in the branch mains feeding that section. This subject will receive the early attention of the Board. HIGH-SERVICE. In our last report, allusion was made to the satisfaction which the more elevated portion of our city derived from this branch of the service, and that the day was not far distant when it would be necessary to increase our pumping facilities. The demands upon this service have exceeded any expectations; the average amount pumped daily for the year 1872 was 633,499 gallons, an increase of more than thirty per cent. over the previous year. The best method for the increase of our facilities has been considered by the City Engineer, and his views submitted to the City Council through this Board, and may be found in City Document No. 38 of the current year. His plans contemplate the erection of a reservoir on Parker's Hill (Boston Highlands), and application has been made to the Legislature for authority to take land necessary for its erection. DISTRIBUTING RESERVOIRS. The Beacon Hill Reservoir is only useful for the storage of a quantity of water for use in case of fire, or accident to the mains in its immediate vicinity; and the same is substantially the fact with the reservoirs at East and South Boston. If a reservoir should be erected on Parker's Hill for the benefit of the high-service, there is no reason why the Beacon Hill Reservoir could not be abandoned with entire safety, as the establishment of a reservoir, at the point named, would command and amply protect the Beacon Hill District, both for fire and domestic purposes. WESTERN DIVISION. This division comprises the lake and all that portion of the work lying between the lake and the gate-house at the Brookline Reservoir, and is under the care of Mr. Albert Stanwood as Superintendent. The new source of supply from Sudbury River has added greatly to the importance of this division, and will materially increase the duties of the Superintendent and others connected with the works. The annual examination of the conduit (omitted last year on account of the low stage in the lake) was made on the 12th and 13th days of October last, and was found to be in good general condition; it appeared that some repairs were required, which have been made. CHESTNUT HILL RESERVOIR. This reservoir is in excellent condition, and one of the most valued features of the works. Its immense storage capacity, 731,472,429 gallons, affords ample protection to the city in case of accident to the conduit, and is at all times kept at such height as to answer all demands that are likely to be made upon it. BROOKLINE RESERVOIR. The land and buildings are in good order. This reservoir should be thoroughly cleaned out at an early day. WATER REGISTRAR'S DEPARTMENT. The number of water-takers now entered for the year 1873 is 40,688, an increase of 1,972 over the previous year. Number of cases in which the water has been turned off for non-payment of rates, during the year, is 933; of this number 751 have been turned on again, and 182 still remain off. Meters still continue in use in quite a number of establish ments, embracing hotels, railroads, stables, manufactories, saloons, and buildings occupied by several tenants. Whole number of meters now in use, 955. The number of the various kinds of water fixtures, on the premises of water-takers, January 1, 1873, was 159,654,an increase of 13,868 during the year. CHARLES H. ALLEN, President, ALEXANDER WADSWORTH, EDWARD A. WHITE, LEONARD R. CUTTER, EDWARD P. WILBUR, |