USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Newton > Town of Newton annual report 1889 > Part 25
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Inasmuch as the water contained in the underground strata on both sides of the river, within the limits of Newton, is sufficient, in our opinion, to furnish a supply of 4,000,000 and possibly 5,000,000 gallons a day, we may consistently conclude that the ultimate plan to be adopted will consist in an exten- sion of the present plant, and also in the erection of an in- dependent pumping-station near the southerly boundary of the city ; but for the present needs the solution of the question of the increase of the source of supply lies between those two plans.
If, after extending the system of underground supply, it were found by experience that the ground just described can- not furnish the full volume required, water could be taken directly from the river to fill the deficiency, and filtered on the lands (adjacent to those now owned by the city, south-west of the present gallery ), which are exceptionally favorable for the construction of filter-beds.
As a basis of comparison, we estimate that the probable increased yield by extending the filtering conduit to Nahanton street, would be about equal to that obtained from a gang of driven wells placed at some point above Kenrick's Bridge. The supply from this source could be obtained with a low-lift pump forcing the water through a conduit or main to the present pumping-station, or by the use of an independent high-duty
26
pump forcing the water to the reservoir through an independent force main.
The comparative cost of the various methods described are as follows ; it, in no case, includes land damages :-
1st. By extending the filtering conduit, altering over present pumps, and putting in one three million high-duty pump . $98,900 00 .
2d. By an independent low-lifting pumping- station and gang of driven wells 115,000 00
3d. By an independent high-duty pumping- station forcing the water directly to the reservoir 125,000 00 To the last two items should be added the annual cost of maintenance.
In view of this difference in the cost of the above-men- tioned proposed extensions of the supply, and especially in view of the cost of maintenance of an additional pumping- station, we are of the opinion that the increase of supply now needed can be better obtained by extending the present plant, and that the time has not come for the increased expenditure of laying a second force-pipe from an independent station.
The proposed extension of the present source of supply should include -
1st. An extension of the filtering gallery farther up stream to the length of about 2,300 feet, or to such a length as may be found more judicious from the observation of the underground water during construction.
The gallery to be made of a wooden conduit, surrounded by gravel and sand of a pervious character, and covered. A number of pipes to be driven in connection with it into the lower water-bearing strata, in imitation of what has been done with success in the present gallery.
27
2d. The covering of the present gallery in the same manner after the construction of the extension, provided nothing during the building operations (as is confidently expected) will cause your engineers to modify this recom- mendation.
In view of the deterioration of the supply experienced at times, due most probably to the exposure to the air of the water drawn from underground sources, this modification of the present gallery is earnestly recommended.
3d. An increase in the pumping capacity.
In this connection it may be well to point to the fact that an important loss of head is taking place between the filtering gallery and the pump-well, due most probably to an irregularity in the position of the connecting pipe ; this loss of head will increase with the consumption, and a time will come when it will be found necessary to lay a duplicate pipe for this service ; its size should be large, and while it is not recommended to be laid at present, it is thought proper in this report upon the future supply of your city, to mention this circumstance.
High Service and Distribution.
We will now refer to the conditions rendering necessary a high service system of water supply for the City of Newton. It will be observed by studying the topography of the city, that there are five elevations which cannot be supplied from our present water service, namely: Waban Hill, with a maximum elevation of 313 feet ; Chestnut Hill, 290 feet ; Oak Hill, 296 feet ; Bald Pate Hill, 317 feet ; and Institution Hill, 301 feet above tide-water. At present the water mains have been extended to the limit of the service on Waban Hill , Chestnut Hill, and Institution Hill. It will be further observed that the fire service is insufficient for the whole of
28
the Chestnut Hill district, for the hill between Beacon street and Ward street, for the lower portions of Waban Hill and Institution Hill, and for a large portion of the Oak Hill district, for Cottage Hill, Nonantum Hill, Mount Ida, Moffat's Hill, Newtonville, and West Newton Hills, and a small portion of Grove Hill, where the static water pressure ranges between 0 and 35 pounds.
These elevated districts are all situated south of the main line of the Boston and Albany railroad, separated from each other by elevated valleys and plains, having for the most part a static water pressure of less than sixty pounds, and comprise the centres of population known as Chestnut Hill, Newton Centre, Newton Highlands, Newton Upper Falls, the prospective centres of population known as Eliot, Waban, and Woodland, and the southerly portions of Newton, Newtonville, West Newton, Auburndale, Riverside, and Newton Lower Falls.
North of this elevated district there is an area of low elevation comprising the centres of population known as Nonantum and the northerly portions of Newton, Newtonville, West Newton, Auburndale, Riverside. and Newton Lower Falls, covering about one-third of the area, and containing about one-half of the population of the city. It has an elevation of from 32 to 104 feet above tide level, and has a static water pressure ranging from 60 to 100 pounds.
For full protection against fire there should be a pressure in the pipes of not less than about 60 pounds per square inch, and the pipes should be of such size that the draft upon them in case of fire will not materially reduce the pressure.
In order to furnish such a pressure at the highest points in the city, a pumping system or reservoir would have to be
29
established which would give a pressure equal to an elevation of 430 feet above tide water, or 116 feet above the highest point.
With a high service system, maintaining a water pressure equivalent to the above-described elevation, there would be a broad intermediate area which would be too high to be included in the present service, and too low to be included in the high service system just described.
We may properly conclude that the city can be divided into three planes : The first, or highest, which has insufficient, or no water supply for domestic or fire service : the second, which has a satisfactory water supply for domestic, but at places insufficient for fire service ; and a third, which has an abundant water supply for all purposes.
Your water supply is partly direct, partly indirect; the water forced into the main is distributed on its way up to the reservoir, thus diminishing the height to which the whole volume is to be raised. The portion of the supply which reaches the reservoir is held there in reserve to maintain the supply at the proper pressure when the pumps are not working, or when at times the consumption may be temporarily larger than the amount pumped.
Each portion of the system of water mains has been designed to form a component part of the whole, and any plan which contemplates the addition of a high service system to the present service will cause an unequal and undesirable pressure at various points, or be attended with an unwarranted expense for duplicate water mains over a considerable portion of the city. This could be partially obviated by gating off a portion of the pipes; but it would so seriously interfere with the efficiency of the main system that it should only be resorted to as a temporary measure in case of accident.
The works should be so designed and constructed, and the
30
future extensions should be so made, as to give to all complying with the requirements of the City Council equal fire protection and domestic service.
A study of the pipe system of the city indicates that the portion leading from Waban Hill and Chestnut Hill to the vicinity of Institution Hill can be readily disconnected from the main system without affecting the circulation, and could be extended into the Oak Hill district at such a time as public necessity may require.
From the preceding remarks, and, after reviewing the various projects already presented to your Board by the City Engineer, especially that of placing the whole city on a general high service, with a reservoir having a maximum elevation of 365 feet, we think that such an elevation would not be sufficient for efficient fire service on the highest hills. It would also necessitate pumping all of the water used in the city's supply to an unnecessary height, from which we would not get an equivalent return.
We are of opinion that-
1st. In order to improve the fire service over the large middle district it is advisable to raise the static head of the present service to make it reach from 300 to 320 feet above tide water.
2d. In connection with this raising of the present head an independent high service pumping station should be constructed, calculated to raise water to an altitude of 430 feet, which should embrace all of the elevated district south- east of Waverly avenue, Grant avenue, Glen avenue, Warren avenue, Railroad avenue, Cypress street ; and should include Oak Hill and Bald Pate Hill, whenever it is thought advisable to supply that district.
The supply for both services could be procured by
31
pumping constantly, and thus maintaining pressure through the pipes. This method, however, would require constant pumping day and night, and a double corps of employees ; moreover, the supply would be liable to interruption from breakage or other cause. The results would not warrant the expense, and we think it preferable to erect two reservoirs.
The occupation of the high points available for reservoir sites, except Waban Hill, presents objections which, in our judgment, should be respected and considered; and while Institution Hill is more centrally located, and has all the features requisite for such use. the proposed improvements and extensions of the Institution buildings will, we understand, preclude its consideration for a reservoir site.
In order to insure a sufficient pressure for both services, the reservoirs should be of such a capacity as to hold several hours' supply at or near the maximum elevation, and contain at least a day's supply, i.e., 2,000,000 gallous, for the former and about 300,000 gallons for the high service.
The proposed system for a high service, and for re-en- forcing the fire service of the whole city, should include :-
1st. The raising of the static head of the present service to a maximum elevation of 320 feet above tide, and the building, in connection with it, of a new masonry reservoir, covered with brick arches, of a capacity of 2,000,000 gallons, leaving the present reservoir as a reserve, of great value in case of an accident or interruption of any kind.
2d. The creation of a high service supply, with a maximum static head of 430 feet for the full supply of the high points already named, with an iron tank of 300,000 gallons capacity, about 120 feet high.
3rd. The selection of Waban Hill as being, everything
32
considered, the best-adapted place for the high service, and the concentration at that point of the new 2,000,000-gallon reservoir, and of the high service pumping station and its tank, in order to reduce the cost of maintenance to a minimum.
4th. The extension of the main force-pipe to the new reservoir and the additional pipe-distribution necessary for the proposed high service,-the present pipe-distribution being otherwise sufficient, with such connections and extensions as are already contemplated to carry out the original plan, for the supply of the city to the extent herein considered.
5th. The possible addition of a few regulating-valves to protect the lowest points of the city from excessive pressure, -their cost is included in the accompanying estimate ; but it is expected that they can be dispensed with.
The conclusions of our report may be briefly summed up as follows :--
a. To extend the filtering-gallery by a covered conduit.
b. To cover the present gallery.
c. To increase the capacity of the present pumping station by the addition of a 3,000,000-gallon high-duty pumping-engine.
d. To raise the head of the present service to a maximum elevation of 320 feet, and to construct a 2,000,000- gallon covered masonry reservoir.
e. To construct an independent high service pumping station with two 1,000,000-gallon engines and an iron high service water tower, 120 feet high, and containing about 300,000 gallons.
f. To concentrate on Waban Hill the two proposed reservoirs and the high service pumping station.
g. To extend the 20-inch main to the 2,000,000-gallon
33
reservoir and to lay a 12-inch distributing main to Institution Hill.
The estimated cost of the work as enumerated, not including land damages, is $282,734.50.
Respectfully submitted, A. FTELEY. ALBERT F. NOYES, City Engineer.
NOVEMBER 23, 1889.
1
ENGINEERS' SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT.
NEWTON, December 6, 1889.
To the Newton Water Board :-
GENTLEMEN,-Our report of November 23, 1889, made in accordance with your resolution of September 13, 1889, follows strictly the instruction given therein, and, in our opinion, gives the most desirable solution of the problem proposed. If all your instructions are to be covered, we have no modifications to present to our recommendations.
In your meeting of this day, however, you ask us :-
First. In what order of succession the various parts of the plan recommended should be erected.
Second. Considering only, for the present, the establish- ment of an improved domestic supply for all parts of the city, leaving for some future time the extension of the improved fire- service for the highest points, what part or parts of the plan recommended by us couldl now be omitted.
First. - Order of Succession.
In answer to the first question, we have to state that the first and most urgent need of your waiter supply consists in increas- ing your source of supply by extending your filtering-gallery, and by increasing the capacity of your pumping-station.
Referring to our report, this part of the work would cost $98,900.
Next comes the necessity of improving your domestic supply for all parts of the city, in qu ility and in pressure, by
35
covering the present gallery, by constructing a reservoir of 2,000,000 gallons' capacity, at the maximum elevation of 320, and by providing the necessary force mains and regulators.
This part of the improvement would furnish to all portions of the city a better domestic supply, and pressure would be such, that, it is hoped, very few, if any, regulators should be used in the lowest part of the city territory; it would also prevent to a large extent, if not entirely, the deterioration of the water. The cost of this part of the system is estimated at $101,119.
The third part of the project consists in the erection of an improved fire-service for the highest points of the city, composed of a pumping-station complete, of a tank in an extreme eleva- tion of 420 feet, and of the necessary distribution connected therewith. The cost of the improved fire-service is estimated at $88,465.
Second. - What Part Could now be Omitted ?
The consumption of water is comparatively so limited at present that the loss of head due to friction in pipes is insignifi- cant, and the pressure produced by the proposed "Two Million" reservoir would be sufficient for some time to give, as we said before, a materially improved domestic water supply to all parts of the city.
As the consumption increases, however, the loss of head due to friction in pipes will increase correspondingly, as was demonstrated by the experiments lately conducted by the City Engineer, and that cause added to the increase of population on the highest districts will render the improved fire-service system recommended by us a matter of necessity.
For the present we may say, under your present instruc- tions, that the improved fire-service may be dispensed with ; but, while we make that statement, we desire to express our
36
opinion that this service, as proposed by us, is an important feature of the whole plan presented, and that it ought to be kept in view as a part of it and as one of the necessities of the future.
In conclusion we will say that :-
a. The increase of your present supply, as described above, is the most important work to be done now.
Cost $98,900
b. The improvement of your domestic supply for the whole city, in pressure and quality, is next in importance.
Cost
101,119
Total
$200,019
Leaving for the near future an expenditure
for the improved fire-service of $88,465
Respectfully submitted, A. FTELEY.
ALBERT F. NOYES,
City Engineer.
ESTIMATE OF COST.
WEST NEWTON, Dec. 10, 1889.
To the Newton Water Board : -
GENTLEMEN, - In accordance with your instruction of December 9th, I herewith respectfully submit a detailed state- ment of the estimated cost of each item of work proposed, which make up the subdivisions of report of engineers under date of Dec. 6, 1889.
First item, for increasing your water supply and the capacity of your pumping-station : -
For extending a filtering conduit from the end of
the present gallery to Nahanton street, as described in report, together with all neces- sary connection with filtering gallery, man- hole, pipes, etc., the sum of #52,900 00 . For altering over the 5,000,000 compound con- densing pumping-engine at the pumping- station, in order to force the water to the additional height proposed 6,500 00
For putting in new foundations for a new 3,000,- 000 gallon high-duty pumping plant and boiler 10,400 00
For one high-duty pumping plant, capable of pumping 3,000,000 gallons of water in 24 hours, together with high-pressure boiler, etc. .
29,100 00
Making a total of
$98,900 00
38
Second item, for improving the domestic suprly for all parts of the city in quality and pressure :-
For replacing the present filtering-gallery by a covered conduit, the sum of $23,046 00
For a covered masonry reservoir to contain about 5,000,000 gallons of water, with gate-house and appurtenances 51,750 00
For extension of 20-inch force-main for present reservoir to proposed new reservoir, to- gether with gates, valves, etc. 12,023 50
For pressure regulators, together with recording gauges and connection with main pipes 8,050 00
$95,369 50
Third item, for improved fire-service for the highest points of the city : ---
For a pumping-station, which shall be constructed in connection with a house for the pumping- engine, $10,350 00 . For two 1,000,000 gallon pumping-engines, boilers, foundations, etc. 12,650 00
For covered water-tower, together with founda- tion, connections, etc. 23,000 00 For distribution from water-tower to main system 42,465 00
Respectfully submitted, ALBERT F. NOYES, City Engineer.
$88,465 00
The plan recommended by the Engineers was adopted by the City Council and appropriations made to carry out the
39
work. This work was immediately entered upon by the Board and steps have already been taken which will insure the carry- ing out of this plan, which it is hoped will be completed so far as is now designed, at an early date. The report of the Water Board also recommended the securing of land along the banks of Charles River in order to protect and increase the water supply of the city. The Board believes that it has reason to congratulate the city that this recommendation was favorably acted upon and that already land enough has been secured to supply the city with water for a long time to come.
In conclusion the Board regrets to say that it has to report a change in the personnel of the employees of the department. By the resignation of Mr. Albert S. Glover, who has been Water Registrar during the last ten years and clerk of this Board since its organization, the city loses a most faithful and efficient officer, and the Board feel that it is no more than just to say, that it is in a great measure due to his ability that the department has been successfully and efficiently managed in the past.
Respectfully submitted, NEWTON WATER BOARD,
BY EDWARD W. CATE. President.
Details of Extensions made in 1889.
STREET.
WARD.
LOCATION.
Gates.
Hydrants.
Cubic Yards Rock.
12 inches.
8 inches.
6 inches.
4 inches.
Aspen avenue . .
4
Extended west
178
Auburn, off .
4
Front Auburn, south & west
540
1
1
Auburndale avenue .
4 Extended west
507
Beacon .
.
.
5
Extended east .
492
1
Brookside avenue
2
Extended north .
443
Cabot
.
2
From Harvard, west
348
1
Chestnut, off
.
5 From Woodward. north
461
1
1
Chestnut
.
.
2 Extended north
178
Elliot, off
.
5 Extended south
193
1
11
Emerald .
2
Extended south
427
1
1
Essex road
3
From Hammond, north
643
1
1
Forest avenue .
.
3 Extended south
12
Glenwood avenue
.
6 Extended south
640
Hancock avenue
·
6
Extended north and west
522
1
Hillside .
.
5 From Walnut, west
413
146
2
1
Institution avenue
6 Extended south .
190
Irving .
6 Extended north
440
1
.
·
.
.
--
.
.
5 From Oak, east .
361
1
1
Dalby .
1 From California, south
286
1
Edinboro'
.
.
.
6 Extended south
154
208
Hammond .
.
1
-
Hull & Beaumont av.
2 From Murray, east and south.
188
Butler
3 From Mt. Vernon, north & east
3 From Chestnut, west
153
Chestnut .
--
40
LENGTH OF EACH SIZE IN FEET.
-
237
Jenison
2 From Judkins, southeast
142
1
1
.
Lenox .
.
3
Extended north
131
Morton
.
From Cedar, north 6
1465
1
2
Paul
6
Extended west
31
1
-
.
Pearl
1
Extended west
709
46
1
Prince .
3
Extended south
519
1
Pumping station .
5
99
1
Railroad avenue .
6
From Station, west .
583
1
7
Reservoir
6
Ward street
62
-
Ripley .
6
Extended east
73
-
School .
.
1 From Gardner, north .
152
Summer
5
From Chestnut, east .
245
1
Sunner
6
From Ward, south .
31
1
Temple
3
From Prospect, west .
1254
1
1
1
38
Walnut
5
To connect dead ends
507
1
-
.
6 To connect dead ends
591
Walnut
6
From Homer, north
536
1
11
Warren
6 Extended east
249
Washington, off
7
From Wash'gton, north & west
1259
2
1
242
Windsor
4
Extended west
909
1
Winter .
5
From Chestnut, east
39
1
1
-
Total
.
.
2194
5122
9920
550
13
13
510
Length of pipe laid during year 1889, 17,786 feet.
41
1
.
.
·
.
·
.
.
-
.
.
.
Walnut
.
.
1
42
Details of Service Laid in 1889.
LEAD PIPE.
IRON PIPE.
TOTAL.
MONTII.
4-in.
11%-in.
11/4 in.
1-in.
34-in.
1-in.
3/4-in.
5/8-in.
1/2-in.
length
No.
No.
length in feet.
length feet.
length in feet.
length in feet.
length in feet.
length in feet.
No.
No.
No.
feet.
January
·
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1
13
12
499
2
68
15
580
February
.
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
3
105
1
98
75
9
644
14
22
1175
March
1
69
-
-
-
8
279
3
94
-
-
-
-
-
3
163
8
478
2
79
22
981
April
2
116
11
498
3
77
19
781
May
·
.
4
82
30
1431
June .
2
366
-
-
-
-
4
136
-
-
1
15
1
14
18
818
10 533
3
72
20
1528
July
.
15
882
August
.
·
6
254
-
-
15
834
September .
-
-
2
302
1
99
4
112
-
-
-
-
-
2
149
6
362
1
34
14
688
October
-
-
.
November .
-
-
-
438
-
157
5
351
-
-
-
315
2
421
12
642
1
80
21
2404
December .
2
68
1
13
-
-
5
290
-
-
1
35
4
180
15
745
-
-
Total . .
5
526
5 1362
3
314
50
2217
8
277
3
428
21
1492
114|5770
16
506 225
12892
-
-
1.
27
34
7
223
-
-
-
-
2
429
-
-
5
169
2
78
-
-
2
162
23
-
180
-
-
3
480
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
3
90
9
261
-
-
1
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
feet.
length in feet.
4
277
74
-
-
-
-
-
2
67
1
58
4
85
-
-
-
28
1331
Total iron, 4,696 feet. Total head, 8,196 feet. 225 new services, 12,892 feet. 53 renewals, 1,937 feet.
-
·
.
-
length
llength feet.
43
Supply Pipe Laid in 1889.
Length in feet.
STREET.
Ward.
LOCATION.
2-in.
11/4-in.
Phipps place .
23 2 3
Extended east
24.00
Webster place .
Extended north
-
20.10
Off Oak
5
From Oak, east
129.65
Total .
24.00
149.75
Number and Length of Services Laid to Date.
DATE OF LAYING.
Number.
Length in feet.
Laid to January, 1878
1,497
104,065
Laid during 1878
188
15,449
Laid during 1879
232
13,670
Laid during 1880
228
18,039
Laid during 1881
267
14,675
Laid during 1882
169
10,904
Laid during 1883
159
11,709
Laid during 1884
179
12,113
Laid during 1885
215
12,367
Laid during 1886
298
14,748
Laid during 1887
335
16,457
Laid during 1888
211
10,378
Laid during 1889
225
12,892
Total
4,203
267,466
-
44
Meters Set.
The following meters were set during 1889: Crown 158, Hersey 43, Worthington 4, Empire 2, Frost 1, Thomson 1. There are now in use throughout the city 2708 meters, 1653 of which are owned and rented to the water-takers by the depart- ment. The meters now in use are classified as follows:
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