"She Artesian Water Company confidently 
submits the matter contained in this Pamphlet 
as convincing proof to the public of the clear- 
ness and purity of the water it supplies. The 
'it by Professors Smart, Mallett and 
mnot be successfully challenged. 
S. C. TOOF & CO., PRS. & LJTHS., MEMPHIS. No tribe, no town, no city, no people, can have health and prosper, without pure water. 
-BERGSOHN. 
STRATA AS SHOWN IN BORINGS FOR ARTESIAN WATER CO.'S WELLS, 
MEMPHIS, TENN., 1888. THE SANITARY VALUE OF PURE WATER. 
THE ARTESIAN SUPPLY AT MEMPHIS. 
BY J. M. KEATING. 
There is nothing more essential to public health than 
pure water. This is the first desiderata with all sani- 
tarians. In order to procure it under ordinary condi- 
tions from wells and rivers the most stringent sanitary 
laws are enforced. A clean soil is one of the conditions 
essential to pure water. Under the old plan of privy 
accommodations in cities and towns it was found that 
the soil soon became saturated with fecal matter, and 
that the little, infinitessimal microscopic insects that are 
the germs of disease found their way to the wells and 
underground cisterns, and in that way transmitted dis- 
eases, often multiplying patients to the number that is 
usually deemed necessary to authorize the announce- 
ment of an epidemic. In this way mainly the germs 
of typhoid fever, which claims 300,000 victims every 
year in this country, are distributed. It was supposed 
when sewer systems were substituted for privies that 
they would prevent the transmission of disease germs 
in towns and cities that were sewered. But as sewers 
must have outlets, and these outlets must be into rivers 
that are usually the sources of supply of drinking water 4 
THE ARTESIAN WATER SUPPLY AT MEMPHIS. 
for generally the same population, it lias been found 
that they are more dangerous than privies, and that in 
proportion to the amount of fecal matter they carry, is 
the danger from what sanitarians term preventible 
diseases, that is, diseases that may be prevented by 
the enforcement of all necessary sanitary precautions. 
There is scarcely a river in the United- States today 
that is not thus infected by sewage. The rapid increase 
of population in this country has, in one hundred and 
ten years, forced upon us all the deleterious conditions 
that are the result of neglect and indifference, and that 
sanitarians in Europe and Asia have for thirty-five years 
been trying to remedy. The great rivers have become 
great sewers for great cities, and the streams that feed 
them are polluted from source to mouth by the drainage 
of farms, on many of which diseased animals may be 
found, from which come the germs of not a few of the 
diseases fatal to man. Thus surface-drainage as well 
as under-drainage contributes its quota to the multiform 
organisms that are an ever-present menace to the health 
and lives of people. 
How to avoid this menace is the problem of the age. 
The cremation of all household and street wastes in 
cities and towns and villages, and of all manure and 
decaying matter on farms, I have advocated persistently 
as the only means. But more radical than this is a resort 
to artesian wells for a water supply. They are usually 
sunk to a depth far below the porous soil that holds and 
transmits the germs of disease, and pure water is some- 
times the result. I say sometimes, because much de- THE ARTESIAN WATER SUPPLY AT MEMPHIS. 
5 
pends upon the strata where the driven pipes end. 
Here it is sometimes found that the water holds foreign 
matter in suspension that makes it an excellent medi- 
cine, but destroys it for general use. Many towns have 
thus been disappointed after going to great expense. 
Memphis, more fortunate than these, and the most 
fortunate of all cities that have gone down to the foun- 
tains and sources of many rivers for a supply of pure, 
clear and cool water, has had to bore through 480 feet: 
25 feet of loam--the soil most dangerous for the per- 
petuation and transmission of disease germs-20 feet of 
gravel and sand, 145 feet of impervious clay, of the 
consistency of pipe clay or soap stone, through which 
nothing can pass, not even water, and last through 290 
feet of water-bearing sand that is practically inexhausti- 
ble. The analysis of this water at various times and 
under varying conditions, proves it to be pure as the 
purest distilled water, that is absolutely pure, clear of 
all or any description of germ or pollution, or of any 
foreign matter that could interfere with its general use 
by a large and increasing population. No other city in 
the world is so blessed. This blessing lifts Memphis 
above the contingencies of disease by water, and there- 
fore meets the first requirement of the sanitarian, the 
first essential to public health : pure, clear water. This 
is a great boon, and one that in the coming years must 
have a decided effect upon the public health, and, to- 
gether with our sewer system, satisfy those who are 
seeking permanent homes, that Memphis is one of the 
most inviting; cities in the United States. 6 
THE ARTESIAN WATER SUPPLY AT MEMPHIS. 
The supply of this water seems to be inexhaustible, 
and engineers who have made the geological conditions 
a study, declare that it is inexhaustible, and that the 
source, as far away as the basin of the Tennessee river, 
can never be seriously infringed upon, even by satisfying 
the accumulating needs of a population of millions. 
Memphis has therefore tapped the " fountain of youth 
she can never grow old. And she has also thus proven 
that settlers anywhere in the great Valley of the Missis- 
sippi can supply themselves with the purest water, and 
has justified the claim of its people that for soil, climate 
and productions, and all the aids to life and living, it is 
" the best in the world," as old Col. McLean, one of its 
most ancient inhabitants, used to say. From Cistern to Wolf River, and to Artesian Water. 
From the Memphis Medical Monthly.] 
The freest gift of heaven, good pure water, has never 
been abundant in Memphis. Up to the time \)f the 
introduction of the present system of water works, the 
city and its inhabitants relied entirely upon under- 
ground cisterns and shallow wells for a supply. The 
latter have been constantly contaminated by surface 
percolation, and thereby rendered unfit for domestic 
purposes. Thus these wells have not only contributed 
largely to the production of malarial and gastro-enteric 
conditions, but have, in the knowledge of the writer, 
done much for the spread of specific, contagious and 
epidemic diseases in our midst. The cisterns have fur- 
nished little better record, as but few can be found at 
any season of the year that are water-tight. 
The introduction of Wolf river water was hailed 
with delight by all who understood the dangers of con- 
stantly using the disease-breeding waters of superficial 
wells and imperfect cisterns. The feeling was encour- 
aged by the known fact that the water from this river 
was above the average of that furnished most cities, in 
regard to purity. It was regarded as the third best 
water furnished to cities. This, however, was when it 
was clear, either from settling or filtration. Unfortu- 
nately no effort has been made to do either, and the 
result has been that during all of our rainy seasons and 8 
THE ARTESIAN WATER SUPPLY AT MEMPHIS. 
after each rainfall in more settled weather, mud and 
water, water and mud, at times almost equal parts, are 
pumped into the city for the use of its inhabitants under 
the euphonious cognomen, water. 
Our readers will be glad to learn that a new hope 
has dawned upon us, and that ere long Memphis will 
be able to boast of an abundant supply of the purest 
water ever furnished to an American city; that, too, 
without the possibility of its source becoming contam- 
inated. 
Recently, R. C. Graves, Superintendent of the Boh- 
len-Huse Ice Co., of this city, has been boring deep 
wells with the view of finding water sufficiently pure 
for manufacturing into ice. On Court street, near the 
bayou, after going 354 feet below the surface, water 
that flowed several feet above the starting point was 
discovered-an artesian well that has now been flowing 
with unabated vigor for three months or more. With- 
out awaiting an analysis our people tasted the water, 
pronounced it good, and have flocked to the well by 
thousands to quaff the cold, crystal liquid as it comes 
from the pure white sand below. 
The well, as before stated, is 354 feet in depth. A 
stratum of bluish gray clay, of stony solidity of struc- 
ture, though easily cut with a knife, about 120 feet in 
thickness, is perforated just before reaching the stratum 
of sand in which the water is found. So firm is this 
clay stratum that the engineers prospecting for a found- 
ation upon which to rest the piers of a bridge across 
the Mississippi river, deem it sufficient forthat purpose. THE ARTESIAN WATER SUPPLY AT MEMPHIS. 
9 
It will therefore readily be seen that through such ma- 
terial of such great thickness no contaminating fluids 
can possibly pass from the surface. 
The anxiety of the citizens for this water induced 
Mr. Graves to inquire into the possibility of furnishing 
the city with it, in quantity sufficient for all purposes. 
The result of his study convinced him of its abundance 
and the practicability of obtaining it. He immediately 
had it analyzed, and organized a company. 
THE ANALYSIS. 
Mr. Graves sent to Dr. Charles Smart, U. S. Army, 
Washington, D. C., a sample of the water for analysis. 
It will be remembered by many of our readers that 
Dr. Smart was the analytical chemist of the National 
Board of Health, and as such spent a number of months 
in Memphis analyzing everything and everybody and 
sporads in general. He has occupied much of his time 
in this department of scientific investigation, and has 
the confidence of the entire profession. From the fol- 
lowing letter it is quite certain that he was not prepared 
to believe such good water could come from Memphis: 
Washington, D. C., June 9, 1887. 
C. Graves, Memphis, Tenn. : 
Dear Sir-I have made the analysis of the water sample which you sent 
me last week, but the results are of so unexpected a character that for my own 
protection, as well as yours, I desire to verify them upon another specimen 
before transmitting them to you for possible publication, and that the identity 
of the water be established beyond question I would suggest that you invite 
some one interested in the matters of the city, as for instance Dr. Thornton or 
Gen. Greene, to be present at the collection and shipment. 
Very truly yours, CH. SMART. 
Address to me at Army Medical Museum, 10th street, Washington, D. C. 10 
THE ARTESIAN WATER SUPPLY AT MEMPHIS. 
Washington, D. C., June 18, 1887. 
7?. C. Graves, Memphis, Tenn. ; 
Dear Sir-I send enclosed report on the examination of the two samples of 
well water. 
The unusual purity of the water, and an experience which has shown me that 
if the analyst's reputation cannot be assailed the identity of a water may be 
brought in question, led me to suggest a caution in this regard. 
I return Dr. Thornton's verification of the collection and shipment, as it forms 
a part of the papers in the case. 
A plentiful supply of water like this would be a god-send to any city. * * 
Very sincerely yours, CHARLES SMART. 
Across the receipt of the Southern Express Company, 
to which Dr. Smart refers, is written the following: 
Memphis, June 13, 1887. 
The two bottles of water sent by this receipt were taken from the Bohlen- 
Huse Ice Co. well on Court street, Memphis, this day. I saw the bottles filled 
and shipped. G. B. THORNTON, 
President Board of Health. 
Analysis of Two Water Samples From the Bohlen-Huse Ice Co.'s 
Deep Well, Memphis, Tenn. 
The figures express parts per 100,000 of the water. 
1st Sample 
2d Sample 
Solids, volatile, 
2-5 
i-5 
Solids, fixed, 
6.5 
7.0 
Solids, total, * 
9-o 
8-5 
Chlorine, 
.217 
.210 
Nitrous acid, 
.0000 
.0000 
Nitric acid, 
•0055 
.0040 
Oxygen required to oxidize organic matter, . 
.0000 
.0000 
Free ammonia, 
.002 
.000 
Albuminoid ammonia, 
.0015 
.0010 
Both samples were clear, colorless, transparent and without odor, having 
soft, pleasant taste, even at the temperature of 8o° Fahr., when the experiment 
was made. They contained a small quantity of pulverulent, rusty sediment, 
which under the microscope was found to consist of exceedingly minute particles THE ARTESIAN WATER SUPPLY AT MEMPHIS. 
11 
of sand with darker particles of iron. No organic debris was discovered, and 
only a trace of infusorial life. 
This water is somewhat similar in its character to that of a rain water which 
has been shed from a clean roof and has undergone the natural purifying process 
which takes place during storage in a sound, clean, underground cistern, and as 
such it is fit for all domestic and economic purposes. There are, however, few 
cistern waters, perhaps none, that are as pure as this water. Its freedom from 
organic matter is such that I have rarely met with a natural water which gives 
less response to the tests for organic matter. 
In so far as the permanganate test is concerned, the samples gave no more 
reaction than the carefully-distilled water used as a standard of purity with 
which to compare it and rate its impurity. 
I know of no city which has a water supply as pure as the samples now 
reported on. 
Dated at Washington, D. C., this eighteenth day of June, 1887. 
CHARLES 
Major and Surgeon U. S. Army. 
Washington, D. C., June 27, 1887. 
R. C. Graves, Esq., Memphis, Tenn. : 
Dear Sir-With regard to the well water recently reported on by me, I desire 
to point out that the small quantity of nitrates and chlorine present in the 
water demonstrates that it is not derived by percolation from the overlying surface 
soil. The surface waters (shallow wells) of Memphis are largely charged with 
chlorine and nitrates, and these would not be lost by downward percolation. 
CHARLES SMART, 
Major and Surgeon U. S. Army. 
Professor Mallet's Report. 
University of Virginia, Va., June n, 1887. 
A. C. Graves, Esq., Superintendent and Treasurer Bohlen-Huse Machine and Lake 
Ice Co., Memphis, Tenn. : 
Dear Sir-I have completed a careful examination of the sample of water 
you have sent me with the following results: 
The water is clear, with the exception of a few dark-colored flecks of sus- 
pended matter. No smell; no perceptible taste. 
Blue litmus paper is faintly and temporarily reddened. After the water has 
been boiled it has a very faint alkaline reaction to red litmus. 
Total dissolved solids=86.8 parts per million, including the ordinary mineral 12 
THE ARTESIAN WATER SUPPLY AT MEMPHIS. 
constituents of potable fresh water: carbonates, sulphates and chlorides, with 
traces of phosphates of magnesium, calcium, sodium, potassium and iron and a 
little silicic acid. 
No poisonous metals. 
The iron, in relatively considerable quantity, is in the ferrous condition. 
The dissolved gases are those of the atmosphere, carbon dioxide, nitrogen and 
oxygen ; almost no oxygen; no nitrites ; a faint trace only of nitrates. 
Chlorine=i 8 parts per million. " Free ammonia "=.024 per million. 
" Albuminoid ammonia "=.053 per million. Oxygen (of potassium permanga- 
nate) consumed in three hours in the cold (partly, at least by iron, in the ferrous 
condition) = .72i per million. Organic carbon (by Frankland's process)=.86 
per million. Organic nitrogen=.28 per million. 
From these results I am of opinion that the water examined is in a very satis- 
factory degree pure, and affords no evidence of any danger to be feared as 
attending its use for ordinary drinking purposes. 
There is but a single point about it at all peculiar, namely, the presence of a 
little iron dissolved as ferrous carbonate by the carbonic acid present. 
This iron is probably derived, or much of it, from action on the tube lining 
the well, and it gives rise to the dark-colored flecks observed to be deposited. 
While it cannot be considered at all unwholesome, as the tube becomes crusted 
over this action may be expected to gradually cease. 
Of course the above report is to be taken as descriptive only of the water as 
sent to me. Whether its character is subject to any variation from time to time 
should be matter for future observation. I am, sir, respectfully yours, 
J. W. MALLET. 
Wyandotte, Kas., June 28, 1887. 
Mr. R. C. Graves, Memphis, Tenn.: 
My Dear Sir-I herewith enclose an analysis made by Prof. E. H. Bailey, of 
the Chemical Laboratory of the University of Kansas, of the artesian water sent 
him recently through my brother-in-law, Dr. M. Summerfield, of Lawrence, Kas. 
I hope that the result will meet your expectations. 
Very respectfully, NEWMAN EKB. THE ARTESIAN WATER SUPPLY AT MEMPHIS. 
13 
Chemical Laboratory University of Kansas, 
E. H. S. Bailey, Ph.D., Prof, in Charge. 
Lawrence, Kas., June 25, 1887. 
Dr. M. Summerfield: 
Dear Sir-The sample of water from Memphis, Tenn., contains of 
Free ammonia016 parts per million. 
Albuminoid ammonia,024 parts per million. 
Mineral matter,5_424grainsper million. 
The mineral substances are essentially 
Carbonate of iron, 
Carbonate of calcium, 
Silica (sand). 
Chlorides and sulphates are not present. 
Yours truly, E. H. S. BAILEY. 
The above results show 
First. That it is a good water and comparatively free from organic matter, so 
that it can be safely used for domestic purposes. » 
Second. The small amount of mineral matter present makes it a valuable 
water for boiler and steam purposes. 
Third. The chief mineral substance, carbonate of iron, cannot, I think, be 
objectionable, and may act as a tonic upon the system. 
Yours, etc., E. H. S. BAILEY. 
We append as a comparative statement to show with 
these analyses a table taken from the official reports as to 
New York Croton water. A clearer idea can be obtained 
of the influence of factory refuse on river waters by 
comparing the quantities of chemicals used with the 
quantities naturally contained in the streams. 
The Croton water contains in 1 U. S. gallon of 231 
cubic inches, the following normal impurities : 14 
THE ARTESIAN WATER SUPPLY AT MEMPHIS. 
Grains in 1 U. S. Gallon. 
Soda,0.326 
Potassa,0.096 
Lime0.988 
Magnesia,0.524 
Chlorine,0.243 
Sulphuric acid (SO3), . . . 0.322 
Silica0.621 
Carbonic acid,2.604 
Organic and volatile matter,0.670 
Total,6.395 
One hundred million gallons of this water are used 
daily in New York, in which are contained the follow- 
ing quantities of the above-mentioned substances in 
pounds and in tons of 2000 pounds : 
Impurities in 100,000,000 Gallons of Croton Water. 
Impurities 
Pounds 
Tons 
Soda, 
• • • • 4,657 
2.319 
Potassa, 
• • • •■ 1,385 
0.692 
Lime, 
. . . . I4,H4 
7.O38 
Magnesia 
• • • • 7,485 
3-742 
Chlorine, 
. . . . 3,471 
I-735 
Sulphuric acid, 
. . . . 4,600 
2.300 
Silica, 
. . . . 8,858 
4-429 
Carbonic Acid, ... 
18.600 
Organic and volatile matter, 
• • • • 9,571 
4.785 
9L34I 
45.640 
As the average flow of the Croton river is 400,000,000 
gallons daily, there are 365,428 pounds, or nearly 183 
tons, of impurities carried to the ocean daily by a stream 
which does not receive any refuse from factories. THE ARTESIAN WATER SUPPLY AT MEMPHIS. 
15 
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE. 
The above and many other facts directly and indi- 
rectly connected with the subject under consideration 
enabled the committee appointed by the Legislative 
Council, after four protracted sessions, to formulate 
and submit the following report: 
1. Havingbeen duly sworn, we then carefully investigated and considered the 
source and quality of the water supply proposed to be furnished for the public 
use in this Taxing District by the Artesian Water Company. 
2. The proposed source of supply is by means of deep wells sunk to a depth 
of about 400 feet below the level of Court Square, penetrating through a deep 
stratum of blue clay and into a deep bed of fine sand. This stratum of fine 
sand develops and furnishes the water intended to be supplied by the Artesian 
Water Company, and from the evidence presented to us (in connection with our 
own knowledge of the geological formation of the surrounding country and of 
our State), we believe the supply of such water to be abundant, or, in the lan- 
guage of the statute, "bountiful for all public needs." 
3. The quality of the water proposed to be furnished is represented by that 
taken from the artesian well of the Bohlen-Huse Ice Company, on Court street, 
in this city. From the evidence presented to us, and from our own examination, 
we are satisfied that this water is good, clear, pure and wholesome, adapted to 
all public and domestic purposes. In this portion of our investigation we have 
been greatly aided by the opinions and analyses of Dr. Chas. Smart, Major and 
Surgeon of the United States Army; Prof. J. W. Mallet, of the University of 
Virginia, and others. The opinions of these two scientists, who are recognized 
among the ablest experts in this country, are entitled to the greatest weight, and 
the exalted terms in which they speak of this water warrant us in the conclusion 
that it is among the purest, if not the most wholesome, ever offered as a public 
supply to any community. • L. B. SUGGS, Chairman. 
S. P. READ. 
ALEXANDER ERSKINE, M.D. 
E. MILES WILLETT, M. D. 
F. L. SIM, M. D. 16 
THE ARTESIAN WATER SUPPLY AT MEMPHIS. 
Correspondence between Mr. Graves and Dr. Smart, Government 
Chemist, and his Second Analysis. 
The following is the correspondence and second anal- 
ysis of the water now being furnished by the Artesian 
Water Co,: 
Memphis, Tenn., July 21, 1888. 
Dr. Chas. Smart, Washington, D. C. : 
My Dear Sir-We have now been furnishing artesian water to about one- 
third of Memphis for nearly three months ; this has been done from eight wells 
most of the time, while ten have been in use for some two or three weeks. We 
are now at work coupling together the balance of our wells (thirty-two in number), 
and when done we hope to be able to supply the entire city with artesian water. 
For my own satisfaction, and that you may know the facts in the case, as also to 
be able to show our citizens generally as to the character of our water, and 
whether or not it is the same as that pumped from the ice factory wells, I will 
today make you a shipment of one gallon of water, taken from the mains near 
our pumping station; I will also enclose herewith Dr. Thornton's identification 
of the shipment, as was done when water was sent from the ice factory well in 
June of last year. You will please make an analysis and a report as soon as 
convenient. 
I also send you a sample of white clay taken from a boring made this week, 
also some of the sand from which we draw the water. I do this to show you 
that we have a large factor of safety in what we call the protective stratum, 
there being from 125 to 145 feet of clay like the sample sent you; we get the 
same reliable stratum every time we go down. 
Please excuse so long a letter, but you have shown so much interest in our 
water supply that I feel like explaining pretty fully our conditions here, which 
to me seem to be more favorable for pure water than can be found most any- 
where in this country. Thanking you for your favor received some time ago, I 
beg to remain, Very sincerely yours, R. C. GRAVES, 
Vice-President Artesian Water Co. 
Washington, D. C., July 27, 1888. 
A'. C. Graves, Memphis, Tenn.: 
Dear Sir-Your letter of the 21st inst. with the certified water was duly 
received. The water is all right; It differs in no respect from that examined 
by me last year. I am pleased to learn that you are progressing so rapidly in 
the work of supplying the city. I do not think that there is any possibility of 
a change in quality. If any notable change took place in the flow it might be TIIE ARTESIAN WATER SUPPLY AT MEMPHIS. 
17 
well to ascertain whether it was associated with a change in quality, but from all 
I know concerning the wells, I should think you had a permanent supply, cer- 
tainly free from any foul water in the strata above the clay. 
It might be advisable from time to time, until the wholesomeness of the water 
is unquestioned by any one, to have a sample examined as you suggest, or it 
might have a better influence if it were understood that the water is under con- 
stant supervision. I can recognize any material change in it without going 
through a formal analysis, and it would be less trouble to identify quart samples 
from month to month than to make a formal examination at longer intervals. 
I almost forgot to acknowledge receipt of the samples of clay and sand ; as 
they have a sanitary interest I purpose sending them to the Government Museum 
of Hygiene in this city, with a note of the conditions of the Memphis supply. 
I shall be glad to see you should you chance to be in Washington at any time. 
I am quartered now in the new War Department building. 
Very sincerely yours, CHARLES SMART. 
of a water certified to by Dr. G. B. Thornton, of Memphis, President of the 
Board of Health, as having been taken from the pump at the pumping station 
at the artesian well in Memphis, Tenn., July 21, 1888. 
General character: Clear, colorless and now transparent, of wholesome taste 
and free from odor. 
The figures express parts per 100,000 of the water: 
Volatile solids, . . 2.0 
Fixed solids, 7.5 
Total of solid matter, 9.5 
Chlorine, 25 
Nitrites 000 
Nitrates, 004 
Oxygen by permanganate 000 
Free ammonia 001 
Albuminoid ammonia, 001 
This water is identical in its character with that of a deep well in Memphis, 
Tenn., examined by me at the instance of Mr. R. C. Graves in June of last year, 
and reported on as a singularly pure water. 
Dated at Washington, D. C., this 27th day of July, 1888. 
CHARLES SMART, 
Major and Surgeon, U.S. A. 
Analysis July 27, 1888, ARTESIAN WATER COMPANY. 
RATES AND RULES. 
OFFICERS: 
T. J. LATHAM, President. 
R. C. GRAVES, Vice-President. 
W. L. CAMERON, Superintendent. 
LAWRENCE SIMPSON, Secretary. 
BOARD OF DIRECTORS: 
T. J. LATHAM. 
W. S. BRUCE. 
G. W. MACRAE. 
J. F. GRAHAM. 
R. C. GRAVES. 
S. H. BROOKS. 
C. B. BRYAN. 
W. D. BETHELL. 
JOHN JOHNSON. 
J. W. DILLARD. 
W. T. BOWDRE. RATES OF ARTESIAN WATER COMPANY. 
No Separate Rate less than $ 8.00 
Rooms in dwellings, each 1.00 
Families in excess of one, in each dwelling or room, full or 
special rate. 
Bath Tubs, private residences, 5.00 
Bath Tubs, public, 15.00 
Water Closets, private residences, self-closing, . . . 5.00 
Water Closets, private residences, non-self-closing, . 10.00 
Water Closets, public, self-closing, 15.00 
Water Closets, public, non-self-closing, .... 25.00 
Urinals, private residences, self-closing, . . . . . 5.00 
Urinals, private residences, non-self-closing, . . . 10.00 
Urinals, public, self-closing, 15.00 
Urinals, public, non-self-closing, 25.00 
Stores according to occupation, . 6 to 50.00 
Rooms over stores, according to occupation. 
Offices Oto 10.00 
Banks, 10.00 
Insurance Offices, 10.00 
Saloons, 10 to 50.00 
Photograph Galleries, 15 to 50.00 
Dentists' Offices 10 to 25.00 
Hotels and Boarding Houses, special. 
Livery and Sale Stables, hose privilege extra, per stall, . 2.00 
Work-horse and mule or cow stables, per stall, . . 2.00 
Hose for fire protection, $50 per year in addition to other 
privileges, and this not to include the use of larger than 
% hose for sprinkling purposes. 
Bakeries, for each barrel of flour used daily, . . . 5.00 
Printing Offices, exclusive of engine, 10 to 25.00 
Steam Engines, per horse power, 5.00 
Restaurants, 25 to 100.00 
Barber Shops, first chair, 7.50 
Each additional chair 3.00 
Breweries, for each barrel brewed, .50 
Fountains, for each 1-16 inch jet running 4 hours a day, 7 
months in a year, 15.00 
Inside Fountains, special rates. 
Building purposes, 10c.per 1000 brick, and 50c.per 100 yds.plastering. 
Street sprinklers, $10 per year each up to 50 feet front, to middle of 
street, and 10c. for each additional foot. 
Side of lot charged at same rates. 
Lawns according to size. 
NO HOSE WILL BE ALLOWED FOR SPRINKLING UNLESS OTHER 
RATES ARE PAID ON PREMISES. 22 
RATES OF ARTESIAN WATER COMPANY. 
Up to 3000 gallons used per day, .... 3%c. per 100 gal. 
3000 to 5000 gallons used per day, . . . 3c. per 1OO gal. 
5000 to 10,000 gallons used per day, . . . per 100 gal. 
10,000 to 15,000 gallons used per day and over, l%c. per 100 gal. 
GENERAE METER RATES. 
ELEVATOR MOTOR RATES. 
50,000 gallons per month or less,per 1000, 30c. 
50,000 gallons to 100,000 per month, . . . per 1000, 25c. 
100,000 gallons to 150,000 per month, . . . per 1000, 23c. 
150,000 gallons to 200,000 per month, . . . per 1000, 20c. 
200,000 gallons to 250,000 per month, . . per 1OOO, 18c. 
250,000 gallons to 300,000 per month, . . . per 1000, 15c. 
300,000 gallons to 400,000 per month, . . . per 1000, 12%c. 
400,000 gallons to 600,000 per month, . . . per 1000, 10c. 
For uses not mentioned above, rates will be given on application. 
The right to introduce meters and substitute meter rates for the 
above rates, in every case, and at any time, is reserved. 
The Company, under its contract with the city, is authorized to charge 
rates equal to the average of those of Atlanta, Nashville and Kansas City. 
The above rates are below that average, but are adopted because previously 
approved, after full investigation and comparison with the rates of other cities, 
by a committee of the Legislative Council, as the rates of the old Company. 
A discrimination in favor of self-closing fixtures, will be observed. This 
is done to reduce the enormous waste, which so generally prevails in Memphis. 
It is believed that with the introduction of clear water this criminal abuse 
will cease. If not, the Company must, in self-defense, enforce the penalty. RULES. 
The following rules have been carefully compiled from 
those enforced by other companies, and by cities owning 
water works: 
1. All plumbers doing work from the mains of the Water 
Company must give a Bond of One Hundred Dollars for 
the faithful observance of the Bules of the Company: and 
for any violation of the Bules by them, causing trouble and 
expense to the Company, the bond will be enforced. 
2. A list of the names of plumbers who will be permitted 
to work from the mains of the Company may be found at 
the office. 
3. Every application for connection with water mains 
must be signed by the owner of the premises to be connected, 
or by an authorized agent, and filed in the office of the Com- 
pany by 9 o'clock of the day on which the tap is desired. It 
must give the name of the person, and state definitely the 
location of the premises to be supplied. Printed blanks for 
this purpose will be furnished by the Company. For tapping 
the main, and furnishing the corporation cock, the Company 
will charge as follows: f-inch, $2.50; J-inch, $2.75 ; f-inch, 
$3.25; f-inch, $4.00; 1-inch, $5.00. 
4. If lead pipe be used, it must be " extra strong; " if iron, 
it must be galvanized and of sufficient strength to sustain 
a pressure of 200 pounds to the square inch, and at the point 
of connection with the main, there must be at least eighteen 
inches of lead pipe, and a brass coupling. 
5. Every tenement must have a separate service pipe, laid 
at least 2J feet below surface of sidewalk or pavement, and 24 
RULES OE ARTESIAN WATER COMPANY. 
kept in good repair at the expense of the owner or occupant. 
A suitable brass stop-cock, with round waterway, must be 
placed in the service-pipe, and though the property of the 
lot-owner or occupant, the Company turns on the water with 
the condition that it is to have access to said stop-cock, to* 
control the flow of water. It should be located inside the 
curbstone, and as near thereto as is practicable, with a cast- 
iron box or pipe reaching from the stop to the surface, of 
suitable size to admit a stop-key for turning the stop, and be 
securely protected and covered with a cast-iron top having 
the word " water" cast thereon ; and if by any means it be- 
comes filled up, so to make it necessary to dig it up to procure 
access to the stop-cock, it shall be at the expense of the 
applicant. 
6. There shall also be placed in the service-pipe of every 
building supplied, a brass stop and waste cock, easily acces- 
sible to the occupants, to enable them to turn off the water 
in case of leaks and to drain the pipes to prevent freezing; 
and all occupants including servants, should be fully in- 
structed as to its use. It will prevent annoyance and loss. 
7. No connections from main pipes for plumbers to work 
from will be made for any persons who are not practical 
plumbers, and in wThom the Company do not have confidence 
as men of experience and reliability. And repeated failure 
of plumbers to comply with the requirements of the Company 
will be sufficient reason to refuse to make connections for 
them. 
8. Street washers will not be allowed on sidewalks, except 
where the building is set out to the street line, leaving no 
room inside for them. On business streets, they must not be 
set on a line between two buildings, but decidedly in front of 
the building to be supplied. They will not be allowed in RULES OF ARTESIAN WATER COMPANY. 
25 
front of business property, except the pipes are extended into 
the building with a place to draw water inside, and a branch 
to supply the street washer is connected inside of the stop 
and waste cock, so as to control this as well as the other 
fixtures. 
9. Where premises are already supplied with water, a 
separate connection with the water main must not be made 
to supply a street washer or yard hydrant, but such fixtures 
must be attached to service already in. 
10. All bills for material furnished by the Company to 
plumbers must be paid promptly, on or about the first of the 
month, and such as fail to do so by the 15th will stand sus- 
pended from that date until such delinquency is adjusted. 
11. Any failure to comply with these rules, or to leave 
the street in good condition, will cause the license of any 
plumber to be revoked or suspended, at the discretion of the 
Company. 
12. Plumbers must not extend pipes from one street num- 
ber to another without special permission. 
13. Unless plumbing is done in strict accordance with the 
rules" of the Company, water will not be turned on. 
14. When the plumbing is completed and ready for use, 
the permit must be returned to the office of the Company by 
the plumber or the party who is to use the water, endorsed 
with the list of the openings, fully and without reserve or 
concealment, and signed by the person making the applica- 
tion. Payment is to be made for tapping the main pipe, 
furnishing and putting in the corporation cock, and in advance 
for the use of water, at established rates, to the next regular 
collection day of the Company. 
15. The above requirements being complied with, the 
permit will be placed in the hands of the inspector of the 26 
RULES OF ARTESIAN WATER COMPANY 
Company, who shall examine the plumbing fixtures, etc., and 
finding said fixtures to correspond with the permit and the 
work completed in accordance with the requirements of the 
Company, will turn on the water. 
16. If the inspector shall find on examination that the 
water is to be applied to uses not enumerated in the permit, 
he will refuse to turn on the water, and withhold the permit 
until the applicant corrects the application at the office. 
17. The water must not be turned on to any premises 
except by the inspector or authorized agent of the Company; 
only as it may be turned on by the plumber to test his work, 
to be turned off immediately after the test is rpade, and left off. 
18. No extension or alteration of any service pipe or fix- 
tures can be made without written permission from the office 
of the Company, and for a violation of this rule the water 
will be turned off and the penalty enforced. 
19. Where more than one house or tenement or room is 
supplied through one service pipe and is under control of one 
stop-cock, one person must pay the bill for all the parties so 
supplied, and for any default or violation of the Company's 
rules by any party so connected, the Company reserves the- 
right to turn off the water from all till the default, delinquency 
or violation of rules is removed and $1.00 paid to cover the 
cost to the Company of turning off and on., 
20. All leaks in service pipes in the streets, and in and 
upon all premises supplied, must be promptly repaired by 
the owner or occupant, and on failure to make such repairs 
with reasonable dispatch, the Company will turn off the water 
from the premises until necessary repairs are made, and charge 
$1.00 for turning off and on again. 
21. All willful waste of water or waste through neglect 
of servants or agents, or by fixtures out of order, and the RULES OF ARTESIAN WATER COMPANY. 
27 
allowance of water to be taken from premises by persons 
having no right to its use, will be a sufficient cause for stop- 
ping the supply to any offending premises and for forfeiture 
of amount of bill paid in advance. 
22. No persons or parties supplied can allow water to be 
taken from their premises without written permission from 
the office of the Company. 
23. Street or yard sprinklers cannot be converted into jets 
or fountains, or be allowed to run to waste in the gutters of 
streets, or upon lawns, or in yards, but must be kept closed, 
except when used for sprinkling, as paid for. No hose will 
be allowed for sprinkling privilege larger than f-inch. 
24. The Water Company will run all elevator, stand-pipe 
■ or other large connections, from the water main to the curb 
line, where a valve will be placed and the job turned over 
when paid for. 
25. All water bills, except meter and monthly, are due 
semi-annually in advance, at the office of the Company, 
on the 1st to the 6th days of January and July, each year, 
and the supply of water will be stopped from all premises 
failing to comply with this requirement, or on which water 
is used for purposes not paid for at the established rates, and 
when turned off for non-payment of bills, or other cause, 
$1.00 will be added to the bill for turning off and on again. 
26. The inspector or any authorized agent of the Company 
must have access at all reasonable times to all premises sup- 
plied, to examine fixtures, manner of using water, etc. 
27. Charter of the Memphis Water Company, Section 6: 
"Be it further enacted, That if any person shall injure or de- 
stroy any portion of the works, fixtures or other property of 
the Company, such person or persons shall be Hable to the 
Company for all damages sustained by them in consequence 28 
RULES OF ARTESIAN WATER COMPANY. 
of such act or proceedings, and in addition thereto shall be 
deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and on conviction thereof, 
shall be fined in any sum not less than one hundred nor 
more than one thousand dollars." 
28. The Company is loss from interruptions of supply being 
greater than that of all others combined, it will omit no reas- 
onable effort to avert such accident; but for any such failure 
it will not be responsible, in anywise, beyond a pro rata de- 
duction for the time the supply is suspended, at the rate paid 
for, and all its contracts are made on these conditions, which 
are - hereby declared and understood to be a part of the 
same. 
29. Water consumers are requested, and hereby notified, 
that if their water is turned off through mistake or otherwise, 
against their wish, to promptly notify the Company of such 
fact. If the fault rests with the Company it will at once be 
removed. 
30. The failure of any customer to comply with any of 
the rules of the Company, gives the Company the right to 
turn off the water on said premises, and to keep it off until 
compliance with all its rules. 
31. Water consumers are warned and required to protect 
their pipes during cold weather by emptying them at the 
stop and waste cocks, and not by allowing the water to run, 
which is gross injustice to the Company and dangerous to 
the consumer. It is the Company's privilege to reduce the 
pressure quite low after midnight, and as water may then 
cease to flow it is liable to freeze and split the pipes, unless 
emptied. After turning the stop and waste cocks, open all 
the faucets in the building for a few minutes, that the air may 
.expel the water; then close the faucets to prevent flowing 
when the water is turned on again. RULES OF ARTESIAN WATER COMPANY. 
29 
32. Licenses for water for building purposes will be issued 
only upon a certificate of the architect of the work to be 
done, specifying the number of brick, perches of stone, and 
square yards of plastering for which water will be required ; 
and in all cases payment for the water shall be a condition 
precedent to the issuance of the license. 
33. Water used for building purposes must be discharged 
through a hose directly into the mortar bed, and under no 
circumstances shall it be discharged upon the ground, or into 
or through a ditch or trench, and the builders must properly 
guard the hose connection or cock through which the water 
is taken, so as to render it inaccessible to others and to pre- 
vent waste. 
34. Hose or irrigation privileges will not be granted, un- 
less water is taken for other purposes on the premises; or 
unless paid for by meter furnished by consumer. 
35. Hydraulic elevators and indicators must be kept in 
repair and proper working order, at the expense of the owner 
or occupant of the premises. When the indicator fails to 
register, and is not repaired immediately, the supply will be 
shut off, unless a rate satisfactory to the Company be paid 
for the time the indicator is out of order. 
36. A license to use water on a lot does not include side- 
walk or street. 
37. All waste of water is prohibited, and consumers must 
keep theirhydrants, faucets, valves, hose and other apparatus, 
including street washers and stop-cocks, in good 
order and condition, at their own expense, and all waterways 
closed when not in use. 
38. The Company reserves the right to set meters when- 
ever and wherever it may deem best. All meters furnished 30 
RULES OF ARTESIAN WATER COMPANY. 
by the Company shall be and remain the property of the 
Company, and may be removed whenever the Company may 
elect to do so. 
39. The Company reserves the right at any time, without 
notice, to shut off the water in its mains, for the purpose of 
making repairs or extensions, or for other necessary purposes; 
and all personshaving steam boilers on their premises depend- 
ing upon the pressure in the pipes to keep them supplied, are 
hereby cautioned against danger from collapse, and are re- 
quired to supply them from a tank located between the main 
and the boiler, and not from the main direct. [See City 
Ordinances, passed February 5, 1885]. 
40. No rebate on any license will be allowed, except where 
the premises become vacant, and the water is turned off by 
the Company on notice ; in such case, a rebate may be allowed 
for the unexpired time, less one dollar for the expense of 
shutting off the water. 
41. No deduction will be made from rates on account of 
non-use of any of the fixtures. If they are not wanted, have 
a plumber disconnect them from the service pipes and the 
charge for their use will cease. 
42. Where service pipes are found disconnected at the 
corporation cock, they may be reconnected only by the 
Company. 
43. No hydrant shall be located outside of the premises 
for which a license is issued, nor in any open area or place 
accessible from adjoining premises; nor over any slop sink 
or sewer connection. 
44. Water closets, vaults and urinals must be supplied 
with self-closing valves that close with pressure, and in no 
case will a bib or faucet be allowed to be placed over a closet 
or urinal or sink. RULES OF ARTESIAN WATER COMPANY. 
31 
45. It is sometimes necessary to shut off the water in 
making repairs, or in case of breaks in the main pipes, and 
for other causes. As soon as you discover that the water is 
oft, open the hot water faucet to allow the escape of steam 
from the boiler, and let it stand open till the water runs again. 
46. No globe valve will be allowed in service from the 
main, but a gate valve with T handle is required. 
The right is reserved to amend or add to these rules and 
regulations, as experience may show to be necessary.