REPORT 
OF THE 
WATER COMMISSIONERS 
TO THE 
COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALBANY; 
TRANSMITTING THE 
OF THE 
SUPERINTENDENT OF THE WATER WORKS 
FOR THE YEAR 18G3. 
ARGUS COMPANY, PRINTERS 
ALBANY: 
1866. Water Commissioners' Office, ) 
Albany, February 6, 1866. ) 
To the Board of Water Commissioners: 
Gentlemen : 
The following Report, showing the extensions, repairs, improve- 
ments and expenditures upon the City Water Works, for the year 
ending December 31st, 1865, is respectfully submitted. 
As essential changes have been made in the City Distribution, 
materially relieving that portion of the City lying west of Pearl 
street, and diminishing the chances of another failure in the supply, 
I have particularly described these, and the results which they 
immediately produced. 
RENSSELAER, LAKE. 
The remarkable drought of 1864 extended into 1865, and the 
Lake continued to fall, reaching its minimum height-one foot and 
ten and one-half inches-on the 14th day of February, which it main- 
tained without change, until the 26th day of February, when it 
raised one-half an inch. On the 28th of February it Ind attained a 
height of two feet and two inches, and on March 5th a height of 
two feet and six inches. 
A slight rain on the 9th of March raised the flow line to two feet 
and nine inches, and the heavy Spring rains between the 15th and 
18th of March, largely increasing the volume of the streams, the 
Lake rapidly rose from two feet and nine inches to ten feet and ten 
jncBes. On the 27th of March the height reached was eleven feet 
and eleven inches, and on the 81st of March twelve feet, after which 
it continued to rise gradually, and on the 30th of April the gauge 
gave a flow-line of thirteen feet two and one-half inches. 
On the 31st of May the depth of water in the Lake had increased 
to fifteen feet and six inches, notwithstanding a large waste had been 
continued for two days, and an ordinary one for a day and a half, 
to prevent the flow-line from passing its maximum limit. 6 
During the month of June the flow-line fell one foot and five and 
one-half inches; in July four inches; in August two feet and one-half 
an inch• in September two feet and six inches, and in October four 
inches. On the 31st of October it stood at seven feet and ten inches. 
From the foregoing it will be seen, that notwithstanding the long 
drought of 1865, so severely felt throughout large sections of the 
country, our supply did not fail. While much anxiety was felt in 
Washington, Philadelphia, New York and other cities, in regard to 
their supply, and the necessity of an economical use of the water 
was urged by their respective Water Boards, our citizens have been 
abundantly supplied, and Bleecker Reservoir maintained at its 
maximum height, with a large reserve in the Lake. 
These facts show, that with the best matured systems of supply, 
a failure may take place; but they do not prove the original plans 
for these cities to have been defective. It is the dictate of sound 
policy to provide, as far as practicable, against the possibility of a fail- 
ure in water supplies, and it is the design of the Engineer to 
embrace within his estimate every element that may affect its result; 
still there are contingencies which no forecast, no science, can 
■anticipate. 
Among these elements, the most important one, and upon which 
the least reliance can be placed, is the rain-fall; and yet, upon this, the 
certainty of an uninterrupted supply depends. While the character 
of the soil may easily be determined, the area of the water shed 
accurately computed, and the daily supply for any definite number 
of consumers ascertained, the rain-fall, notwithstanding all the 
advances of science, Can not yet be implicitly relied on. The period 
during which observations to determine the value of this element 
have been made, is too short to form a sure basis for computation ; 
and yet, the Engineer must be guided by the data which these 
afford. The mean annual rain-fall for fifty years, will undoubtedly 
approximate very closely to the mean for one hundred years, and 
no appreciable error result in applying the one to the other. 
But the same reliance cannot be placed upon the minimum rain- 
fall ; observations continued through a period of fifty years will 
determine the minimum fall during that period; but this is not 
applicable to the succeeding fifty years, when it may fall short or be in excess of this quantity. Nor have any observations determined 
the relative positions of the minimum and maximum years in the 
series. 
The years 1826, 1834, 1852 and 1854 were the minimum years, 
from 1826 to 1854 inclusive. In 1826 the rain-fall was 33T'o2o inches, 
succeeded by a fall, in 1827, of 49TVo inches. In 1834 the rain-fall 
was 32Tyr inches, succeeded by a fall in 1835 of 40TVo inches ; in 
1852 the rain-fall was 31TVo inches, succeeded in 1853 by a fall 
of 45t7o9k inches; in 1854 the rain-fall was 34 T'A inches, succeeded 
in 1855 by a fall of 41 Th8o inches. The mean annual rain fall for 
this period was 40TVo inches. 
Now, these observations appear to indicate that a minimum 
annual fall is uniformly succeeded by a fall equal to, or largely in 
excess of the mean annual rain-fall; and that such is the law of 
compensation regulating this department in the physical world, and 
yet this is not the fact. More extended observations are necessary 
to determine the law, if any, which exists ; for in 1859, the fall was 
34T|K inches, preceded (in 1858) by a fall of only 35T|o inches, 
and succeeded (in 1860) by a fall of 29 AV inches ; all three years 
being far below the mean since 1826, and thus destroying all 
deductions on this point that might have been drawn from prior 
observations. 
During the past yeai* a failure in the supply to Syracuse took 
place, and as this is a forcible illustration of the inability of the 
highest engineering skill, to provide for all the contingencies enter- 
ing into water supplies, a brief history of their works will be given. 
Within the last two years the works in Syracuse have been much 
improved and extended. A large Retaining Reservoir, covering an 
area of nineteen acres of land, and containing about one hundred 
and fifty millions of gallons, was constructed last year; the Company 
have also two Distributing Reservoirs, with a capacity of from six 
to eight millions of gallons. The depth of water in the Retaining 
Reservoir is from twenty-five to forty feet. 
When the improvements were commenced in 1862, it was 
designed to limit the capacity of the Retaining Reservoir to fifty 
millions of gallons, which it was believed would supply all deficien- 
cies of the springs, and carry them through the dryest season; but 8 
the plan was finally enlarged as stated. It was now supposed that 
their former supply, consisting of hard water, could be abandoned. 
The Retaining Reservoir was full last Spring. In the Summer, 
for precautionary reasons, about five feet were drawn off; after which 
it remained stationary until the 1st of August, when the surface 
commenced falling rapidly. 
Under date of November 3d, I860, the President of the Company, 
Hon. E. W. Lowenworth, writes: 
" The springs which have heretofore supplied us for fifteen years, 
had now (August 1st,) nearly failed, and the City was supplied 
mainly from the Reservoir till the first week in September, when 
the great drought alarmed us ; we then shut off the water from the 
City, from 10 P. M. till 5 A. M. each night, until the 14th of October, 
when our water was all exhausted, except about six million gallons 
in the Distributing Reservoir, kept for fire purposes." * * 
* * From the 14th to the 20th (October) 
the springs furnished perhaps one-quarter to one-third of a supply." 
* * "We supposed that thirty gallons to 
each person in the City would be a sufficient supply. Such was the 
geneially received opinion a few years since. We now furnish, 
and have all the Spring and Summer, more than sixty gallons for 
each man, woman and child, daily." 
The above has been submitted to show, that our failure in 1864, 
was not caused by any neglect of supervision, but was the result of 
contingencies not yet eliminated by science, and which, by derang- 
ing the best matured plans, so frequently disappoint all anticipations. 
The gates in the well chamber at the west terminus of our Con- 
duit failed to control the waste in July; when examined, they were 
found unfit for use, and were at once replaced by new ones. 
During the past season the shores of the Lake, along its whole 
circuit, have been carefully and thoroughly cleaned, and all vegeta- 
ble matter removed above high water mark. In addition to this, the 
two north ravines have been graded on a slope from high flow-line 
to the streams. I recommend that the shores of the south ravine b<* 
similarly graded. 
The old Seven Mile House, upon the one hundred and sixty acre 
tract, purchased from Steven Van Rensselaer, has been repaired and 
made tenantable. It was in a very dilapidated condition, no repairs 9 
(except re-shingling a portion of the roof) having been made upon it 
for the last fourteen years. 
The dwelling will now last for years; and, as it will always be 
necessary to keep a resident upon the premises, the repairs were 
demanded, both by tae comfort of the tenant and the interests of 
the City. 
Portions of the land purchased from Stephen Van Rensselaer and 
V illiam Enos, have been fenced, and I can now report that the 
Lake, and such portions of the land attached thereto as require it, 
are properly inclosed. It affords me pleasure to add that the 
keeper is both vigilant and faithful in the discharge of his duties, 
and that all directions given him are promptly obeyed. 
FLOW-LINE IN RENSSELAER LAKE IN I860. 
On the 31st January 
Feet. 
1 
In. 
11 
u 
28th February 
2 
2 
ll 
31st March 
12 
0 
u 
30th April 
13 
21 
a 
31st May 
15 
6 
ll 
30th June 
14 
01 
ll 
31st July 
12 
81 
ll 
31st August 
10 
8 
ll 
30th September 
8 
2 
ll 
31st October 
7 
10 
ll 
30th November 
9 
7 
31st December 
9 
4 
EXHIBIT 
Showing the Moneys paid in 1865 for Keeper's Salary, Cleaning dec., at 
Rensselaer Lake. 
Fencing and repairs to Seven Mile House and Well 
Chamber 
$693 SR 
Cleaning and grading shores of Lake 
855 02 
Clover and other grass seed - 
34 00 
Keeper's salary and repairs 
159 47 
$1,742 37 10 
TIVOLI LAKES. 
An uninterrupted supply of pure water has been furnished from 
this source during the past year. Repairs have been made to the 
gate which regulates the supply to the Mill Pond, and to the picket 
fence. Many of the hemlock strips to which the pickets are nailed 
are nearly useless; new ones will be required this year. 
The shores of the Lakes have been thoroughly cleaned-the Upper 
Lake down to low water mark. The Upper Lake is rapidly filling up 
with deposits brought down by the Creek during the Spring freshets 
and heavy rains. Large expenditures will soon be required to 
deepen the water. 
FLOW-LINE OF TIVOLI DISTRIBUTING LAKE, IN 1865. 
On the 31st January 
... . At high flow-line. 
" 28th February ,... 
u u 
" 31st March 
. .. One inch below high flow-line. 
" 30th April 
... At high flow-line. 
" 31st May 
... One inch below high flow-line. 
" 30th June 
... Ten inches " " 
" 31st July 
... At high flow-line. 
" 31st August 
« ii 
" 30th September.. . 
it u 
" 31st October 
... One-half inch above high flow-line. 
" 30th November.. . 
... At high flow-line. 
" 31st December .. . 
EXHIBIT 
Showing the Moneys paid in 1865, for Keeper's Salary <£c., upon 
Tivoli Lakes. 
Keeper's salary 
New frame canal (constructed in 1864.) 
Cleaning shores, lumber &c., 
$300 00 
1,916 17 
136 36 
$2,352 53 11 
BLEECKER RESERVOIR. 
On the 1st day of January, 1865, the flow-line in Bleecker 
Reservoir stood at six feet eight and one-half inches; the rains of the 
6th and 10th of January raised it one foot. After the 12th of 
January the water began again to fall, and on the 31st had reached 
six feet and one and a quarter inches; during all this time, the gates 
controlling the supply mains were partly closed. 
On the 19th of February, the flow-line had receded to four feet 
and nine and three-quarters inches, when, in order to retain sufficient 
for fire purposes, it became necessary to further close the gates, and 
reduce proportionably, the already limited supply to the Upper 
Service. 
Upon the first partial closing of the gates, made on the 31st of 
November, 1864, to retain the little remaining in the Reservoir for 
the extinguishment of fires, the supply at once failed along the 
Bowery and other elevated sections of the City, while the efficiency 
of the Fire Hydrants west of Knox street was materially diminished. 
To mitigate, as far as possible, the evils of a short supply, the 
stop cocks in Washington Avenue and along Lark streets, were 
closed for three hours each day; thus affording the residents upon 
the hills, an opportunity to procure a supply for the next twenty- 
four hours. This was all the relief that could possibly be given 
under the circumstances. 
So great were the consumption and waste that, within a few- 
minutes after closing the cocks, the pipes were emptied as far east 
as Eagle street; and within an hour, the failure extended over a 
greater portion of the Upper Service. 
To afford all possible protection against fire, one watchman was 
stationed daring the day, and two during the night, upon the bank, 
with strict orders to open the gates upon the first alarm of fire. 
As the drought continued, the streams flowing into Rensselaer 
Lake diminished; and the failure in supply passing east of Lark 
street, finally reached Eagle street, when (on the 22d of January, 
1865,) it became necessary, between the hours of 6 p. m. and 10 P. M. 
each day, to close the cocks along Eagle street, and thus temporarily 
fill the mains lying west. This gave partial relief, and, although 12 
great inconvenience was still experienced, but few complaints were 
made by those cognizant of the true cause of the failure in supply. 
On the 7th of February I made a personal examination of all the 
streams flowing into Rensselaer Lake, and found their volume very 
small, thus corroborating the deductions drawn from the rain-fall of 
1864. It was apparent that no relief could be afforded without rain, 
and, as this did not occur, the streams gradually diminished, reaching 
their minimum, flow on the 13th February, when the thermometer 
stood at 10 degrees below zero. 
The effect of severely cold weather, is not only to lessen the flow 
of the streams, but also to increase wastes in the City, to protect 
Service Mains improperly laid, against freezing. At such times, 
house cisterns are generally empty, and consumers compelled to 
depend for a supply entirely upon the City Works. Thus, while a 
larger than ordinary quantity of water was required, an amount 
smaller than usual was given by the streams. 
Prior to 1864, the flow of the streams, added to the quantity stored 
in the L keand Reservoirs, had been equal to the inci eased demand 
of Winter, and no inconvenience had been experienced, or the pos- 
sibility of a failure apprehended ; but the Winter of 1864-5, follow- 
ing, a long and severe drought set in, and a failure in the supply at 
once took place, with no relief in prospect except from rain. 
The watchmen at Bleecker Reservoir remained on duty from the 
3d of November, 1864, to the 16th of March, 1865. At 4 o'clock p. M. 
on the 16th of March, the flow-line having reached thirteen feet, the 
Supply Gates were opened and consumers furnished w'ith their 
usual quantity. 
Since the date of my last Report, many improvements and repairs 
have been made to Bleecker Reservoir. The east fence, which was 
in a very dilapidated condition, and liable to be blown down, has 
been rebuilt; the old posts and a greater portion of the pickets and 
boards were again used, and the work principally performed by the 
regular employees of the Works. All the land attached to the 
Reservoir is now inclosed by a high picket fence; the materials 
however, are old, and in a few years it will become necessary to 
replace it by a more substantial one. 
In 1861, to provide for cleaning the gate-house, which controls 
the two sixteen-inch mains passing through the Bowery, a six inch 13 
waste pipe was laid thereupon, extending to the brick culvert used 
for emptying the Reservoir. 
This pipe has been removed, and the waste from the gate house 
discharged into the stop cock well under the sidewalk of Clinton 
Avenue, whence it flows through a twelve inch box drain into the 
new City Sewer in Partridge street. This box drain, about five 
hundred feet in length, has also been laid during the past year; it 
answers a double purpose, not only carrying off the waste water 
from the gate-house, but also thoroughly draining the sidewalk on 
the Avenue. 
A six inch tile drain has been laid near the foot cf the east slope, 
terminating in the stop-cock box at the northeast corner of the 
Reservoir. This at once made passable the ground between the 
bank and the east fence, which had always been wet and covered 
with swamp grass. It may now be ploughed and seeded, and a fine, 
firm sod secured. For several days after its completion, a constant 
stream of water passed through it into the brick drain. 
Along the sidewalk of Clinton Avenue, thirty-five shade trees 
have been set out to replace those that were killed through trans- 
planting and the failure to grade the carriage-way in time last year. 
To save the expense of bailing in the future, should this again 
become necessary, as well as to speedilyh'emove from the water, 
leaves and every other foreign substance brought down the Conduit 
from the Lake, a waste-pipe has been laid through the bank at the 
northwest corner of the Reservoir; it is under the control of the 
keeper, is easily operated, and has already proved very serviceable ; 
the waste from this pipe passes along a trench at the bottom of the 
slope into the street drain. 
Plain and substantial bridges to the to replace the 
old ones found to be unsafe, have also been constructed. 
The garden attached to the Reservoir, containing many rare and 
valuable shrubs and trees, has been much improved during the past 
year; and, from the large and increasing number of visitors, it is 
evident that the efforts of the Commissioners to make these grounds 
attractive, have been successful and are appreciated by the citizens. 14 
On the 31st Jannnrv. 
Feet 
6 
In. 
8f 
a 
28th February 
6 
2 
<c 
31st March 
13 
61 
a 
30th April . 
13 
9 
<< 
31st May 
13 
2 
u 
30th June 
14 
01 
a 
31st July 
14 
0 
<c 
31st August 
13 
91 
<c 
30th September 
13 
9 
a 
31st October 
13 
9 
a 
30th November 
13 
6 
a 
31st December 
13 
11 
FLOW-LINE IN BLEECKER RESERVOIR IN 1865. 
Ordinary high water mark is at fourteen feet. The waste-gate is 
brought into use, when the water reaches fourteen feet and one and 
one-half inches. 
EXHIBIT 
Showing the Moneys paid in 1865 for Keeper's Salary, Fencing, 
Grading, Drains, &c., Jc., at 
Keeper's salary 
Fence posts 
Lumber 
$300 00 
15 04 
162 86 
Watchmen, during failure in water, 
447 20 
Shade trees and shrubs 
143 26 
Painting, repairs to roofs, &c., 
320 98 
Labor in laying box and tile drains 
226 05 
Removing six inch main 
112 00 
New bridges, shed and repairs to house 
574 11 
Other labor and repairs 
438 01 
$2,739 51 
Bleecker Reservoir. 15 
CONDUIT. 
In July last the Conduit was cleaned, including the well and gate- 
house at Rensselaer Lake. The quantity of deposits removed was 
very small, not exceeding two cubic yards of solid material. At 
the same time the top and slopes of the back-filling were grubbed. 
Repairs have been made to the well chamber in Washington 
Avenue, and to the waste-drain leading therefrom. No other repairs 
have been required on the Conduit, although it is nearly four miles 
in length, and in constant use. 
The total amount paid on account of Conduit during the year 
1865, is two hundred and fifty-eight dollars and twenty-seven cents. 
MAEZLANDT KILL. 
This source of supply has not been interrupted since my last 
report. The frame canal, constructed by the old Water Works 
Company, to conduct the water to the Reservoir, and to receive the 
sand brought down the stream in heavy rains, has been cleaned 
several times during the past season. 
Prior to the construction of the present works, this stream was 
the main source of supply for the City. During that time, however, 
the amount of sand deposited in the canal was small, compared with 
what it now is. 
As Maezlandt Kill is hereafter to supply a large section of the 
City, formerly dependant upon Bleecker Reservoir, it will be neces- 
sary, as soon as practicable, to have the buildings repaired, the 
Reservoirs cleaned and the waste-drains opened and put in working 
condition. All these repairs and improvements can be made at a 
comparatively small outlay. 
The amount paid during the year 1865 for cleaning and repairs 
made to Maezlandt Kill, is two hundred and forty-one dollars and 
fifty-two cents. 16 
NEW MAINS LAID IN 1865. 
New mains have been laid in the following streets, during the 
year 1865: 
A four inch main in Morton street, from Hawk to Dove streets; 
length of main thirteen hundred and twenty-six feet. 
A three inch main in Warren street, from Grand street to a point 
sixty-six feet west of Elizabeth street; length of main five hundred 
and fifty-two feet, together with eleven feet of hydrant pipe. 
A three inch main in Road street, from Canal to Swan streets ; 
length of main three hundred and eighty-three feet. 
A six and four inch line of mains in Clinton street, from Arch 
street south to Delaware street; length of six inch main six hundred 
and thirty-three feet; and of four inch main two hundred and 
seventy-nine feet. 
This line is to be used exclusively in supplying Morton, Catharine, 
Delaware and Alexander streets, from the west; the six inch, after 
connecting with the mains in Morton, Catharine and Delaware 
streets, is reduced to a four inch main, which is continued south, 
and connected with the main in Alexander street. 
The change made in the division line between the services, 
rendered this improvement necessary; without it, consumers west 
of Clinton street could not have received a supply. Whenever a 
main shall be laid in Neucella street, it will become necessary to 
supply it by continuing the new four inch main south from Alex- 
ander street. The water in the Morton street main now flows as far 
west as Dove street. 
An eight inch main in Lark street, from Washington Avenue to 
Lydius street; length of main nineteen hundred and eighty-four 
feet. As great complaints have for sometime existed of a want of 
head upon the service pipes south of Lydius street and west of 
Hawk street, and the eight inch main has been laid to remove the 
evil, it is not connected with any of the intersecting streets. 
The reason for the loss of head upon the service pipes was patent; 
so great were the draughts made upon the old eight inch main in 
Lark street, at Chestnut, Lancaster, Jay, Hudson and Hamilton 
streets, that before it reached Lydius street, very little water 17 
remained in it for distribution-not sufficient to reach the second 
stories. 
The new eight inch main has accomplished the object designed, 
no complaints having been made since its completion. The 
hydrants have also been rendered much more serviceable, and the 
danger from fires proportionably lessened. 
A four inch main in Vine street, from Green to Dallius streets; 
length of main two hundred and sixty-one feet, together with nine 
feet of hydrant pipe. 
MAINS LAID IN 1865. 
LOCATION. 
FROM 
TO 
Hydrant 
Pipe. 
3 Inch. 
4 Inch. 
6 Inch. 
8 Inch. 
Morton Street 
Warren " 
Hawk 
Grand 
Dove 
West of Elizabeth 
11 
552 
1,320 
Road " 
Clinton " 
Lark " 
Vine " 
Hydrant Pipe 
Canal 
Arch 
Washington Ave. 
Green 
Cor. of B'way ... 
Swan 
Dallius 
Lydias 
Dallius 
And South Ferry. 
9 
17 
383 
279 
261 
633 
1,984 
37 
935 
1,866 
633 
1,984 
HYDRANTS. 
On the 31st of December, 1864, the total number of hydrants 
connected with the works, was two hundred and seventy-five, since 
which time four have been put up, located as follows: 
One on the southwest corner of Vine and Dallius streets ; one on 
the southwest corner of Warren and Elizabeth streets; one on the 
northwest corner of Broadway and South Ferry streets ; one on the 
southwest corner of Pearl street and Maiden Lane. 
Number of hydrants on the 31st December, 1864 
275 
Added during the year 1865 
4 
Total number on the 31st December, 1865 
279 18 
STOP-COCKS. 
The number of stop-cocks has been largely increased during the 
past year. 
Number of stop-cocks December 31st, 1864 
Added during the year 1865 
174 
18 
Total number on the 31st December 1865 
192 
This large additional number has been required in changing the 
division line between the services from Pearl street to Swan, Wil- 
liam, Grand and Clinton streets; and for subdividing two of the 
largest sections, so that they may be more easily controlled. 
Although the works have been improved, and the convenience of 
consumers promoted, by reducing the areas of these sections, some 
of the remaining ones are still entirely too large, requiring too much 
time and labor to manage them. 
That portion of the City lying south of Arch street, and east of 
Pearl street, constitutes one section. To make repairs or additions 
all the mains within this large area must be emptied. Besides the 
time required to close and open the stop-cocks, and the large num- 
ber of consumers inconvenienced thereby, great destruction of 
property might ensue in the event of a fire. 
I therefore recommend that this and other large sections be sub- 
divided. As the principal part of the work will be performed by 
the regular employees, all that will be required to make these 
important changes will be a few stop-cocks. 
LOCATION OF STOP-COCKS SET IN 1865 
Diameter 
in inches. 
Location. 
Number. 
8 
Lark street, south of Washington Avenue 
1 
6 
Arch street, east of Clinton street 
1 
6 
Clinton street, south of Arch street 
1 
4 
Neucella street, west of Pearl street 
1 
3 
Alexander street, west of Pearl street 
1 
4 
Schuyler street, " " 
1 
4 
Beaver street, east of Green street 
1 p. 19-34 missing 35 
NEW DIVISION LINE BETWEEN THE SERVICES. 
When the distribution was arranged upon the completion of the 
Works, it was designed to have the division line between the two 
services pass through the centre of Ten Broeck, Chapel, Lodge and 
Grand streets. This was partly carried into effect, branches having 
been placed at the requisite points, and two lines of mains having 
been laid in Ten Broeck and Grand streets; the west lines connected 
with Bleecker Reservoir, and the east lines with Tivoli Lake. 
It was soon discovered, however, that the water from Tivoli would 
not rise to the assumed division line between the services, and it 
was moved to Pearl street, where it remained until nearly the close 
of 1865. 
The failure in the water to reach Ten Broeck, Lodge and Grand 
streets, was not caused by want of head in Tivoli Lake, but origin- 
ated in the supply main leading therefrom being too small. In 
1857, this main (only twelve inches in diameter) was replaced by 
one of four times its capacity. At the same time, an additional 
distributing main-a portion of it being sixteen inches, and the 
remainder twelve inches in diameter, was laid through Van Woert 
street and Broadway to Lydius street. 
It is also proper to state, that in the original distribution, as carried 
into effect, Pearl street, between State and Lydius streets was omitted; 
and that all that section of the City, east of Pearl street and south 
of State street was dependant for a supply upon a six inch main in 
Green street, and a four inch main in Quay street. 
Had the supply main from Tivoli Lake been of proper dimensions, 
and had sufficient outlets been provided at Van Woert street, it is 
now certain that the original division line between the services could 
have been retained. It is due to the Engineer to state, however, 
that nearly one-half of the twelve inch supply main had been laid 
and used by the Old Water Works Company; and that, from 
motives of economy, it was added to the new works; under other 
circumstances a larger one would undoubtedly have been laid. 
After the failure of 186-i, a thorough examination of the supply 
and demand upon the respective services, convinced me that a 
change in the division line between them might be made, meterially 36 
reducing the area of the Upper Service, and thus protecting the 
residents against the evils suffered by them during the last Winter. 
The plan was submitted to the Commissioners-met their approval, 
and has been carried into effect, and with results entirely satisfactory ;■ 
indeed it has proved a complete success. The following is a descrip- 
tion of the changes made : 
1. Maezlandt Kill now furnishes a supply to the following streets 
taken from the Upper Service : Chapel street, from Columbia street 
to Clinton Avenue;'Hawk street, from Canal to Orange streets; 
Orange street, from Pearl to Swan streets; Van Tromp street; Van 
Schaick street, from Pearl to Cross streets; Cross street and Canal 
street, from Pearl to Swan streets. 
2. That portion of the City west of Pearl street, and extending 
from Lydius to Howard streets, and bounded on the west by a line 
drawn through the centre of Grand street, from Lydius to Beaver 
streets, and through William street from Beaver to Howard streets, 
has been added to the Lower Service. 
3. Clinton street, from Arch to Neucella streets; Broad street, 
from Arch street to the south bounds of the City ; Neucella street, 
from Pearl to Clinton streets; Alexander street, from Pearl to Clin- 
ton streets; Schuyler street, from Pearl to Clinton streets, and Arch 
street, from Pearl to Clinton streets, have also been taken from the 
Upper Service and connected with the supply from Tivoli Lake. 
Thus Bleecker Reservoir has been relieved from three large sec- 
tions, densely populated, and where, from the great head upon the 
service pipes, the quantity of water daily lost from wastes was 
exceedingly large. 
Upon the completion of these changes, the effect produced upon 
the flow in the Conduit was at once apparent. The connection of 
Maezlandt Kill with the Canal street section was made on the 13th. 
day of September, and the connection of Tivoli Lake with the sec- 
tion south of Arch street, was completed on the 27th day of Sep- 
tember. 
The mean daily flow in the Conduit, from Sep'ember 1st to Sep- 
tember 13th, inclusive, was 23?Vo inches, Bleecker Reservoir rising 
in the meantime one and one-half inches ; while from September 14th 
to September 30th, inclusive, it was only 20t%8j inches, Bleecker 37 
Reservoir rising one and one-half inches, showing a diminished flew 
of 2t7/o inches. 
Upon comparing the mean daily flow of the last seventeen days 
of September, 1865, with the mean daily flow for a similar pericd in 
September, 1863, I find that, notwithstanding the increase in ti e 
number of ordinary consumersand of manufacturing establishments, 
using extra quantities of water, the flow in the Conduit was 2Tyg- 
inches less in 1865 than it was in 1863. 
There are no reliable means of accurately determining the quan- 
tity of water thus saved to the Upper Service. The amount, 
however, is large, and, in my judgment, will protect consumers 
from a recurrence of the evils experienced in 1864, until arrange- 
ments for increasing the supply, either by raising the dam or intro- 
ducing additional streams, are perfected and carried into successful 
operation. 
WASTES. 
Since the failure in the supplydn 1864, the imperative necessity 
of systematic examinations of the water fixtures in the City, so as 
to secure repairs and thus prevent* wastes, has become apparent. 
In obedience to insti uctions received from your Board, a special 
agent was employed last May, whose duty it was to report all wastes 
from carelessness or defective fixtures, and to notify the owners or 
occupants to make necessary repairs. 
He entered upon his duties on the 25th of May, and temporarily 
supended them in June. During this period, from May 25th to 
June 12th, inclusive, one hundred and seventy-one wastes (some from 
broken pipes, some from defective hydrants, some from worn out 
faucets, and many of them very large,) were stopped by suitable 
repairs made by the owners. 
On the 1st of August re-examinations of the City were again com- 
menced, and continued till the 15th of November. During August, 
repairs were made to two hundred and forty seven broken fixtures; 
during September to one hundred and twenty-four, and during 
October to forty-five. 
Besides the water thus saved by repairs, a large number of wastes 
from hydrants and faucets in perfect order, were discovered and 38 
promptly stopped. In all such cases notices were served on the 
tenants that if the evil was repeated, the supply would at once be 
eut off at the street main. These have been registered for future 
and repeated examinations during the Winter. 
Although the repairs were generally made with willingness and 
dispatch, some owners paid no attention to the notices sent them, 
and the water was accordingly cut off. During August, September 
and October, recourse was had to this remedy in sixteen instances. 
By these repairs, an enormous quantity of water has been saved for 
legitimate consumption ; and it cannot be doubted that, if only 
ordinary economy was practiced by the citizens, the necessity for an 
increased supply might be postponed for years. 
Under the great head upon some of the service pipes, one broken 
fixture will frequently discharge thousands of gallons every twenty- 
four hours; and, when we consider the great number detected, it is 
not surprising that the daily flow of the streams, during a portion of 
the year, falls short of the daily consumption. 
Many of the consumers fail to remember that the Works are 
owned and maintained by the City and not by a company; and that 
in wasting the water unnecessarily, they are injuring their own 
interests, and hastening the period when large expenditures, to be 
met by increased taxation, must be made to procure additional 
sources of supply. 
The logic of1 experience proves that appeals to the citizens to be 
economical in the use of the water will not produce a reform, and that 
the only effectual remedy for this evil, which, in its results, affects 
alike those who obey " the Rules and Regulations," as well as those 
who disregard them, is to insist upon prompt repairs, or to cut off 
the water until the fixtures are put in order. 
Under your instructions, examinations will be continued from 
time to time, and all premises deprived of water, where the owners 
neglect or refuse to comply with the law. Undoubtedly this will 
be deemed by some an arbitrary exersise of power, but the water 
was introduced into the City for the accommodation of all the con- 
sumers, and when wasted by a few, so as to deprive others of its use, 
manifest injustice is done. Neither are those who permit wastes 
upon their premises, in the least benefited by the operation; they 
injure others, without any corresponding advantage to themselves. 39 
The rule, therefore, which insists upon repairs is both proper and 
just, and ought to be enforced. 
I am aware that the excuse uniformly urged in winter for wastes, 
is to prevent the freezing of the water in the service pipes; but 
surely this excuse (under no circumstances a valid one), cannot be 
applicable during the warm weather. If the pipes are properly laid, 
ordinary care is all that is necessary to prevent the water from 
freezing. 
Neither can it be said that the large number of wastes detected 
in 1865, was due to the impurities, which the consumers supposed 
might thus be removed from the water; for the wastes prevailed as 
generally upon the Lower Service, where the water was good, as 
they did upon the Upper Service, where it was bad. 
There is, in reality, no good excuse for the evil; and to continue 
it after due notice, evidences gross carelessness and a disregard for 
the convenience and comfort of others, thereby deprived of their 
just supply. 
If, during the winter of 1864-5, only such quantity of water as 
was required for use had been drawn from the mains, sufficient 
would have been saved to have relieved, if not entirely removed, 
the inconveniences suffered by the residents west of Lark street. IMPURITIES IN THE WATER. 
A recurrence of impurities in the waters of Rennselaer Lake and 
Bleecker Reservoir, during the past year, rendersit both proper and 
necessary, that I submit for your consideration such facts upon this 
interesting subject as 1 have been able to collect, and which may, 
in future, aid others in their examinations. 
There are two distinct causes (each imparting to the water an 
odor and taste peculiar to itself,) that have affected our Reservoirs, 
at different periods during the past few years ; the one giving to the 
water the odor and taste of fish, the other imparting to it a musty 
odor and taste, sometimes detected in dead wood. 
In the former it is extremely difficult to satisfy consumers that 
the impurities are not due solely to fish in the Reservoirs; while, in 
the latter, they are equally confident that the Reservoirs are little 
else than stagnant pools. 
Both kinds of impurities are unpleasant, and when fully developed, 
exceedingly offensive; so much so indeed, that it is impossible to 
convince some that water so impregnated can possibly be innoxious. 
Other cities have suffered from the same causes. New York, 
Boston and Brooklyn, where, from commercial as well as sanitary 
reasons, every possible expedient is adopted to "keep and main- 
tain," at all times, a supply of pure water, have experienced the 
evils now under discussion. Other cities have also been visited 
by them. 
In 1864 the -water in the Reservoir supplying the City of New 
Haven became offensive, being affected with the fishy odor and 
taste. In I860 these returned, and soon became so powerful as to 
destroy whole brewings of ale. 
In the Reservoir at Cohoes, supplied by pumping from the 
Mohawk river, and in the Reservoir at West Albany, the water 
during the past Summer possessed the same offensive qualities that 
characterized our supply on the Upper Service. 41 
A brief history of the impurities in some of the cities men- 
tioned, so far as I possess the necessary data therefor, will now 
be given, together with their probable cause, and such other infor- 
mation upon the subject as may be deemed relevent and important. 
In 1854, the waters of Cochituate Lake (supplying Boston) were 
affected by the fishy odor and taste. They were first noticed in 
October, commenced improving about the middle of January, and 
finally disappeared on the first of February. Great solicitude was 
felt upon the subject, and Prof. Hosford and Dr. C. T. Jackson were 
appointed to examine into " the nature and origin " of the evil. 
After examinations and a thorough analysis of the water, taken from 
different portions of the Lake, they arrived at the same conclusion, 
viz.: " that the impurity complained of is derived from vegetable 
decomposition existing in the Lake itself. That it might be attribu- 
ted to the unusually long and severe drought of the last Summer, 
and to the subsequent rains acting upon the peculiar soil of part of 
the Lake, and over the whole water-shed ; and that complete relief 
might be anticipated from the natural agency of the approaching 
cold and rains. 
The reports were interesting, elaborate and able, and at once 
dispelled the idea, at that time so prevalent among the consumers, 
that the offensiveness of the water proceeded from fish in a state of 
decomposition in the Lake. 
The Cochituate Board also instituted inquiries to ascertain whether 
the deterioration of the water was peculiar to the Lake, " or whether 
other Lakes and ponds had not been subject to the same trouble." 
Upon this point they say, "As far as the Board have been able to 
institute any inquiries, they have found that the difficulty lias, by 
no means, been confined to the Lake. Among others, Round Pond, 
near Haverhill, and which supplies that town, was examined by the 
City Engineer, and some of the water brought to this City. It was 
precisely similar in taste to the Cochituate water. There was also 
sufficient evidence that Jamaica Pond had been in the same state 
recently. The waters of the latter pond, which are usually exceed- 
ingly pure, some years since were, for a time, quite offensive both 
to the taste and smell. The cause of the impurity, however, was 
never discovered." The Board also add, "There is also proof that 
several wells near the Lake, and in other places, have had their water 
6 42 
affected in a similar way; and also that the water in the Chicopee 
River was for a time quite offensive." 
In 1862, the water in Ridgwood Reservoir, Brooklyn, became 
affected with the fishy odor and taste; the following extract from 
the Brooklyn Eagle, of May 22d, 1862. describes the impurity; 
" Complaints have recently been made, that the water from Ridge- 
wood Reservoir, from which the City is supplied, was so disagreeable 
to the taste, that many were compelled to abandon its use for culinary 
purposes, and, Last Saturday and Sunday, a general raid was made 
upon the old pumps, for a supply of the necessary article. 
To obviate the difficulty, the Reservoir had to be emptied; and, 
says one who was present at the time, presented a singular, and by 
no means a gratifying spectacle to an Engineer. Coming towards 
it from the north, with a southerly wind, the 'fishy odor' was pal- 
pable, etc., etc." 
In 1864, the fishy odor and taste appeared in the Reservoir supply- 
ing the City of New Haven. The evil returned in a much more 
aggravated form in I860. 
On the 1st September I visited New Haven, where I learned the 
following facts: 
Their Distributing Reservoiris elliptical in form, and divided into 
two apartments along its transverse diameter. It contains ten 
millions of gallons, the daily supply being about one million. Its 
water is derived from Lake Whitney, which is two and one-half 
miles long, three-quarters of a mile in width, and very deep. 
The impurities could not be detected in the waters of the Lake, 
but were confined exclusively to the Reservoir. Investigations to 
ascertain the cause of the impurities, entirely failed, and, therefore, 
could not indicate a remedy, either to remove the unpleasant taste 
and odor, or to prevent their re-appearance. 
Finally, the Reservoir was emptied, and thoroughly cleaned; but, 
in less than one week thereafter, and while refilling it, the water 
again exhibited its offensive qualities The Engineer then discov- 
ered that the valves controlling the proper exit of the water, were 
closed ; thus preventing that constant circulation through the Reser- 
voir, which it was designed to maintain. Upon opening these, the 
impurities disappeared, and the water was restored to its norma! 
condition. 43 
The Engineer attributes the offensive properties of the water to 
want of circulation; from the fact, that upon opening the valves, 
and thus receiving the supply at one extremity of the Reservoir, and 
discharging it at the other, as originally contemplated, the water 
became pure. 
Now, while it is true, that the greater the circulation, the nearer 
the approach to a running stream, the purer will be the water, it is 
equally true, that the cause of the fishy odor and taste has a limit 
to its duration; and that as this is approached the water improves, 
and when finally reached, the evil entirely disappears. 
It is probable that this limit was reached shortly after open- 
ing the valves; the increased circulation thus secured, undoubtedly 
improved the water, and aided the operations of nature in purifying 
it. 
Besides, the first indications of a change in the water in Boston 
appeared in October, nor was there any preceptible change for the 
better, until about the middle of January, when the odor and taste 
became less marked ; nor until the 1st of February, was the purity 
of the water restored. 
Now, the season of the year in which the impurities appeared and 
continued in Cochituate, precludes the conclusion that they arose 
from want of circulation. The Water Board, as well as Prof. Hos- 
ford and Dr. Jackson, attribute them to vegetable decomposition, 
existing in the Lake itself, and brought therefrom the whole water- 
shed, after a long and severe drought, followed by rains. 
As it is an axium in Natural Philosophy that like causes produce 
like effects, if the fishy odor and taste of the water in New Haven 
originated from want of circulation, then to the same cause must be 
attributed similar impurities which affected the Cochituate Lake ; 
and yet, the Water Board and Scientific Commission, after a careful 
and thorough examination and analysis, conclude that the change 
in the Boston supply arose from vegetable decomposition. 
Although sufficient data may not yet have been collected to 
determine with absolute certainty whether the fishy odor and taste 
have an animal or vegetable origin, from the observations which I 
have made I am convinced that they are due to infusoriaa rapidly 
developed under certain favorable physical conditions of the atmos- 
phere and water. In what these conditions exist, how far their 44 
operations may be modified by counteracting influences under our 
control, why they are not confined to any particular period of the 
year, and whether they are not climatic, are questions which cannot, 
at present, be satisfactorily answered. Longcontinued observations 
and experiments in the future may discover the true cause of the 
evil, when a remedy to lessen or remove it may be applied. 
Besides the fishy odor and taste, the waters of some of our cities, 
including Albany, have been affected by a musty taste and odor, 
the latter sometimes exceedingly offensive, and similar to sulphur- 
etted hydrogen gas. 
This impurity has appeared several times in the waters of Rensse- 
laer Lake and Bleecker Reservoir. During the past year it contin- 
ued from the first of May to the last of August. Many of our 
citizens, fearing that it would prove deleterious to health, felt great 
solicitude upon the subject. To relieve them from their apprehen- 
sions, and at the same time to determine, if possible, the probable 
cause of the evil and to suggest a remedy for its removal, the Board 
of Health invited Prof. Philip Ten Eyck, Doctors Thomas Hun, S. 
O. Vanderpoel, Jacob S. Mosher and J. R. Boulware, to visit and 
carefully examine the Lake and Reservoir, and submit the result of 
their investigations in a Report. All these gentlemen, except Dr. 
Vanderpoel, who was prevented by professional engagements, kindly 
responded to the invitation. Their Report was made on the 11th of 
August. 
Satisfied that no filth or impurities flowed into the water from the 
adjacent grounds, they attributed the evil to vegetable matter, brought 
into the Lake by the streams upon which it depends for its supply. 
In regard to the quality of the water they say: " We fully appre- 
ciate the inconvenience caused by the bad water, but while we are 
by no means disposed to make light of it, it is satisfactory to be 
able to state, that thus far at least it has not proved injurious to 
health. There is no more sickness than usual in the City, nor are 
those parts to which the water is distributed more unhealthy than 
the rest." 
The impurities that affected the Croton water in 1859 were from 
descriptions so similar in kind, though not in degree, to those which 
appeared in our Reservoirs in 1865, that I take the liberty of laying 
before your Board the following Reports of Messrs. Chilton and 45 
Torrey, made, as will be seen, in answer to a request from the Croton 
Aqueduct Board: 
Croton Aqueduct Board, Rotunda Park, ) 
New York. August 27 th, 1859. j 
The unpleasant taste of the Croton water in the early part of the 
month, induced the Croton Aqueduct Board to call upon Messrs, 
Chilton and Torrey to make a thorough chemical examination. 
The reports of these gentlemen are herewith submitted to the 
public, and it is confidently believed will prove as satisfactorily to- 
the community as they have been to this Board. The Board would 
take this opportunity of saying, that from the first appearance of the 
objectionable taste in the water, every available means have been 
employed to discover the cause and counteract its effect; and are 
happy to add, that, in a few days the entire renewal of the water in 
the pipes and in the Reservoirs will do away with the last trace of 
anything objectionable in its taste. 
MYNDERT VAN SCHAICK, 
THOMAS B. TAPPAN, 
A. W. CRAVEN, 
Croton Aqueduct Board. 
New York, August 25th, 1859.- 
To Myndert Van Schaick, Thomas B. Tappan, 
and A. W. Craven, Esqs., Croton Aqueduct Board: 
Gentlemen-At your request, and in company with Dr. Chilton, 
I visited Croton Lake on the 18th inst., for the purpose of ascertain- 
ing, if possible, the cause of the disagreeable quality observed in 
the water distributed through the City, and which had been the 
subject of serious and general complaint for a week or two previous. 
On driving down the hill that leads to the dam, and before reaching 
the Lake, we noticed the same musty odor that characterized the 
water of the hydrants in the City. Mr. Adamson, the gate-keeper, 
afforded us every facility in prosecuting our researches, and piloted 
us to'various places ori the Lake. He brought to our notice a bright 
green substance that had appeared within the last twenty-four hours 
in the water near the dam. This material had been driven by a 
favorable wind, to the outlet of the Lake, where it accumulated so 46 
-as to form a considerable stratum in quiet recesses near the shore. 
The water at the time was very low, only a small portion flowing 
•over the dam. A quantity of the water, quite thick with the green 
materia], had been reserved for our examination, and we had col- 
lected some of it ourselves from the surface of the Lake. V e soon 
became convinced that this unusual ingredient was the cause of the 
peculiar taste and odor of the water. After examining the character 
of the larger aquatic plants that grew abundantly in the western 
portion of the Lake, and taking new samples of the water from 
various places, we returned to the City, and I commenced my 
examination immediately, before any obvious change had taken 
place in the properties of the water. 
On placing a portion of it under a microscope, it was found to be 
filled with little straight filaments, which were composed of oblong 
roundish cells, in a single row like a string of beads, and in no case 
did I find these threads to be branching, iMost of the cells were 
about one-third longer than broad, and were filled with a bright 
green substance, composed of irregular grains. This matter was 
proved to be chlorophyl, or the green coloring substance of leaves. 
Interposed, here and there, in the bead like filaments were two other 
kinds of cells, the one perfectly spherical, three times the size of 
the oblong ones, and filled with green spores or seeds, by which 
the plant is reproduced; the other also spherical, but much smaller, 
and containing a yellowish fluid, but no green grains. The func- 
tion of the latter is unknown to me. 
There were only a few other kinds of microscopic plants in the 
water, nearly all of which belong to a particular tribe, called by 
botanists Desmideae. In ordinary seasons these constitute the chief 
vegetable forms existing in the Croton. The number of living 
animalculae was also unusually small. In repeated instances, on 
concentrating the water of the city hydrants at the time that it 
exhibited the offensive properties complained of, I found its char- 
acteristics precisely those of the water taken at the dam. The day 
after collecting the sample of bright green water at the Lake, I 
submitted it again to the microscope, and was surprised to find that 
all the beaded filaments had disappeared, but there was floating in 
the liquid, in a separate state, the larger spherical green cells and 
the smaller yellowish ones. I had noticed in my first examination 47 
several of the filaments break up by the successive bursting of the 
little cells. Without doubt the myriads of little plants obtained in 
my sample had disappeared in the same way. I have since repeat- 
edly seen the filament break up in water taken from the hydrants. 
They undergo dissolution much more quickly when they are con- 
fined in a bottle. After the rupture of the cells the water retains 
its green color for some time, but it finally becomes bleached from 
the decomposition of chlorophyl. The bright green w.ater from the 
Croton Dam became quite viscid in less than twenty-four hours, 
and the following day it was somewhat putrid, and emitted a little 
ammonia, but not the least trace of sulphuretted hydrogen. Most 
of the spherical cells just noticed remained entire, but the green 
ones had evidently matured their spores or seeds. 
Before the green water had decomposed, I evaporated a portion 
to dryness, w'ith great care, so as to avoid scorching it. Sulphuric 
ether agitated with the residue became of a lively grass green tint, 
but without materially diminishing the color of the mass. The 
solution after spontaneous evaporation of the ether left a thick 
brownish green matter, which was resoluble in ether and alcohol, 
but not in water. It was doubtless one of the coloring bodies of 
clorophyl. 
A portion of the green water was then boiled for some time; it 
lost its color and odor, and deposited brownish flakes on cooling; 
The water that distilled over contained the odorous principle in a 
concentrated form. 
From this examination, and from the researches of Dr. Chilton, 
I think we are warranted in concluding that the recent offensive 
condition of the Croton water was owing to a rapid and abundant 
growth of microscopic conferva-like plant, which abounds in a vola- 
tile, odorous principle, soluble to some extent in water. 
We wore extremely fortunate in making our visit to the Lake 
at just the time when a favorable wind drove the little plant (float- 
ing by adhering bubbles of oxygen gas) to the outlet; thus bringing 
within the space of a cubic inch as many of the filaments as could 
be separated by filtration from a hogshead of the water a short dis- 
tance from the dam. 
I have not yet satisfied myself as to the origin of these little fila- 
ments; whether they are an entire plant, or once constituted a part 48 
of a more complex algae. They are more minute than in any true 
conferva known to me, being over 2,500th to 2,000th of an inch in 
diameter, and from a 50th to the 20th of an inch long. I strongly 
suspect that they are derived from a species of the genus Nostoc of 
Botanists. The genus usually consists of a globular or oblong 
vesicle, from the size of a buckshot to the bigness of a plum, and 
filled with mucus which is loaded with minute, bead-like filaments. 
"When the little bladders burst, the contents escape, the mucus dis- 
solves in the water, and the filaments are set free. Sometimes the 
waters of small Lakes are filled with these small bladders of Nostoc. 
Since examining the water I have had no opportunity of revisiting 
the Lake to verify my conjecture. 
The question naturally arises, why this plant should have made 
its appearance in such quantities, and not have been noticed before. 
We can only reply that the case is not a singular one. Even in the 
higher order of plants, it is a common circumstance for a particular 
species to abound at one time, and then almost disappear for years; 
and in the lower vegetable tribes, especially those which inhabit 
the water, is this strikingly the case. The present Summer has 
been unusually favorable to vegetation of all kinds; but what are the 
■circumstances which have so remarkably multiplied this little algae, I 
have not yet determined. It is a plant of short duration, and should 
it reappear another season, the probability is that it will not annoy 
us long. Very likely more or less of it occurs every Summer, but 
this is the first time that it has been offensively brought to our 
notice. Even when it was most abundant in the Croton, I do not 
"believe that it communicated any unwholesome quality to the 
water. Its odor and taste were certainly unpleasant. While the 
unpleasant quality of the water continues, the ordinary filter will 
remove all the suspended matter, and a little fresh-burned vegetable, 
charcoal, or animal carbon, will take away the disagreeable smell 
and taste. A good method of using the charcoal is to heat some 
small pieces red hot, and, after quenching, inclose them in a little 
bag of gause, and suspend them in the water. The charcoal should 
be renewed or reburned every day or two. 
I am, gentlemen, very respectfully, 
Your obedient servant, 
(Signed) JOHN TORREY. 49 
New York, Aug. 25th, 1859. 
To Myndert Van Schaick, Thomas B. Tappen, 
and A. AV. Craven, Esqs., Croton Aqueduct Board: 
Gentlemen-In compliance with the request received from your 
Honorable Board, that I would make a chemical investigation and 
analysis of the Croton water, for the special purpose of ascertaining 
the cause of its peculiar unpleasant condition, I beg leave to offer 
the following report as the result of my investigation: 
On the 12th of August, inst., I received from Mr. A. AV. Craven, 
Chief Engineer of the works, three demijohns of the water, num- 
bered and labeled, as follows : 
No. I. AVater from the mouth of the aqueduct at the Receiving 
Reservoir. 
No. 2. From the east side of the gate .house, southeast corner 
of Receiving Reservoir, south basin. 
No. 3. AVater from Forty-second Street Reservoir. 
On emptying the water from each of the demijohns into separate 
large glass jars, it presented the same general appearance in all. 
The color, when viewed thus in bulk, by reflected light, was nf a faint, 
brownish hue, but by transmitted light, it had a shade of green. 
It was nearly transparent, but upon close inspection, some minute 
particles were observed suspended throughout the mass. The taste 
and odor of each were the same as that of the water drawn from 
the hydrants in the City, and in these particulars closely resembled 
the water of ponds and marshes, abounding in vegetable matter. 
After remaining at rest for a few hours, a deposit of light, floculent 
matter was observed at the bottom of each of the jars containing 
the water. Portions of this matter were removed and examined 
with a microscope, and in each case numerous minute aquatic 
plants and siliceous remains of Brittle worts (Desmideas) with a few 
living animalcules, were easily detected. A similar sediment was 
obtained from a new filter attached to the hydrant in my laboratory, 
by allowing the water to pass through it for a short time. In this 
concentrated form it was decidedly of a green color. 
By the application of nitrate of silver, to each of the samples of 
water, they were found to change color quickly, under the influence 
of solar light, to a deep claret color. The change of color being 50 
greater than I had observed by similar treatment of Croton water 
on former occasions, indicated that it contained an unusual amount 
of vegetable matter. 
One gallon (231 cubic inches, 58,327 grains) of the water No. 1 
was carefully evaporated in a porcelain dish to dryness, and the 
dry residuum, which was of a brown color, was found to weigh 3.68 
grains. This was heated in a platinum capsule until the organic 
matter was burnt off. During the combustion, it emitted the odor 
of burning vegetable matter, mixed with a small quantity of animal 
substance. It was again weighed, and found to have lost 0.92 of a 
grain. The solid contents, therefore, of one gallon of water No. 1, 
consisted of 
Grams. 
Inorganic (mineral) matters 
2.76 
Organic (chiefly vegetable) matters 
0.92 
Total 
3.68 
One gallon of water No. 2, similarly treated, gave: 
Inorganic matters 
2.769 
Organic matters 
0.930 
Total 
3.699 
One gallon of water No. 3, treated in the same way, gave 
Inorganic matters 
2.765 
Organic matters 
0.940 
Total 
3.705 
A qualitative analysis of the inorganic matter showed the presence 
of lime, magnesia, sulphuric acid, chlorine, soda and a trace of 
postassa. 
The organic matter was mainly composed of extremely minute 
aquatic plants, of which an account will be given by Dr. Torrey in 
his report, but I detected in it also crenic acid, in combination with 
alkaline bases. 
To determine the relative proportions of the several constiuents 
of the water, I made a quantitive analysis of three gallons of the 51 
water No. 3. The results thus obtained when reduced by calcula- 
tion, gave the lollowing as contained in one gallon: 
Chloride of Sodium 
.. 0.4040 
Chloride of Calcium ■ 
.. 0.1036 
Chloride of Magnesium 
. 0.1466 
Sulphate of Lime 
. 0.3536 
Carbonate of Lime 
. 0.8366 
Carbonate of Magnesia 
. 0.3900 
Carbonate of Soda and a trace of Carbonate of Potassa. . 
. 0.2700 
Silica, Alumina and a trace of Iron ,, 
. 0.1698 
Total 
. ' 2.6742 
Organic Matters 
. 0.9158 
Total grains 
. 3.5900 
While the preceding investigation was in progress, I was requested, 
on the 16th inst., to visit the Croton Lake, in company with the 
President and Mr. J. C. Winder, Assistant Engineer. We traversed 
the entire length of the Lake, a distance of five miles, taking sam- 
ples of water from different parts of it. The first sample was 
procured from that part of the dam where the water first enters the 
Aqueduct. The next about one-fourth of a mile distant. The next 
sample about one mile further on. The fourth from the vicinity of 
Pine's Bridge. Fifth from Kisco Creek, where it mingles with the 
water of the Lake. Lastly a sample from the head of the Lake. 
A physical examination made at the time of taking the samples 
revealed nothing unusual or different from what I had observed in 
the water obtained from the Reservoirs in the City. 
The odor and taste were similar, and the same kind of minute 
floating particles were observed in each when examined with the 
aid of a magnifier. The extraneous particles were most abundant 
in the water from the dam. They were found to be less apparent 
as we approached the head of the Lake, where the water was clear 
and transparent. 
On the following day I again visited the Lake in company with 
Prof. Torrey, who, through some misunderstanding, did not accom- 
pany us on the first excursion. r>2 
Upon arriving at the Lake we learned that Mr. Adamson,, the 
keeper of the dam and gate had observed since the proceeding 
day an unusual quantity of a light green matter floating on the 
water near the dam. Upon the slightest agitation of the water this 
green substance was diffused so as to appear lost, but with care he 
had procured a pailful of it, which he had reserved for our inspec- 
tion. Some of the same material we procured ourselves from the 
surface of the Lake, and we took home with us samples for 
chemical and microscopic examination. 
Before leaving the spot we had a strong conviction that to thia 
substance might be attributed all the unusual qualities lately 
observed in the Croton water throughout the City. It had precisely 
the same taste and odor, but in a very concentrated degree. Of its 
vegetable nature we entertained no doubt. 
A chemical examination of the green matter gave the following 
results: 
A portion of it mingled with water was gently heated and finally 
boiled. Upon the first application of a moderate heat, the color 
quickly changed from a green to a light buff color. When near 
the boiling point, the whole was converted into a thin, mucus sub- 
stance, and, by continuing the heat, the odorous matter all disap- 
peared. 
Some of the green matter, mixed with water, was submitted to 
distillation, when the odorous principle passed over in union with 
watery vapor, and condensed in the receiver as a colorless, transpa- 
rent liquid, possessing the characteristic flavor of the original 
substance. A portion of the same green material was agitated with 
pure sulphuric ether. After subsidence, the ether, which arose to 
the surface, was separated and allowed to evaporate. A minute 
quantity of an oily substance, slightly tinged with green, was thus 
obtained. The coloring matter was probably due to chlorophyl, 
the green coloring matter of plants. 
When examined with a microscope of high power, the green sub- 
stance was seen to consist of some minute aquatic plant, a detailed 
description of which is given by Dr. Torrey. There was also 
observed among it a few of the living animalcuke, such as the 
microscope usually reveals in unfiltered water from fresh water 
ponds. It may be worthy of remark, that so far as I have observed, 53 
the apparent number of these living forms is much less in the Cro- 
ton water now than I have noticed in former examinations. 
It is quite evident that the flavor of the Croton water, so much 
complained of during the past week or two, is now rapidly dis- 
appearing, and that the water has nearly regained its normal con- 
dition. I believe the unusual little plant which we have found in 
it, and which gave it the peculiar flavor complained of, to be of a 
perfectly harmless character, and, consequently, the wholesomeness 
of the water has not been impaired by it in the least degree. 
I have drank freely of it during the time when it was in the 
worst condition, and have partaken of the green matter which "was 
procured from the Lake in its concentrated state, and also after it 
had been converted into a jelly by heat, without experiencing any 
ill effects whatever from it. 
Filtration of the water through the porous filters, now so much in 
use, was found to separate effectually all the minute floating parti- 
cles from it, and thus rendered it more palatable. 
Upon comparing the present analysis with the results that I ob- 
tained in the year 1836, and again in 1842, as well as with the 
analysis by Prof. B. Silliman, Jr., in 1845, I find that the Croton 
water at the present day is purer, or in other words, contains a 
smaller proportion of inorganic and other constituents than has been 
found in it since the liberality and wise forethought of our rulers 
caused the introduction of this source of countless blessings to our 
great City. 
Respectfully your obedient servant, 
JAMES B. CHILTON. 
From repeated and careful observations made by me, while the 
impurities existed in Bleecker Reservoir, as well as from microscopic 
examinations by Prof Philip Ten Eyck, it is apparent that the fore- 
going description of the Croton water is applicable to our City 
water, while affected with the musty odor and taste. 
Messrs. Chilton and Torrey, however, saw the impurities in the 
Lake only as they were passing away; and, as many opportunities 
have been afforded me, for noting some of the more obvious changes 
that take place in the appearance of the water, from the time when 
its impurities are first detected until it again returns to its normal 54 
condition, I have thought it not irrelevant, but that it might prove 
useful for future reference, to state briefly what these changes are. 
For a short time prior to any impurities, noticeable either to the 
taste or smell, the water in the Reservoir, when viewed from the 
bank, presents a dark, inky hue, even with a cloudless sky and a 
clear atmosphere. Viewed in a tumbler or other small vessel, noth- 
ing unusual in its appearance can be discovered. 
In a few days the dark color disappears and the water gradually 
loses its transparency, when examined from the bank; not suffi- 
ciently so, however, as to be detected by consumers. So general 
and evenly distributed throughout the water (at least at or near the 
surface) is the foreign substance that has discolored it, that it would 
entirely escape the notice of a casual observer. Indeed, it is doubt- 
ful, whether the changes thus far would attract any attention from 
visitors, especially as no discoloration has yet been complained 
of by consumers. 
The semi-roily appearance soon grows more apparent, when the 
musty odor and taste make their appearance in the City; at first 
scarcely perceptible and confined to particular localities: soon, 
however, more palpable and general throughout the service. 
The water now assumes a distinct smoky appearance, so dense, 
that it is impossible for the vision to penetrate more than a few 
inches below the surface; this sometimes partially disappears, 
returning after a few hours or days; the water in the meantime 
assuming its dark hue. These changes may be repeated several 
times, occupying a period of days or weeks. 
Frequently only portions of the Reservoir, varying from a quar- 
ter of an acre to three acres, assume the smoaky color, the remainder 
presenting the dark appearance. 
The separation between these two colors, is, at times, remarkably 
distinct and well defined, frequently extending in an unbroken line 
across the whole Reservoir. This line is rapidly shifted under the 
influence of light atmospherical currents; sometimes moving a 
distance of fifty feet in a few minutes, but still sharply defined; 
showing that the coloring matter lies only at or near the surface. 
An examintion corroborates this, for at the depth of one or two 
inches, the smoaky hue cannot be detected. A heavy wind not 
only dissipates the coloring matter, but sometimes postpones its 55 
reappearance for several days; its collection upon the surface is pro- 
moted by a hot atmosphere and a cloudless sky. 
To the unaided eye, the water now appears filled with fine particles 
of inorganic matter; magnified, these are precisely similar to the 
filaments described in the Reports of Messrs. Torrey and Chilton, 
and which affected the Croton water in 1859. 
In a few days, another marked change takes place, distinct from 
any that has preceded; the surface becoming covered in places with 
a thin scum of a yellowish green color. This forms with great 
rapidity, and, after remaining for a short time-depending upon the 
condition of the atmosphere-disappears. During the past season 
this has been frequently repeated, the water in the meantime 
remaining offensive. 
On some occasions it has formed and covered large portions of 
the water, within the space of a few minutes, remained for a short 
time, and then been dissipated without any apparent cause. 
The collection of this scum upon the surface often takes place 
during the night, or very early in the morning, though generally 
about noon, dependant, undoubtedly, upon the condition of the 
atmosphere at the time, as well as upon the state of the water. 
Always broken up by a wind, it frequently disappears under a still 
air. This process, the result of natural agencies, as yet but little 
understood, may be repeated on several successive days, or at 
intervals of several days. Its formation is a sure indication that the 
water will soon return to its normal state (unless the process is 
checked), as the foreign matter, causing the unpleasant taste and 
odor, is becoming specifically lighter than the water and rising to 
the surface. 
When in this state, the quality of the water may be improved by 
taking the supply from near the bottom. 
At the final change (and the Croton water was in this state when 
Messrs. Chilton and Torrey made their examination), all the impu- 
rities collect, with great rapidity, upon the surface, forming, in a 
few hours, a glutinous mass of varied hue, the yellow, green and 
brown, however, predominating, the whole mottled with white 
spots. When driven by the wind to the side of the Reservoir, it 
attains a thickness of from one to two, or even three inches, while 
the water underlying the mass is also quite thick, and of a dingy 56 
green color. This arises, undoubtedly, from portions of the foreign 
matter, before reaching the surface, being driven under the mass 
already formed, and thus removed from the direct action of the 
atmosphere. 
Immediately upon the last change being perfected, the water, ex- 
cept at its surface, has become pure. The material should now be 
removed from the Reservoir as expeditiously as possible. This is a 
precautionary measure that ought never to be omitted; for, although it 
decomposes with wonderful rapidity, its whole appearance changing 
in a few hours, giving off to the atmosphere its offensive qualities, 
and leaving only earthy matter, it is readily broken up into frag- 
ments by the wind. When this occurs the large pieces gravitate below 
the surface, are carried into the mains and distributed throughout 
the City. In such instances the impurities, in a concentrated form 
reach the consumers. Not only are the taste and odor rendered 
more offensive, but the coloring matter makes the water' unfit for 
washing. 
This last process, by which the impurities are brought to the sur- 
face, never takes place, except during a perfectly calm atmosphere. 
If a wind interrupts the operation it will be continued and comple- 
ted at some subsequent period.* 
Although these masses are exceedingly offensive to the eye, and 
their odor and taste concentrated, the water is transparent at the 
depth of a few inches, and all impurities disappear near the bottom 
of the Reservoir. 
While the impurities continued, frequent microscopic examina- 
tions were made by Prof. Ten Eyck, who found them to consist of 
minute vegetable organisms, similar to those described by Messrs. 
Chilton and Torrey in their interesting reports. 
When examined with a hand microscope, the water appeared filled 
with minute filaments, resembling fine threads of glass, or lines of 
light. Their axes assumed all directions,-horizontal, vertical and 
oblique. They were motionless, having the same specific gravity 
as the water. Under a microscope of high power, their forms and 
structures were beautifully developed. 
* When this final change took place in 18G4, it was completed in a very short period 
and without interruption ; whereas, in 18G5, after the foreign matter commenced form- 
ing in masses upon the surface, the operation was checked, and several weeks transpired 
before it was resumed and completed. 57 
The accompanying drawings, for which I am indebted to the kind- 
ness of Prof. Ten Eyck, who has devoted no little time in microscopic 
examinations of the water, will convey a much more correct idea of 
the form, size and general structure of this plant, than can possibly 
be given in a written description. By comparing these with the 
description of the plants which appeared in the Croton Lake in 1859, 
it will be seen that they are identical. 
In August last, while the water was peculiarly offensive, a 
portion of it was sent to Dr. Julius G. Pohle, of New York, for his 
examination. 
The following is a copy of his report: 
Laboratory of Julius G. Pohle, M. D., 
(Formerly of and successor to Dr. Jas. R. Chilton, &c.,) 
Analytical and Consulting Chemist, 
489 Broadway, N. W. corner of Broome street, 
New York, August 12th, 1865. 
I have analysed a water sent me by Messrs. Hageman & Co., 
and found it to contain saline constituents, &c., in the proportion of 
5t%- grains to the gallon. These consist mainly of the following, 
and exist apparently in proportion, in the order stated: 
Chloride Sodium, 
Carbonate Soda, 
Chloride Calcium, 
Chloride Magnesium, 
Vegetable Organic Matter, 
Sulphate Lime, 
Silicic Acid, 
Carb. Lime and Carb. Iron 
The saline constituents of the above are too small in amount to 
prove deleterious to health. They are no greater than those held 
in solution by the Croton water. The objectionable salts of lime in 
this case are very small in amount. I consider the water perfectly 
wholesome. 
JULIUS G. POHLE, M. D., 
Late of Jas. R. Chilton & Co., 
Analytical Chemist