375 Minutes of a regular Meeting of the City Council. Austin, Texas, May 18, 1896. Hon. Lewis Hancock, Mayor, presiding. Roll Called. Present: Aldermen Beaty, Glass, Gordon, Haynes, Norton, Sinn, Cowell, Rosengren, Schneider, Stumpf, and Silver. 11 Absent: Aldermen Fischer, Glascock, Lawless, Nitschke, Platt, Redd, Roberdeau, Shelley, Tobin, and Townsend. 11. On motion of Alderman Sinn the Council took a recess of five minutes. Council called to order. Aldermen Lawless, Platt, Shelley, Tobin and Townsend appeared and answered to their names. Minutes Approved. Alderman Schneider moved to dispense with the reading of the minutes and that they be approved as printed, which motion prevailed. Pet. of Citizens of 3rd The Mayor laid before the Council a petition of Citizens of the Third Ward for Work to be done Ward, asking that work be done on Neches Street, which was read and on motion, the petition was referred to Alderman Fischer. Pet. of W.J. Reynolds to Petition of W.J. Reynolds for permission to remove from time to time the remove mud dirttings from San Springs mud or dirt from the bottom of the lake, for manufacturing brick and tile. brick and tile. Pet. of W.H. Firebaugh to lay By Alderman Platt, Petition of W.H. Firebaugh in regard to laying a pipe in the Water pipe in City Cemetery. City Cemetery. Read, and on motion of Alderman Sinn, referred to the Cemetery Committee. Pet. of A.B. Nuekle to remove By Alderman Glass, Petition of A.B. Nuekle for permission to remove Picture Picture Gallery to Cor. of Gallery to the vacant lot corner of Neches and Seventh Streets. Read, and on motion of Neches St. Alderman Sinn it was referred to the Fire Committee. Aldermen Glass and Roberdeau appeared in the Council Chamber and answered to their names. Communication from City Engi- A communication from the City Engineer in regard to bridge in South Austin was neer regarding bridge in South Austin read, and on motion referred to the Street Committee. The Mayor laid before the Council the following communication from the Communication from the Water Water & Light Commission, the reading of which was, on motion of Alderman & Light Commission Sinn, dispensed with and the communication ordered published in full in the minutes: Austin, Texas, May 16th 1896. Gentlemen of the City Council: We respectfully present herewith for your consideration the report of Mr. Allen Hay, Civil Engineer, who, at the request of the Water & Light Commission, visited Austin and carefully examined the City’s water supply system: Report of Civil Engineer: Austin, Texas, May 15th 1896. Hon. Lewis Hancock, Mayor, of Austin, Texas: Sir: I herewith render you a report of my [illegible] of the Water & Light Commission, to visit Austin, May 20th in [illegible] for the pur- pose of examining the water supply system of the City, and determining its fitness and capacity; and to submit with it, and to show what will be necessary to improve and [illegible]. I was in the City [illegible] [illegible], and made a [illegible] of the --- Page break --- 376 Hayens: report pure water, free from sediment; and second, to provide reservoir capacity, so as to discover again emergencies, and particularly to allow a more even and satisfactory operation of the pumping machinery. Population and Supply Required. The population of the City of Austin by the census of 1890 was 14,476. The city limits were, however, somewhat restricted, and the country immediately outside of the city limits contained a very considerable population, a part of which was to be supplied with water. The population of Travis County, at this time, was 36,378. The population which is or should be supplied with water from the public works in 1896 can be approximately estimated at 75,000, and this population is increasing very rapidly. Owing to the continued hot and dry weather during portions of the year, large quantities of water are required for sprinkling and irrigating purposes, and the consumption for this period of the year, and particularly the hourly consumption during that part of the day, when most of the sprinkling is done, is very much greater than would be expected under other conditions. In addition, numerous public institutions, railroads, etc., are supplied, many of them taking large quantities of water. Water is sold at the present time almost without exception at a fixed prices depending upon the fixtures used, and is not measured by meters. Under these conditions no exact estimates can be made of the quantity of water which will be required, which will be largely dependent upon the use, or rather upon the waste, of water by various consumers. If meters should generally be introduced, the consumption would be reduced and kept within moderate limits. At the present time the minimum meter rate is twelve dollars per annum. That is to say, if less water is used than amounts to twelve dollars, twelve dollars is nevertheless charged. As the fixture rate for small houses is considerably less than twelve dollars per annum, householders will obviously decline to introduce meters. I would suggest that the City can afford to and should reduce the minimum meter rate to six dollars, and I believe that this reduction will largely overcome the present objection to the introduction of meters, and will thus be of material aid towards keeping the consumption of water within reasonable bounds. City Water Works Within the past six years the City of Austin has constructed a masonry dam across the Colorado River, about three miles above the centre of the City. This dam is 1150 feet long and sixty feet high above low water, and forms a pond twenty-eight miles long with an area of water so great that power is used for public pumping, for generating electricity for public and private lighting, for running street cars and mills. The generating capacity of the dynamos is 2250 horse power, and the station is one of the largest in this country. The dynamos are for general use, for water pumping, for street railways and for public and private lighting. The pumps are capable of delivering 15,000,000 gallons per day of 24 hours. --- Page break --- Hagens report The City Water Works were first put in operation on March 7th 1895. The number of takers was at first small, but has grown gradually and rapidly increasing, and no experience has yet been obtained as to the quantity of water required during the summer. The water previous to the time of my visit had been drawn directly from the Colorado River and was pumped by two pumps, both capable of lifting 1,000,000 gallons per day, operated by water power. The water was and is pumped directly into the mains, the rate of pumping being varied from minute to minute to meet the consumption and to hold as nearly as possible a constant pressure, there being no reservoir connected with the system. A reservoir was contemplated in connection with this system, as will be mentioned. but was not, in my judgment, needed. Quality of the Colorado River Water. The Colorado River has a drainage area of approximately 40,000 square miles above the dam. Upon this area, by the census of 1890, there was a population of about 90,000, or 2.25 people to the square mile of water-shed and 3.86 people to the square mile of the 10,000 square miles watershed nearest to Austin, and the population of this part of the water- shed was three times as great per square mile as for the water-shed as a whole. The population is almost entirely rural and there are no considerable towns. Rural populations, owing to the absence of sewerage systems, pollute water sources much less than urban populations, and in this case most of the population is so remote from the basin where water is taken and of such a character as to give no serious cause for anxiety as to its effect upon the healthfulness of the supply drawn from the river. The river water is, however, always more or less turbid, and at times of high water the quantity of mud carried in suspension is considerable; and for this reason it is undesirable in its raw state for the purposes of municipal water supply. The river water is also somewhat hard, but in this respect it does not differ materially from all of the other waters which have been considered as possible sources of supply; and there is no way in which the City can get a water materially softer without incurring a heavy expense for a softening plant. Spring in Power house. During the construction of the power house a large flow of water was encountered, issuing from fissures in the limestone rock below the foundations. An outlet was provided for this flow through a winding brick into the masonry floor and walls of the power-house. This water is almost entirely clear, having only a very slight milky turbidity, which is so slight as to be undistinguishable. It is entirely free from the mud which makes the river water so turbid. In utilizing this water for the City supply, two Gould power pumps operated by turbine have been installed by the city, one of 1,500,000 gallons per day and another of 3,000,000 gallons per day, both housed near the outlet of the spring and drawing from it, and from a reservoir which has been formed by a dam across the spring. A well 24 feet in diameter and 40 feet deep has been excavated. It would 3,000,000 gallons per day, however, --- Page break --- 378 Hargins report of the capacity of the Juvias. More recently, as I am informed, a centrifugal pump has been attached to the spring; and it has been found that by lowering the water to only a moderate extent water can be obtained at a rate of 6,000,000 gallons per day, a quantity in excess of the capacity of the 20-inch tube from the pumping station to the City. It is stated that the flow of water from this spring is well maintained throughout the year, and can be depended upon at all times; and, if reasonable measures are taken to prevent waste, I believe that it will be found to furnish an adequate supply of water for all proper purposes for a considerable time although provision will be necessary for storing water during the night and giving it up again during those hours of the day when the consumption is heaviest. I have caused chemical analyses to be made of this water and of the river water, the results of which are hereto appended, and I find that the water from the spring, differs chemically from the river water in that it is entirely free from mud, and that it contains a much smaller quantity of organic matter, otherwise the waters are so nearly alike as not to indicate necessarily separate origins. I am as yet unable to determine whether the water from the spring has its origin in the water in the pond above the dam or not; nor do I consider at the present time, that this has any very important bearing upon its suitability for public water supply. If it does have its origin in the water above the dam, it has either been filtered through gravel deposits or has passed through extensive caverns in the limestone rock, in which a very complete deposition of mud has taken place. The water is thus physically fitted for the purpose of municipal supply, and, as stated above, the population upon the Colorado River above the intake is too slight to seriously pollute it, even if used in its raw state. I therefore recommend for the present the continuance of the use of this source to its limit; but I strongly recommend at the same time the enforcement of the City ordinance now in effect preventing the discharge of sewage matter into the river above the dam from steamboats or other sources; and I also strongly recommend that the water from the river and from the spring, should be subjected to a chemical analysis at regular intervals, preferably each month. Such a series of analyses will probably definitely, settle the origin of the spring water. And should examination of the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived 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river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at 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that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from the river at all times, that the water is derived from --- Page break --- 379 Hazens report the spring water came from the river. or their valves should be placed where the 12 inch outlet of the spring to allow the water to flow out when there is an excess and to prevent the entrance of river water when the water in the river is above the outlet of the pipes as occasionally happens. Reservoir. A reservoir is an extremely desirable, in fact, almost a necessary adjunct of your system of water supply. The original projects contemplated the construction of a reservoir upon some one of the valleys in the rugged limestone hills west of the river. These works were first designed by Mr. J.D. Fanning, of Minneapolis, who was afterwards succeeded by Mr. W.T. Woolley both of them eminent engineers. The projects considered by both to a dam and a reservoir to be formed, a number of sites were proposed, but a basin near the upper end of Little Bee Creek and about 700 feet from the power house was finally selected as being the best adapted to the purpose in hand. Plans and specifications were made for a reservoir to hold 100,000,000 gallons, and asked to be submitted in the lowest bid being during the fall of 1895, the lowest bid being $7,635, based upon the engineers estimate of quantities. In addition, a single pipe line from the power house to the reservoir would cost about $30,000, and the land for the reservoir would require to be obtained at a considerable expense. This project was not carried out mainly on account of a lack of funds. The chief use and value of a reservoir of this size was to allow the sediment to be deposited from the water before it was used. This sedimentation could only be made available by laying two lines of pipe to the reservoir so that all the water pumped should go directly to the reservoir, and all of the water drawn by the City should come from it and not from the pumps direct, a condition which obviously could not be realized with a single line of pipes. Even with a double pipe line the water from the reservoir would not be entirely clear, but would still retain the finer particles of suspended matters which in connection with the algae growths which would be sure to result in a reservoir of this size and construction, would often render the water disagreeable in taste, odor and appearance. It is therefore eminently unnecessary and undesirable that the City should continue to use the raw river water; and when a clear ground water is obtained, there is no mud to be removed by sedimentation, and the thick sludge from a large reservoir is at once removed. Further, ground waters. A number of reservoirs were formerly used for a ground water, but objectionable tastes and odors have invariably resulted from the exposure of such waters to sunlight, and it has always been necessary to cover reservoirs for such waters to exclude the light. Covered reservoirs have been used in many cases, but masonry tanks have been used successfully. In Europe ground reservoirs from which light is excluded have been used in recent years. The objection to open reservoirs is an open reservoir with an expensive --- Page break --- 380 Haynes report of 100,000,000 gallons would be almost certain to result in the prolific growth of organisms in the water, which afterwards by their death and decomposition would render the water offensive and objectionable. In this connection it was called to my attention that at San Antonio a water of similar character was stored in an open reservoir without particularly objectionable results. To investigate this matter I visited the water works at San Antonio in company with ex-Mayor McDonald. The reservoir at San Antonio is very small in comparison with the consumption of water, for only a small part of the water ever goes to the reservoir. Some algae growth was noticeable in the water at the time of my visit, and we were told that, particularly in summer, an excess of water is frequently pumped which overflows the reservoir and, in a way, flushes it out and carries off the organisms. Hard waters are less liable to algae growth than soft waters, but are not exempt; and the water at San Antonio is rather hard, although probably not much harder than the water at Austin. With only a small reservoir, and by overflowing the reservoir in summer, the company has been able to get along with an open reservoir, but I do not regard it as a satisfactory procedure and do not advise its adoption at Austin. Further, aside from the sedimentation, which is not required in the case of ground waters, there is no object in constructing a reservoir of the size proposed. While your water consumption cannot be predicated with certainty, it is quite safe to say that for many years at least you will have no variations in consumption between the different hours of the day which could not be fully taken care of by a reservoir holding three or four million gallons, and any expense incurred in constructing a larger reservoir than this at present time is regarded as unnecessary. For these reasons, and mainly because of the change in the character of the water pumped, I do not approve of the reservoir schemes formerly considered in connection with the use of the unfiltered water, but recommend instead the construction of a covered reservoir with a capacity of three or four million gallons. All the objects of a larger reservoir will be secured by a reservoir of this size, and with the light excluded the water will be maintained in as good condition as it is when it comes from the spring. Sites for Covered Reservoirs. Several sites are available for the construction of such a reservoir. One reservoir could be constructed directly over the dam upon land owned by S.W. Crowther, to hold three or four million gallons, at a cost of about $25,000 with a roof, or about $30,000 with a masonry vaulting. A single line of pipes from the power house to it would be all that would be required. Such a reservoir could be probably be constructed, and connected ready for use at an expense of $50,000, exclusive of land damage. Another site which was made to recommend it is upon a hill north of the city, not far from the good residence district, but is not convenient for general distribution, and is objectionable, if not impossible, on the score of topography. Still another site for a covered reservoir, of a masonry construction, holding from two to four million gallons, and which I believe would be a special advantage in avoiding damages and nuisances to residents in the neighborhood and avoiding the need for much additional pumping, would be low in operating expenses. --- Page break --- Hagens report. than at the site west of the dam; and although more pipes may be required to connect this reservoir with the system of pipes in the City, the lines would be through regions already containing some population and a population which is likely to increase, so that revenue can be expected from this extension, while nothing is expected from mains to the reservoir west of the river. In a recent conversation you mentioned a site 7500 feet at the end of the present 12-inch City main in S.W. 11-¼ degrees East by North Asylum, where the elevation of the ground is about 269 feet above the for City work. The water level in a reservoir constructed at this place would be about twenty-five feet lower than the water level in the reservoir proposed last year upon Little Bee Creek by Mr. Fanning; but as the reservoir is very much nearer the more elevated part of the City, the pressure maintained by this reservoir in these higher locations would be more constant and perhaps as great; for, owing to its nearness, it would maintain a pressure nearly equivalent to its static head plus or minus the slight friction in the pipes to it, according to the direction in which the water was flowing; while the reservoir on Little Bee Creek would only maintain the pressure due to its static head less the friction from the reservoir with the double pipe line, or the friction from the pumping station at least with a single pipe line to the localities mentioned; and, owing to the long distances and moderate sized pipes; it is not apparent that with ordinary conditions the pressure maintained by the Little Bee Creek reservoir would be greater than the pressure from a reservoir upon the site suggested to the north of the City. All things considered, I consider this as a more satisfactory site for a reservoir than the west side of the river, and I recommend the construction of a covered reservoir at this point. In accordance with your request I shall have plans and specifications prepared for a reservoir on this site. Necessary Pipe Connections. It will be necessary to connect such a reservoir with your existing pipe system, which only extends at the present time as far as the State Insane Asylum. As you will see, the pipe connecting with a reservoir in this location will not necessarily carry a quantity of water equal to the consumption. The greater part of the water will be consumed in the City without ever going to the reservoir. The reservoir will take the excess of water when more water is pumped than is used, and the water will flow back from the reservoir to the City when the consumption exceeds the quantity pumped. With this in view it is probable that a 16-inch pipe would answer very well for the present requirement; but if the consumption increases, as it is likely to do, a larger pipe will be required at an early date to always maintain an adequate pressure in the City during those hours in the summer when the consumption is greatest. As 20-inch pipe costs only about eighty cents per foot more than 16-inch pipe, I recommend that the pipe from this present system to the reservoir should be 20 inches in diameter. [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] you have very --- Page break --- 382 Haydens report a 12-inch line. In order to make a suitable connection it will be necessary to add another line, probably of 16-inch pipe from Nineteenth Street to the 20-inch line to the reservoir. This line should go through the streets where it will do the most good to your system as a whole, perhaps through Lampasas and Duval Streets, and connect in Hyde Park with the line to the reservoir. Five 16-inch pipe and 12-inch pipe together will have a carrying capacity equivalent to the 20-inch pipe you already have. From Pecan Street to Nineteenth Street you already have one 16-inch and two 8-inch pipes, which together are equal in capacity to the 16-inch and 12-inch pipes from Nineteenth Street to Hyde Park and to the 20-inch pipe from the pumping station to the heart of the City, and from the Insane Asylum to the reservoir. The capacity of this part of the system will, of course, be gradually increased as additional pipes are placed in this part of the City connecting the gross lines. The 12-inch pipe in Nineteenth Street will collect water from the various lines of pipe on one side of it and distribute to those on the other side. It may be advisable to let the water of the additional line of 16-inch pipe for a short time, particularly as that part of the City most influenced in pressure by this line is the lower portion, where less harm would be done by a considerable falling off in pressure. The arrangement, however, with only the single line of 12-inch pipe will at best be but temporary expedient, and the other line will require to be added at an early date. Additional Water Supply. While I consider that the spring in the power house in connection with a suitable reservoir will yield all the water required to meet the legitimate demands for a number of years, I am not confident that it can be depended upon as a permanent supply to meet the ultimate requirements of the City, and I regard it as desirable that the matter of additional supply should be kept constantly in mind with a view of taking advantage of the unusual opportunities for securing a pure water in the neighborhood of Austin. While in my visit to the full capacity of the spring in the power house was not known, and some misgivings were held as to its quantity and quality; and although, as I have shown, later developments have shown these misgivings to have been unfounded, I examined carefully the possibilities of securing additional supply, and I shall review briefly the more important feasible methods of supply which have been considered. Springs above the Dam. It is reported that there are very large springs in the river above the dam, but on account of the difficulty of locating and controlling their flow beneath so great a depth of water as now covers them, I have not considered this source at length. Wells above the Dam. It has been suggested that wells might be sunk into the porous materials above the dam to secure a water having its origin in the water of the river, but which would be thoroughly purified by natural processes in passing into these gravels in the bed of the river. The shore of the river, below the dam, is rocky, and impervious material. It is said that extensive gravel and debris deposits exist on its banks, however, covered with some sort of water. --- Page break --- 353 Hazens report but I have not considered this matter at length, both because of the difficulty of securing and controlling a water supply beneath such a depth of water, and because the scouring action upon the surface of the gravel usually present in river beds is lacking, owing to the still water back of the dam; and there is every reason to believe that even if such a bed of gravel should have a good filtering power at first, it would gradually become clogged with the sediment from the river water, and the yield of the water would after a time become unsatisfactory. Artesian Wells near the Dam. Artesian wells have been used at a number of points in the neighborhood of Austin, and water flows at a much higher level than the water in the dam. There is every reason to believe that a considerable quantity of water could be secured from an artesian well sunk near the power house. Judging from the other wells in the neighborhood, the best results would be secured from a well from fifteen to eighteen hundred feet deep, and the cost of which would be about $5000. The water so secured would probably contain a larger quantity of mineral matter and would be less desirable for the purpose of municipal supply than the other waters considered in this report, although this cannot be absolutely determined without making the experiment and if it is possible that an auxiliary supply might be obtained in this way to advantage. Spring in the Power House. This spring has been mentioned at length above. Pumps are now connected to pumps 3,000,000 gallons a day for this water, or substantially the quantity which was flowing to waste before the pumping commenced. Tests have shown that a large quantity can be obtained by pumping this water at a lower elevation, and an additional supply can be developed either by putting in a centrifugal pump to lift the water to two 4,000,000 gallon pumps which are now placed too high to pump from the spring, or these pumps, or one of them, may be lowered so that it will be possible to pump from the spring. Wells in the Gravel below the Dam. The gravel deposits immediately below the dam rest at a slight depth upon the limestone rock, and there is not a sufficient depth of material to promise a good yield of ground water. Spring half a mile below the Dam. There is a considerable spring upon the northeast side of the river half a mile, more or less, below the dam; but this spring is stated to go dry in the summer, and its use would involve an auxiliary pumping plant; and if such a plant is to be established, much better locations are available. Filtration of the River Water. The water of the Colorado is capable of being purified by filtration. A suitable and convenient site for filters could, it is said, be found just south of the dam, on the Winter [illegible]. For filtration to be efficient throughout all the stages of river flow it is necessary to make it of ample capacity and provide for cleaning it thoroughly, and at reasonable cost, so that its operation will be continuous. --- Page break --- 354 Hazen's report by the thousand pumps. The cost of their construction and operation of such a plant would be considerable, but this expense would be partially balanced by the convenience of having the sources of supply close to the present pumping machinery. Limit to the Capacity of the Force Main. I will now call your attention to a point which equally affects each of the above mentioned projects, namely, the limit of the capacity of the force main. Mr. J. J. Gausin in his report recommended the construction of two force mains from the power house to the City, one a 24-inch main down Nineteenth Street, and one a 16-inch main following the line of the Railroad. The line following the Railroad was first laid, but 20-inch pipe was used instead of 16. The Nineteenth Street line has not yet been laid. The present 20-inch line, 16,800 feet long to Congress Street, where it joins the main line running north and south, cannot be depended upon to carry water at a rate above 5,000,000 gallons per day of twenty four hours and it is obviously useless to secure a greater supply than this without at the same time giving increased carrying capacity from the pumping station to the City. The spring at the Power House is already supplying the greater part of the water which can be carried through this force main, and it seems probable that water can be secured from the same source fully up to the limit of the capacity of the pipes. If a supply of water could be secured nearer to the central part of the City where the principal consumption occurs, it would be possible to largely increase the supply without involving the expenditure necessary for additional force mains. Two projects have been considered for accomplishing this purpose. Tubular Wells on North side of River near Railroad Bridge. A series of tubular wells can be sunk in the gravel deposit between the low-water bank of the river and the high water bank, and these wells can be connected with suitable iron collecting mains which would take the water to a pumping station to be located at a convenient point near the high bank of the river not far from the Railroad. In order to secure a sufficient supply it will be necessary to place the pumps not higher than ten feet above extreme low water in the river and to protect them by a masonry structure extending above high water. The pumps could then be operated by electricity with power obtained from your power station. Springs on South side of the River. On the South side of the river a little to the west of the center of the City and from 1500 to 3000 feet from the river is located a series of four springs which yield a very large quantity of extremely pure water. Owing to various limitations at the time of my visit at Austin I was unable to measure accurately the flow from these springs, but it is certainly many times as much as required to the city, and I was informed by various parties that they have never failed even in dry seasons, and that these springs yielded during the dryest season more than five cubic feet per second. to be depended upon as a source of supply for the City of Austin. I was not permitted by Mr. Durbin, the owner of the land, to make measurements of these springs. [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] --- Page break --- 385 Hazens' report. floor, and operated by electricity furnished from your present power house. The walls would require to be carried up above high water, and an outlet for surplus water from the spring would have to be provided which could be partially closed in times of flood. The water would be carried through a force main in nearly a direct line about 700 feet to Pecan Street, or 8500 feet to Congress Street, where it would join the net work of pipes which would carry the water to all parts of the City, and to the reservoir. The bed of the river is favorable for the location of a pipe line across it, and no serious engineering difficulties would be encountered. This project would deliver into the center of the City just where it is wanted any quantity of water for which pumping capacity is provided of the greatest purity and without involving any extensive additions to your pipe system. I have had the water from these springs examined by Professor [illegible] of the University of Texas, and by Mr. Harry W. Clark, of the Lawrence Experiment Station of the Massachusetts State Board of Health, and have been unable to learn any quality in it which will be objectionable in a public water supply, except the hardness, which is not materially different from the other waters considered. Springs of this size, issuing from fissures in limestone rock, are in reality underground streams, and may have passed for long distances through open fissures in which there is no straining or filtering effect corresponding to that which has invariably taken place in water issuing from springs in sand or gravel formations. For this reason it is important in considering the use of such springs in densely populated regions to investigate with the greatest care the original source of the water and to ascertain that it is not and cannot be polluted by cesspools or other sources of filth at any point upon its route. The country back of the springs in question, however, consists of a broken limestone formation upon which there is scarcely any population at all, and upon which no population is to be expected; and under these conditions, and in view of the great purity of the water shown by the analyses, I do not consider that there is any reason whatever to question the wholesomeness of the water for municipal supply. I consider these springs from the standpoint of the water and from their nearness to the central part of the City, and in every way, except the convenience of pumping, as the most desirable source of supply. The installation of another pumping station with electrical pumping machinery will involve a considerable expense both in construction and operation, and may in part lose the natural advantages of this source of supply. In view of the increased capacity found in the spring in the power house, there is no immediate necessity for deciding among the various projects mentioned, and I therefore make no recommendation as to them. I would, however, strongly urge that some competent person should be instructed to keep track of the flow of these springs, and if possible to make a map of them. The springs should be visited at least once a month, and his observations should be especially careful at all times of minimum flow. The raw water from these springs has been shown to be in [illegible] --- Page break --- 356 Hagens report The data thus secured will cost the City but little and may be of great value at some later time. Conclusions. In conclusion, I recommend the utilization of the present source of supply to its full extent, and the construction of a covered reservoir north of the City, with suitable pipe lines leading to it, and the supply so obtained is apparently adequate to meet the requirements of the City for the present. At the same time a record should be kept of the quality of the water obtained, and of the other possible sources of supply which may be required to be considered at a later date. Plans and specifications of the reservoir will be sent as soon as completed. In conclusion I wish to express my appreciation of the attention and assistance received from the Members of the Water and Light Commission; Mr. Maddox, Superintendent of Water Works; Mr. Oliphant, Secretary; from ex-Mayor McDonald, from Professor Harper, of the State University, and numerous other citizens who did everything in their power to aid me in securing necessary information. Respectfully submitted, Allen Hazen. For Noyes & Hazen, Consulting Engineers. Appendix. Chemical Analyses by Professor Harper. Chemical Analyses by Mr. Harry W. Clark. Population upon the water-shed of the Colorado River above Austin. Population of towns upon water-shed. Analyses of samples of water by Prof. H.W. Harper, University of Texas. Samples collected March 14th, 1896. Parts in 100.000. Spring Spring in South Side Spring on Power House Power House of River Dry Creek (half mile below (Walsh Spring) (Barton Power House) Springs) River Water from Dam in Power House Total Solids, 29.80 28.00 5.000 29.60 Temporary Hardness, 7.20 8.306 6.000 6.613 Permanent Hardness, 3.44 3.790 4.408 5.053 Total Hardness, 10.64 12.096 9.408 11.666 Chlorine, 2.828 1.762 2.777 2.979 Nitrogen as nitrates, 0.0125 0.000 0.000 0.000 Free Ammonia, None None None None Sulphides, None None None None Sulphites, None None None None The similar purity of results of the water from the spring in the power house and the river water from both is suggestive of a relative freedom from surface water. This feature presents a very widely known fact in the analysis of the water in this report, and this purity of the water is worthy of particular study. --- Page break --- Hayens report Respectfully, (Signed) H.W. Hazen. Chemical Analyses of Water from Austin, Texas, by Mr. Harry W. Clarke, Chemist in charge of the Lawrence Experiment Station of the Massachusetts State Board of Health. Samples collected March 27,# 1896; examined March 30,# 1896. Parts in 100,000. Property. River Water Spring in Spring on South from Pump in Power House. Side of River Power House. (Stern Spring.) Turbidity, Decided Very slight None Sediment, Decided Very slight Very slight Color, 0.31 0.10 0.07 Total solids 28.95 26.55 33.00 Free Ammonia, 0.0108 0.0007 0.0 Albuminoid Ammonia 0.0117 0.0048 0.0018 Chlorine, 2.8300 2.9800 3.3800 Nitrogen as nitrates, 0.0370 0.0180 0.1760 Nitrogen as nitrites, 0.0008 0.0004 0.0002 Oxygen consumed, 0.1400 0.0600 0.0300 Hardness 14. 13. 18. (Signed) Harry W. Clarke. Memorandum in Regard to Analyses. The river water is a moderately hard water, very much harder than the New England supplies, slightly harder than the water of the Great Lakes used by Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit and many other cities; but softer than the waters of many of the cities in the Central States. A very great amount of pollution is indicated by the analyses. The water from the spring in the Power House resembles very closely the river water in its general chemical composition. It is nearly free from the turbidity and sediment of the river, and contains a very much smaller quantity of organic matter. The spring on the south side of the river as far as examined are of extremely pure water, almost entirely free from organic matter. Mr. Clarke's analyses indicates that the water from the south side springs is a little harder than the river water. It cannot be concluded, however, from a single set of analyses that this is necessarily the case throughout the year. As a rule, river waters with deep origins differs but little with the different seasons of the year; and it would therefore be unsafe to conclude that the springs for the whole year are harder than the river water until analyses have been made extending over the various seasons of the year. Population on Water-Shed of Colorado River above Austin Drainage area 40,000 square miles. Population of County, Proportion on Water-Shed. (Approximate.) In Austin, 24 24 3486 4149 --- Page break --- Hazens report San Saba, Population. Distance from Austin Mason, 697 Miles. Brady, 1,275 86 Brownwood, 560 95 Junction City, 2,176 110 Menardsville, 449 120 Santa Anna, 185 127 Coleman, 468 126 Paint Rock, 906 135 Ballinger, 373 145 San Angelo, 1,417 150 Sherwood, 7,615 165 Sweetwater, 264 177 Colorado City, 614 190 Big Spring, 1,587 215 Midland, 1,158 235 Total. 772 260 20,937 .. 280.. The distances are the distances from Austin in a straight line. I have no map sufficiently accurate to determine the distances as the water flows, which is usually used in such cases. Judging from experience in other cases, the distances by the bounds of the streams would be on an average nearly twice as great as the distances in straight lines. K + S. Com. recommend The commission, after a careful consideration of Mr. Hazens report adoption of Hazens report and of the condition and needs of the City, both at the time of Mr. Hazens visit here and since then, respectfully recommend that the recommendations of said report be adopted. First, increasing the pumping capacity in connection with the Spring, in the power house so as to pump at least 5,000,000 gallons of spring water per day. Second, the construction of a covered reservoir to contain from three to five million gallons at a point north of town and to connect same with the 12-inch main terminating at the Lunatic Asylum. K + S Com. recommend We beg leave to report that we have visited all the points suggested purchase of 13 acres of land near the by Mr. Howe and find one, on land, belonging to the estate of the Jno Hancock estate late John Hancock, about 8500 feet N. 71/2 degrees E. from the end of the said 12-inch main. The ground at this point is about 78 feet above the top of the dam and is in every way admirably adapted for the construction of a reservoir, and, for "tanking" and same, will in our opinion by way of the public roads. The county according to accompanying proposition will sell the City 13 acres at this point for 50.00, over the river on which be may drain the drier, or places adjoining. There is also a small well in this point & its base is of the highest altitude. The 12-inch main bears the land --- Page break --- We therefore recommend that the City purchase said fifteen acres of land according to said proposition, and herewith submit an ordinance appropriating $150 for that purpose. It has been often suggested that now that the City has plenty of spring water there is need of a reservoir. This is not the case for the following reasons: As stated by Mr. Hagen, the capacity of the 20-inch main from the power house to the City is about 5,000,000 gallons per day of twenty four hours; that is, it has a supply 5,000,000 gallons if the consumption is steady, and constant at the rate of 208,000 gallons per hour night and day for each of the twenty four hours. But very little water is used at night, and comparatively little during the morning hours. The greatest consumption of water, especially in Summer, is from 3 to 9 A.M. when it will probably amount to four or five hundred thousand gallons per hour. The main from the power house being capable of delivering only 208,000 per hour, it is clear there will be a defective service unless the deficiency is supplied in some other way. This the proposed reservoir north of the City does. The pumps working night and day if necessary, can fill the reservoir, and when the time of heavy consumption comes it will be answered by the pumps supplying water from one direction and the reservoir supplying an equal or greater amount from another direction. Respectfully submitted, W. H. Tobin, G. F. Lawless, J. S. Schneider, Lewis Hancock. Water and Light Commission. Police Committee's report on City Marshals report for April Resolution authorizing Washington Hose Co. No 1 to change Hose Cart at their own expense Ord. Appropriating $950 to rebuild bridge across Branch in South Austin Report from Committee on Roads Alderman Powell, for the committee on Police, to whom was referred the report of the City Marshal for the month of April presented their report stating that the reports had been examined and found correct. The report of the committee was received, adopted and ordered filed. The Mayor laid before the Council a resolution authorizing Washington Hose Company No 1 to change the present Hose Cart now in their possession for a Hose Wagon, at their own expense, with a favorable report thereon from the Board of Fire Commissioners. The resolution was adopted. Unfinished Business. The Mayor laid before the Council an ordinance appropriating the $950 to repair bridge across Blums Branch in South Austin, with the report of the street committee. The ordinance was passed under suspension of the rules by the following vote: Yeas. Aldermen Geaty, Glass, Girth, Haynes, Lawless, Linn, Platt, Powell, Bohanran, Rosengren, Schneider, Shelley, Stumpf, Tobin, Townsend and Zilker. 16 Nays None. Alderman Taylor entered the Council, a member and answered to his name. Alderman Geaty, for the Water & Light Commission presented a report from the committee on Water & Light, which was read and ordered filed. --- Page break --- 391 Ord. fixing minimum rates The Mayor laid before the Council, on its second reading, an ordinance read 2ⁿᵈ time fixing minimum rates for Water & Light meters. The ordinance was read a second time. Alderman Haynes moved to suspend the rules and place the ordinance on its third reading. Alderman Linn moved that the ordinance be laid on the table. Lost by the following vote: Yeas Alderman Beaty, Glass, Linn, Blatt, Roberdeau, Stumpf & Taylor. 7 Nays Alderman Dorth, Haynes, Horton, Lawless, Powell, Redd, Rosengren, Schneider, Shelley, Tobin, Townsend and Ziker. 11. The vote was then taken on the motion of Alderman Haynes to suspend the rules and place the ordinance on its third reading & was lost by the following vote: Yeas Alderman Dorth, Haynes, Horton, Lawless, Powell, Rosengren, Schneider, Shelley, Tobin, Townsend and Ziker. 11. Nays Alderman Beaty, Glass, Linn, Blatt, Redd, Roberdeau, Stumpf, and Taylor. 8. Resolution of Fin. Comtee The Mayor laid before the Council the following resolution, offered by the Finance Committee: Be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Austin, That the Assessor and Collector of taxes of the City of Austin be required to execute a bond in the sum of $5000, payable to the Mayor of said City, conditioned that he will pay over to the Treasurer of the School Board of the City, all moneys collected by him belonging to the School fund of said City. On motion of Alderman Dorth the resolution was adopted. Ord. Appropriating $100 The Mayor laid before the Council an ordinance appropriating the to pay claim of T.J. White sum of $100 to pay the claim of T.J. White, with the report of the reported adversely by Charity Charity Committee recommending that the ordinance do not pass. Com. which was adopted The report of the committee was adopted by the following vote: Yeas Alderman Dorth, Haynes, Horton, Lawless, Linn, Powell, Redd, Roberdeau, Schneider, Stumpf, Taylor, Tobin and Townsend. 13. Nays Alderman Beaty, Glass, Blatt, Rosengren and Ziker. 5. On motion of Alderman Powell, Superintendent Maddox was excused from further attendance at this session of the Council. Resolution of Ald. Haynes Alderman Haynes offered the following resolution, which was read regarding recent trouble and on motion was referred to the Water & Light Commission: of Electric Light System Austin, Texas, May 18, 1890. Whereas for some time past, the power lights of the City have at times been very inferior, many of the lamps scarcely showing any light whatever, and Whereas sundry, costly, mishaps at the power house have caused many of the City's patrons to be entirely without light for several weeks, resulting in great deal of comment and serious uneasiness as to who is to blame; it becomes the duty of the City Council, without any desire to reflect on those in charge to resolve to do all in their power to meet the just demands of the people, therefore be it resolved. --- Page break --- 392 equipped and operated with safety to the works and to the satisfaction of the people thereof; be it Resolved, That the Water & Light commission be and are hereby instructed, in connection with the Electrical Engineer in charge of the works, to carefully examine all the electrical appliances at the power house as to their usefulness and capacity and to note fully if any part of the machinery is improperly adjusted, overloaded or is inadequate to the work required, and what may be necessary to remedy any defects and what parts of the equipments of the City should have duplicates of, to prevent in future such serious delays, and what is everything, will render this costly plant safe from injury in the event of Electrical Storms; be it further Resolved, That if necessary to further an intelligent examination and report to this Council on above important points the service of an expert Electrical Engineer – other than now employed by the City – is required, the Water & Light Commission be, and are hereby authorized to employ such expert, and that he be requested also to make suggestions as to the number and qualifications of men necessary to operate the plant in a thorough, business-like, safe and up to date manner, and that the Water & Light Commission make report of their action in the matter at as early date as practicable. H.I. Haynes. Ord. appropriating $75.00 to | By Alderman Stumpf, An ordinance appropriating the sum of $75. for add new doors to Colorado | the purpose of adding necessary doors to Colorado Fire Hall. Fire Hall. | The ordinance was read first time, and on motion of Alderman Powell | the rules were suspended and the ordinance placed upon its second | reading by the following vote: | Yeas. Aldermen Beaty, Glass, Gorth, Haynes, Horton, Lawless, Linn, | Platt, Powell, Redd, Roberdeau, Rosengren, Schneider, Shelley, Stumpf, | Tobin, Townsend and Zilker, 18. | Nays Alderman Saylor, 1. | The ordinance having been read Alderman Powell moved to amend | by inserting “$15. instead of $75.” Lost. | Alderman Schneider moved to amend by adding, “and that the work | be done under the supervision of the Fire Committee and the City | Engineer.” Adopted. | The ordinance, as amended, was then passed under suspension of the rules, by the following vote: | Yeas. Aldermen Beaty, Glass, Gorth, Haynes, Horton, Lawless, Linn, | Platt, Powell, Redd, Roberdeau, Rosengren, Schneider, Shelley, Stumpf, | Tobin, Townsend and Zilker, 18. | Nays None. Ord. appropriating $168.15 | By Alderman Redd, An ordinance appropriating the sum of $168.15 to pay for Lumber used for Bell | to pay for lumber used for Bell Tower for South Austin Fire Company. Tower for So. Austin Fire Co. | And, was referred to the Fire Committee. Ord. Appropriating $200. to | By Alderman Glass, An ordinance appropriating the sum $200. to build a coffer dam in Colorado | build a coffer dam in river below the bridge. River below the bridge. | On motion the ordinance was referred to the Committee on Water. Ord. appropriating $5,692.94 | By Alderman Zilker, Ordinance to lay water pipes now laid from to lay water pipes from | water commission building to the bridge, and to provide water commission building to | grounds to be laid to bridge. the bridge. --- Page break --- 393 be laid on E. 1st. St. or Drive East First Street on the drive in the South Ward. A motion to refer the resolution to the Water & Light Commission was lost. On motion of Alderman Glass the resolution was adopted by the following vote: Yeas Aldermen Beaty, Glass, Haynes, Platt, Redd, Rosengren, Shelley, Shimpf, Townsend and Zilker, 10 Nays Aldermen Dorth, Sawless, Simms, Bowell, Roberdeau, Schneider, Taylor and Tobin. 8. Ord. Appropriating $1750. The Mayor laid before the Council an ordinance offered by the Water to purchase 15 acres of land & Light Commission, appropriating the sum of $1750. to purchase a site for reservoir site. for a reservoir; read first time and laid over until the next meeting of the Council. Alderman Tobin offered the following resolution, which was read and on motion was referred to the ordinance committee and the City Attorney. Resolution instructing City Be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Austin, Electrician to remove all That it is hereby made the duty of the City Electrician to remove obstructions to the Electric all obstructions to the electric wires of the City caused by branches wires of trees extending over the streets or sidewalks of the City of Austin. On motion of Alderman Tobin the Council adjourned. Geo R. Simon City Clerk!