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SUPPLY-MAINS.

The supply-mains are now in good order. There have been two joint leaks on the 30-inch main, which were repaired with but little trouble. On the 24-inch main there was quite a large break on Heath street, Somerville. This was caused by a cracked pipe, and was no doubt defective when first put in. The break caused no especial damage to property, or inconvenience to takers.

On account of a change in the grade of Broadway, Somerville, it was necessary to relay about 750 feet of the 24-inch main pipe. The pipe was lowered an average of 4 feet. The water was shut off from the pipe 10 days, but caused no inconvenience to takers, as the 30-inch main was ample for all purposes. The whole expense was $841.92.

DISTRIBUTION PIPES.

There have been laid in this city during the past year, 4760 feet distribution pipes, viz.: 790 feet of wrought-iron and cement pipe, and 3,970 feet of cast-iron pipe. This amount was all in extension.

There have been 896 feet of cement-pipe relaid with cement, and 1,597 feet of cement-pipe relaid with cast-iron pipe. The 4-inch pipe on Tremont street was enlarged to 10-inch, from Monument square to Edgeworth street, on which were located two Lowry hydrants. This was done to ensure a better supply of water in case of fire in the new school building on Prospect street, as all the pipes in that section were only 4-inch, and could not deliver a sufficient amount of water at a large fire.

Included in the above extension were 3,300 feet of 16-inch cast-iron pipe, running from Alford street, across Malden Bridge, to the line of the town of Everett. In this line of pipe is included a 20-inch siphon, laid with flexible joints, and laid under the bed of the river, across the channel at the draw. This was laid by Mr. Norman, by contract, and the water was let on and through it for the first time on the 28th of December. Early in February the siphon was broken by a tug-boat passing through the draw at extreme low water. Mr. Norman has since taken up the pipe, repaired it thoroughly, and the siphon is now being lowered to a depth below the bed of the channel to insure its perfect safety hereafter.

This pipe was not only needed for a better supply to the town of Everett, but was also intended for an additional supply to Chelsea, if they should see fit to avail themselves of it.

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There have been a large number of "breaks" cement-pipe originally laid when the works were built, and in every instance the pipe was found to be badly rusted out. The whole number of breaks was 58.

The opinion is expressed by some who have had experience with the cement-pipe, that it will only last a certain length of time, no matter how well it is laid; that the iron will oxydize under any circumstances, and eventually give out; but with my experience I am still of the opinion that the whole trouble has been poor work and poor cement. But, in either case, I think the plan now adopted, of coating the iron with asphaltum, will obviate the whole difficulty, so that the pipe can be laid to be durable and reliable.

In Chelsea there has been an extension of 4,449 feet of distribution pipe, making a total in that city of 147,675 feet, or 27 miles 5,115 feet.

In Somerville there has been an extension of 7,318 feet, making a total in that city of 224,903 feet, or 42 miles 2,143 feet.

In Everett the distribution pipes have been extended 2,027 feet, making a total in that town of 72,449 feet, or 13 miles 3,809 feet.

In this city 9 new Lowry hydrants, and 4 new Post hydrants have been located, and 1 Flush hydrant discontinued, making the total number of hydrants April 30, 1876, 186.

There have been 55 new gates set, making the whole number April 30, 1876, 995.

SERVICE-PIPES.

The whole number of new service-pipes entered in this city the past year was 90; in Chelsea, 144; in Somerville, 288; in Everett, 48. This makes a total entered for the year ending (exclusive of East Boston) April 30, 1876, of 570.

The following tables give the amount of pipe laid during the year, the engine record, observation of lake and reservoir, rainfall, and the stock on hand April 30, 1876. All of which is respectfully submitted.

CHAS. H. BIGELOW,

Superintendent.

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Summary of Pipes, Gates and Hydrants (exclusive of East Boston) connected with the

May 1st, 1876.

Works,

Aggregate

S702,610 feet,

133 miles 170 feet.

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Table showing "Rain Fall" for the year ending May May 1, 1876.

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