
REPORT OF CHIEF ENGINEER.
ing near a box may obtain a key on application. I also suggest that the poles on which the boxes are placed be painted with a red band above the box, also that a small red incandescent light be placed on said poles.
I would suggest that a permanent man be employed as driver of Hose 2. A permanent man placed in this House would have a tendency to make the department much more efficient. Also that four pony fire extinguishers be pur- chased ; two be placed on Hook and Ladder truck, and two on Hose 3. I think one of Eastman's deluge sets would be of service in case of a large fire, with plenty of water of good force, and its addition might have a good effect on insur- ance rates.
APPROPRIATIONS.
To meet the expenses of the department for the ensuing year, I would recommend the sum of $7500 be appropriated. I ask this appropriation for the following reasons : The pay of call and permanent men amounts to $5500 alone ; and the cost of feed for horses is $800.
In closing I wish to express my heartfelt thanks to your Board for the courteous and gentlemanly manner in which they receive me in matters pertaining to the Fire Depart- ment. To my Associate Engineers,-accept my thanks for co-operation in all matters pertaining to the management of the Department. To the Captains and Members, -- accept my thanks for the promptness displayed in responding to the alarms and the interest taken in striving to render quick and effective service.
Respectfully submitted.
CHARLES GOTT,
Chief Engineer.
REPORT
OF
BOARD OF HEALTH.
At the annual town meeting, March second, 1896, Edwin Mills was elected a member of the Board of Health for three years, to fill vacancy occasioned by the expiration of his previous term of office as a member of the Board.
The Board organized by choice of Edward S. Fessenden for Chairman, and B. Delmont Locke as Clerk.
We are pleased to be able to report that this year, like the last one, has been free from cause for alarm from any epidemic of dangerous or contagious diseases. Such favor- able records indicating good sanitary conditions may well prove a source of great satisfaction to present or prospec- tive residents of our town
Among occurrences of the year now closing, in a sanitary point of view, of greatest importance is the rapid progress which has been made in the construction of our public sewers and connection of same with the Metropolitan system which now serves a large portion of our town, as more fully set forth in reports of the sewer commissioners.
Spy pond has always been notable in the history of our town and of great interest to our citizens for purposes of recreation and the commercial value of its product of ice.
140
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH.
Of late years the problem of how to purify its waters has engaged the attention of citizens and local organizations.
Last summer Cambridge sewerage having been cut off from discharging into Alewife brook, as that stream is a natural outlet of Spy pond, our Board took action to improve the water course thereof. The city of Cambridge being called upon did a large amount of work clearing the bed and repairing the banks of the brook. Similar work within our town boundaries has been done at considerable outlay by parties interested. This Board paid $88.37 from the town appropriation for their use, towards the cost of said work. A portion of the borders of the pond has also been cleared from overgrown foliage, old brush, and other objectionable matter which, together with the work referred to of clearing the brook, has resulted in a very noticeable improvement of the condition of the pond.
Dumping grounds often become dangerous nuisances, especially when owners post notices, "Dump your dirt here." Garbage, rubbish and other offensive matter is apt to accumulate with astonishing rapidity day and night. Acci- dental fires therein, or attempted cremation thereof, creates odors, offensive and dangerous. Orders have been issued, which are enforced by the police department, to abate such nuisances.
Last October in compliance with request of our State Board of Cattle Commissioners a thorough examination was made of all the cattle and swine kept within the limits of our town. Dr. Alderman, veterinary surgeon, and Chief of Police Harriman attended to this duty. No case of disease was found.
The Plumbing Inspector reports that during the year 1896 there have been placed on file one hundred and twenty- four applications for permits and notices of plumbing work to be performed; also, by request, many dwellings and other buildings have been examined, and recommendations
141
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH.
made, especially concerning plumbing work to be connect- ed with the town sewers.
The enforcement of our State plumbing laws in conjunc- tion with city and town regulations relating thereto has resulted in very noticeable improvements in the quality of work performed and the sanitary conditions thereof.
Efforts are being made to secure by legislation or other- wise more uniformity in the rules and regulations adopted by cities and towns concerning the standard of materials to be used in plumbing ; also, as to the qualifications needed and form of examination which must be passed to secure a license under the law as a master or journeyman plumber.
Plans and specifications for plumbing work under the law vary greatly, but still greater variations can be found in the execution thereof. No rules and regulations or inspections and tests can secure good plumbing work when unskilled labor is employed thereon, or unfair contracts made for the performance thereof.
All plumbing should be open and exposed, that sanitary defects may be promptly discovered and remedied. Prog- ress is being constantly made in the production of improved materials and appliances for construction of open plumbing.
Owners, architects and plumbers, in plans for proposed plumbing, should provide for open work ; especially that all traps, drain and vent pipes are placed to be always acces- sible for inspection.
Sewer connections, with plumbing, should always be made with utmost care to avoid sanitary defects.
The plumbing of each house differs more or less from every other. A special arrangement of vent pipes is need- ed to effect a circulation of air through every house system of drainage.
Plumbing without suitable traps and vents, or otherwise defective, must be altered to conform with our town plumbing regulations before connection is made with the public sewer.
142
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH.
In localities where town sewers are constructed ready for use, the entire plumbing of each building should be con- nected therewith, that defective drainage and cesspools may be dispensed with as dangerous to the public health.
In concluding this report we desire to express our appre- ciation of the aid and assistance rendered us in the discharge of our duties by town officials, local organizations and citi- zens generally.
We bespeak for the future the hearty co-operation of all interested in the adoption and enforcement of needed regu- lations for the preservation of public health, that improve- ments of sanitary conditions in our town may keep pace with the requirements of increasing population and the demand of the times for wise legislation and careful admin- istration of sanitary regulations.
We herewith append copy of our town mortuary record for 1896.
EDWARD S. FESSENDEN, EDWIN P. STICKNEY, M. D., EDWIN MILLS, .
Board of Health.
143
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH.
Deaths Registered during the year ending Dec. 31, 1896.
NAMES.
DATE OF DEATH.
Years.
Mos.
Days.
Helen Burke
Jan.
3, 1896.
9
Irwin C. Miller .
66
9,
66
2
14
Harrie L. Darton
66
12,
66
49
10
12
James L. Edwards
12,
66
79
10
9
George L. Patterson
66
14,
55
4
1
Carrie Zeman
66 17,
14
4
20
Abigail J. Dann
19,
66
58
6
7
Arthur McArdle
Feb. 2,
66
3
2
7
Sarah W. Hart .
66
15,
66
26
5
9
Murray
27,
66
Murray
66
27,
27,
66
27
66
32
6
66
13,
19
3
23
James K. Bennett
66
16,
74
2
7
Abert L. Dickson
66
29,
66
1
2
11
Eliza A. Sm th .
29,
66
69
2
25
John W. Leary
30,
15
17
Samuel White
Apr. 2,
48
13
Laurella Burditt
11,
29,
66
67
5
2
Mary J. Allen
May
2,
69
6
27
Margaret Flaherty
66
4,
66
26
7
Nelson Baker
.
66
1.1, 11,
27
-
15,
2
3
24
Grace Gatcomb .
17,
66
26
9
8
Winifred H. Tierney
66
18, 22,
87
8
21
Helen L. Bradley
66
29,
Anna Smith
31,
Robert Speatman
June
5,
66
11
1
Thomas H. Russell
66
7,
65
4
-
66
76
5
18
Mary Ann Currier Eaton
13,
66
-
Frederick J. Johnson .
66
16,
66
59
10
4
Ann E. Marston
18,
66
56
1
24
William Smith
.
.
66
18,
1
2
-
-
Helen Collins
27
-
66
71
10
-
Eleanor M. Lyons
66
10
78
62
8
27
Henry Gilson
Irving A. Allen .
16,
66
17
-
66
50
Marshall E. Seale
8
Mary Geare
Mary Mccarthy .
Mar.
2,
George W. Whittemore
11,
28,
5,
76
5
-
James McDonagle
Thomas Mccarthy
62
11
9
Daniel Fifield
8
2
16
Joseph P. Warren
8,
12,
71
7
14
James A. Mullen
66
16
12
Susan A. Webber
66
13,
25
Cynthia J. Clough
Josephine Aylward
78
Mary J. White .
20,
25,
AGE.
144
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH.
Deaths - Continued.
AGE.
NAMES.
DATE OF DEATH.
Years.
Mos.
Days.
George D. Tufts
June 19, 1896.
60
9
27
Rosine McLellan
20,
66
46
Miranda Austin .
21,
82
4
9
Elizabeth A. C. Wilson
24,
66
64
6
18
Thomas J. Murphy
July
ɔ̄,
66
59
9
2
Charles Murray .
66
8,
66
66
66
7
2
Margaret T. McCarthy
66
11,
66
7
14
John F. Teehan .
66
15,
66
3
22
William Brine
66
16, 21,
66
67
€
15
George W. Cederholm
66
22,
7
19
Marguerite Childs
66
28,
66
8
29
Philip Cadigan
66
28,
11
22
Forrest N. Mann
Aug. 4,
66
1
20
Susan N. Carter
66
8,
66
60
8
9
Emeline Balmer .
66
8,
10,
6
.
62
Ellen Riley
66
14,
66
1
5
Charles P. Fermoyle
66
14,
66
6
13
Margaret T. Purcell
66
16,
66
46
7
27
Jennie L. Pettingill
39
8
19
Mary J. Fisher
66
26,
66
39
9
Mary A. Sweeney
6
27,
75
William Cosgrove
66
30,
Alice Quinn
Sept. 2,
66
2
Emma M. Locke
66
4,
66
20
11
4
Augusta R. Crosby
66
12,
66
53
Ellen McGrath .
66
14,
66
57
Georgina E. Russell
16,
66
47
5
12
Lottie H. Seale .
66
18,
66
34
11
23
Catherine ('Neil
18,
66
52
4
18
Raymond Hurley
66
19,
1
4
20
Elizabeth Finerty
66
19,
80
-
Joseph Nagle
21,
66
6
19
Harold McP. Fraser
66
25,
66
3
Mary Connors
66
.
26,
60
56
-
3
Anna E. Averill .
22
Annie O'Leary
66
9,
1
Pauline S. Christenson Daniel Burbeck .
6
10,
6
74
-
-
Cyrus Wood
66
Stanley Cutter
25,
9,
-
-
Patrick Collins
13,
83
Robert H. Jones
66
15,
37
9
Jennie Denning .
Ernest J. Knowles
19,
-
4
24,
66
-
Mary A. Osborn
18,
66
25
1
12
Elizabeth Kempton
66
9,
-
6
19
John M. Murphy
29,
30,
Mary A. B. Chalmers
6,
66
83
5
15
2
22
2
17
.
145
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH.
Deaths - Continued.
AGE.
NAMES.
DATE OF DEATH.
Years.
Mos.
Days.
Nancy King
Sept. 26, 1896.
64
-
-
Rebecca Hawkes
28,
66
81
6
19
Sarah Webster
66
18,
66
81
8
1
Martha P. Tingley
19,
42
10
9
Catherine Flynn
66
19,
38
Mary Pettito
66
23,
66
-
66
22
1
11
Joseph McDonald
66
24,
66
1
4
17
Charles O'Neil
66
25,
66
2
4
25
Samuel C. Buckman
66
27,
56
11
Thomas R. Teel .
66
29,
66
81
3
Frederick C. Rood
66
30,
66
22
1
3
Margaret Ritchie
Nov.
6,
7,
66
70
3
5
Elizabeth A. Conlen
66
11,
74
11
1
Minnie A. Nagle
66
17,
66
24
2
23
Charles King
66
23,
66
39
9
25
Isabella W. Williams .
88
8
20
Charles P Ahern
66
30,
66
6
Eugene J. Meagher
Dec.
5,
66
5
2
Julia Curran
66
11,
66
66
Mary Hewes
18,
73
5
25
Sarah Cordingley
23,
63
Whole number of Deaths
Males
Females .
Number under 5 years of age
66
between 10 and 30 years of age
66
66 30 "
60
66
24
66
66
60 “ 70
66
16
66
66
70 " 80 66
66
13
American parentage
Foreign
66
.
SOME OF THE DISEASES OR CAUSES OF DEATH.
Heart Disease
16
Consumption
11
Brain Disease
·
.
8
Disease of Kidneys
.
7
Pneumonia
·
-
2
3
Howard W. Hill
Oct. 13,
26,
66
83
3
Mary B. Bowler .
66
10,
66
22
-
-
Samuel G. Damon
66
65
-
2
Abby Palmer
66
23,
10
.
22
Unknown
66
7
11
Cholera Infantum
.
41
53
Mixed
over
80 years of age
10
.
123
55
68
44
16
7
Frederick A. H. McMillan .
Abby M. Webb .
11,
27,
REPORT OF WATER COMMISSIONERS.
Last year upon the practical completion of the new High service works, the Board in its annual report gave a gen- eral history and description of the whole works, including a plan showing the Water Works property and the extent of the pipe system.
During the past year no great changes have taken place, but the pipe systems have been extended as required, and in four streets, viz., Coral and portions of Beacon and Park streets and Lewis avenue, new 6-inch and 8-inch cast iron pipes have been laid in place of 4-inch pipes which it was necessary to remove on account of the construction of the sewer in those streets.
Pipe Extensions and Renewals.
In all 1025 feet of 6-ineh and 389 feet of 8-inch pipe have been laid to replace old 4-inch pipe, and 4333 feet of 6-inch and 642 feet of 8-inch pipe have been laid in extending the pipe system, 1361 feet of the 6-inch being on the Low service, the balance of the 6-inch and all the 8-inch being on the High service, the necessary gates and hydrants have been set in connection with the pipe. One new hydrant was set on Winter street on the line of cement-lined pipe.
The following tables show the amount of the extensions and renewals in detail.
To replace cement-lined pipe which was removed :
Length, ft.
Size, in.
Hydrants.
Gates
Coral St.,
293
6
1
0
Park St.,
272
8
1
1
Beacon St.,
117
8
0
1
Winter St.,
40
4
0
1
147
REPORT OF WATER COMMISSIONERS.
To replace 4-inch iron pipe which was removed to make way for the sewer :
Lewis Ave.
Length, ft. 732
Size, in. 6
Hydrants.
2
2
To extend the Low Service :
Length, ft.
Size, in.
Hydrants.
Gates.
Grove St.,
278
6
0
0
Chapman St.,
296
6
1
1
Devereaux St.,
319
6
1
1
Pond Lane,
468
6
1
1
To extend the High Service :
Length, ft.
Size, in.
Hydrants.
Gates.
Harvard St., .
312
6
1
1
Oakland Ave.,
973
6
2
1
Elmore St.,
190
6
0
1
Cliff St.,
302
6
0
1
Irving St.,
262
6
0
1
Bartlett Ave.,
516
6
1
2
Westmoreland St.,
285
6
0
1
Dundee Road,
642
8
1
1
Ashland St.,
120
6
0
0
In all 5346 feet of 6-inch and 1031 feet of 8-inch pipe, 12 hydrants and 16 gates.
The pipe which was removed is as follows, all being from the Low service :
Length, ft.
Size, in.
Hydrants.
Gates
Coral St., .
293
4
0
0
Beacon St.,
107
4
0
0
Park St.,
262
4
1
0
Lewis Ave.,
732
4
1
1
Winter St.,
40
4
0
1
In all 1434 feet 4-inch pipe, 2 hydrants and 2 gates.
Gates.
148
REPORT OF WATER COMMISSIONERS.
Present Pipe System. Length of main pipe in use January 1, 1897 : LOW SERVICE.
Size, in.
Length, ft.
Hydrants. Gates
Cement-linedípipe.
12
10,991
8
6,121
6
16,796
4
24,484
58,392
84 56
Iron pipe.
12
150
8
6,480
6
4,636
4
12,207 23,473
50
44
Total both kinds,
81,865. 134
100
15.505 miles.
HIGH SERVICE.
Size, in.
Length, ft.
Hydrants.
Gates
Iron pipe.
12
16,503
10
17,180
S
9,213
6
24,646
4
494
68,036
140
99
12.885 miles.
Total of both services 28.39 miles of pipe, 274 hydrants and 199 gates.
In addition to the above there are 3436 feet of smaller pipe, 2-inch to 14-inch, which is laid in places where hy- drants were not needed and the amount of water desired was small.
The details of the cost of the pipe extensions will be found in the report of the Superintendent. Records and sketches showing the location of the pipes and connections have been made and arranged in convenient form for use and reference.
149
REPORT OF WATER COMMISSIONERS.
Quantity and Quality of Water.
The supply of water for the High service has been taken from 20 of the driven wells, the five wells which were shut off in 1895 have remained so. No difficulty was had at any time during the year in obtaining all the water needed from 20 wells. Analyses were made of this water about every other month throughout the year. The results are given in Table III. attached to this report, which also gives the results of two analyses of the water from the Low service reservoir. These show very little change in the quality of -the water.
The supply for the Low service was taken from the filters alone 240 days ; when this was insufficient, the brook which supplies the reservoir was turned into the filters and these were sufficient for 54 days, when these were insufficient the water stored in the Great Meadows was also turned into the pipes for 72 days, as shown in the following table.
Dates on which water was taken from the various sources :
January 1 to May 2, Filters.
May 2 to June 8,
June 8 to June 18,
June 18 to July 2,
July 2 to Sept. 12,
Filters and Brook.
Filters.
Filters and Brook.
Filters, Brook and Great Meadows. Filters and Brook.
Sept. 12 to Sept. 14, Sept. 14 to Dec. 31,
Filters.
On September 12 all the water obtainable directly from the Great Meadows had been used and we made preparations for turning part of the water from the High service into the Low service by laying a 23-inch pipe from the High ser- vice pipe in Lowell street into the filter at the side of the reservoir. About the time that this was completed the heavy rains of last September began and relieved us of the danger of a water famine for the season. The Board early
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REPORT OF WATER COMMISSIONERS.
in the season issued the usual notice, calling the attention of consumers to the hours to which the use of water through hose is restricted, and on July 22 issued a notice restricting the use of water through hose on lawns to 1} hours and on hotbeds to three hours a day. When it found that even then the supply was rapidly decreasing, it issued, on August 28, a notice prohibiting the use of water through hose for all pur- poses, but even then it found the supply very rapidly de- creasing, and there is no doubt that but for the very un- usual rains which we had in September, the quantity avail- able would have been utterly inadequate for the domestic supply, unless the very impure and offensive water in the reservoir had been turned into the pipes.
For the purpose of studying this question, as we have no records of rainfall on our water-shed, we have taken the records of the Mystic water-shed, which adjoins ours, and the table of the rainfall on that water-shed since 1877, taken from the report of the Boston Water Commissioner, is appended to this report as Table II. From this table it will be seen that the total rainfall last year was 39. 805 inches, nearly 4 inches less than the average for the nineteen years since 1877, about 8} inches greater than the least, and nearly 17 inches smaller than the greatest yearly rainfall in that time. It will also be seen that the rainfall in last September was one of the greatest recorded and was more than double the aver- age for the 19 years; also that the total for the four dry months, July to October, was more than an inch above the average, showing that in case we had a year like 1881 or 1883 or 1892, we should be hard pushed for water, with our increased number of consumers. In the last two years the number of new services put in on the Low service has more than equalled the number transferred from the Low to the High service. We must also remember that with the ad- vent of sewers more water will be used by consumers and
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