Twenty street drinking fountains of the Nash pattern have been established; 12 of them in the city proper, 3 in East Boston, 3 in South Boston, and 2 in Roxbury. From these fountains the water runs continually, wasting it in large quantities. It is also badly constructed, having but one bowl for horses, and that much too small. I think the best one we have is located in Eliot Square; was formerly in Haymarket Square. It has a circular trough, and will supply 4 horses and more if needed, consuming no more water than the smaller ones. There are 2 long troughs on the Mill Dam, and well adapted for a locality like that where herds of cattle frequent. I have nearly ready to be set up one of Woods' Philadelphia pattern, having 4 basins, and a selfclosing delivery, which I shall set in the rear of the Old State House, in a few days. This fountain promises well, both for economy in water and convenience in use. On account of the excavations on the Fort Hill territory, the pipes have been taken up, and a few have been relaid. The Suffolk street district will no doubt have to be repiped this season. A full account of the leak in the submerged pipes across the Chelsea Creek appeared in the City Engineer's annual report to the City Government, and no doubt will appear in his report to you. The laying of the new line by Mr. Norman is nearly completed. The water was let into the line of pipes to Deer Island on the 29th day of April of the present year, in presence of the Board and a portion of the City Government, giving a fair supply, which will no doubt be increased when the 16-inch main on Brooks and the 12-inch main on Chelsea street are continued to their proper connections. The East Boston reservoir has been tested by filling it to its utmost capacity during the year, and continues tight. When the new line across the creek is completed the reservoir can be kept full as a reserve for the supply of the East Boston section, in case of accident to any of the lines leading thereto. By closing the gates leading to the reservoir, the section will have the whole pressure of the Mystic water, and consequently a greater supply in case of fire. The Brooks street end, and the White street side of the embankment has been graded to conform to the altered grades of those streets, and a new and substantial iron fence erected. This fence has stood well the frost test; no perceptible change to be seen. The slope banks were sowed well with grass seed, but the hot season spoiled the most of our labors; this spring, however, it looks well, and I hope it will soon be in a satisfactory condition. The surroundings of the stand-pipe have been sodded, and a portion sowed, but, like the grass at the East Boston reservoir, the season was too hot for it to do well. A retaining wall has been built on Fort Avenue and the driveway gravelled and rolled. 524 feet 12-inch pipe in Dorchester street, between 8th and O. C. & N. R. R. bridge. 600 feet 6-inch pipe in Canton street, between Newland and Tremont streets. 420 feet 4-inch pipe in Fabin street, between Newland and Ivanhoe streets. 260 feet 4-inch pipe in Trumbull street, between Newland and Ivanhoe streets. Taken Up. 579 feet 6-inch pipe in Tremont street, between Phillips and Weston streets. 526 feet 6-inch pipe in Chatham street. |