BOSTON UNIVERSITY
LIBRARIES
University Library
Public Document
No. 34
FOETY-FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT
State Board of Health
MASSACHUSETTS.
BOSTON:
WEIGHT & POTTER PRINTING CO., STATE PRINTERS,
32 DERNE STREET.
1914.
Approved by
The State Board or Publication,
V
u
L.' I
3
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD.
1913.
HENRY P. WALCOTT, M.D., Chairman,
MILTON J. ROSENAU, M.D., .
HIRAM F. MILLS, A.M., C.E.,
ROBERT W. LOVETT, M.D., .
C. E. McGILLICUDDY, LL.B., .
CLEMENT F. COOGAN, .
JOSEPH A. PLOUFF, . .
Secretary.
MARK W. RICHARDSON, M.D.
Assistant to the Secretary.
WILLIAM C. HANSON, M.D.
Engineer.
X. H. GOODNOUGH. C.E.
Pathologist.
THEOBALD SMITH, M.D.
Analyst of Food and Drugs.
HERMANN C. LYTHGOE, S.B.
Chemist.
H. W. CLARK.
OF Cambridge.
OF Boston.
OF Lowell,
of Boston.
OF Worcester,
op Pittsfield.
OF Ware.
BOSTON UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES
CONTENTS
PAGE
1
53
55
57
57,60
59, 134
59, 146
Cemetery, Location of
183-199
201
General Report, ......
Supplement, .......
1. Water Supply and Sewerage,
Advice to Cities, Towns and Persons,
Water Supply, ....
Ice Supplies, ....
Sewerage and Sewage Disposal,
Pollution of Streams, Manufacturing Wastes,
Hospitals, Slaughter-house, Nuisances, etc..
Examination of Public Water Supplies,
Examination of Rivers, ....
Water Supply Statistics, ....
Lawrence Experiment Station Report for 1913,
Experiments upon the Purification of Sewage,
Experiments upon the Purification of Water,
Effect of Sewage Disposal, 1913,
2. Food and Drug Inspection, . . . .
Prosecutions, ......
Report of the Analyst, ....
3. Report upon an Act relative to the Cold Storage of Certain Food Products
4. Relative to the Sale of Eggs taken from Cold Storage,
5. Report of the Board relative to the Business of Slaughtering,
6. Inspection of Dairies, .......
7. Report of the Board of the State Examiners of Plumbers,
8. Report upon the Production and Distribution of Diphtheria Antitoxin and
Vaccine Virus, .......
9. Report upon the Work of the Bacteriological Laboratory,
Examinations of Cultures for Diphtheria,
Examinations for Tuberculosis, .....
Examinations for Typhoid Fever, ....
Examinations for Malaria, .....
10. Report upon the Work of the State Board of Health relative to the Control
of Infectious Disease, .......
Further Experiments in Poliomyelitis, by M. J. Rosenau, M.D.,
Experiments to determine if Paralyzed Domestic Animals and those
associated with Cases of Infantile Paralysis may transmit this Dis-
ease, by Carl Ten Broeck, M.D., with an introductory note by Prof.
Theobald Smith, .........
A Study of an Epidemic of Infantile Paralysis (Acute Epidemic Poliomye-
litis) occurring in the Southern Connecticut Valley District during
the Year 1912 (Nov. 1, 1911, to Nov. 1, 1912), by James V. W.
Boyd, M.D
213
243
263
265
339
355
369
372
381
417
429
435
475
495
501
513
515
521
525
532
533
535
558
578
VI
CONTENTS.
Supplement — Conciwded.
11. Statistical Summaries of Disease and Mortality . ^ ■
A General Review of the Vital Statistics of the State, 1913, .
Returns of Disease and Mortality, •
Weekly Mortality Returns ' •
Fatality of Certain Infective Diseases, . ■ "^ , „
Official Returns of Notified Diseases Dangerous to the Public Health
Official Returns of Deaths in Cities and Large Towns,
12. Report upon the Work of the State Inspectors of Health,
Diseases Dangerous to the Public Health, .
Nuisances, . • ■ ■ • '
Sanitation of Schoolhouses,
Drinking Water, . • • • ■
Matters relating to Water Supply and Sewerage,
Sanitation of Factories, Workshops and Mercantile Estabhshments,
Hygiene of Tenement Workrooms, . • ■ • ,■,■.„
Sanitation of Police Station Houses, Lock-ups, Houses of Detention
Jails, Houses of Correction, Prisons and Reformatories, .
Slaughterhouse Inspection and Inspectors of Slaughtering, .
The State Inspectors of Health, ..••;••
List of Cities and Towns included in each Health District. .
Cities and Towns alphabetically arranged
13. Index, ..•■•■■■
PAGE
603
605
611
612
618
620
642
681
683
729
730
731
731
736
739
741
746
747
749
754
761
GENERAL REPORT.
In accordance with the provisions of chapter 211 of the Acts of 1905,
the following report of the work of the several departments of the State
Board of Health is presented for the fiscal year ended Nov. 30, 1913,
on which date the Board was constituted as follows : —
Henry P. Walcott, M.D., Cambridge, Chairman.
C. E. McGiLLi CUDDY, LL.B., Worcester.
Clement F. Coogan, Pittsfield.
Joseph A. Plouff, Ware.
Milton J. Rosenau, M.D., Boston.
Hiram F. Mills, A.M., C.E., Lowell.
Robert W. Lovett, M.D., Boston.
On March 30, 1913, occurred the death of Dr. Julian A. Mead, mem-
ber of the Board since October, 1895, concerning whose death it was
voted at a meeting of the State Board of Health, held April 3, 1913,
that the following minutes be spread upon the records : —
Dr. Julian A. Mead became a member of the State Board of Health in
October, 1895. He was a member of the Board at the date of his death,
March 13. 1913. He brought to the service of the State the valued knowl-
edge of a well-trained and experienced practitioner of medicine. He pos-
sessed qualities of the greatest importance to a member of a Board which
has such varied functions as are imposed upon this organization. He had
a large acquaintance with public affairs of many sorts, and he willingly
gave his time and special knowledge to the work of the Board. Careful
in arriving at conclusions, he was firm in maintaining them. Courteous,
friendly and just, he leaves with his associates a happy memory and a sin-
cere regret for his loss.
To fill the unexpired term of Dr. Mead, Dr. Milton J. Eosenan was
appointed by Governor Foss on April 9, 1913.
At a meeting of the State Board of Health, held Oct. 2, 1913, the
resignation of Dr. Elliott Washburn, State Inspector of Health for the
South Midland District, was accepted with regret. Dr. Washburn re-
signed in order to become superintendent of the State sanatorium for
tuberculosis at Rutland, Mass.
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
AXTITYI'HOID IXOCULATTOX.
Tlie practice of specific inoculation against typhoid fever has made
considerable progress in Massachusetts during the past year. Especially
noteworthy has been the introduction of this procedure among the mem-
bers of the Massachusetts Volunteer Militia. During the year 21,014
ampoules of antityphoid vaccine have been distributed for use by the citi-
zens of the Commonwealth, but of this number 10,526 ampoules were
utilized by the militia. This immunization of the militia, affecting as
it does a large body of young men in the prime of life, at an age pecul-
iarly susceptible to typhoid infection and subject at the time of profes-
sional maneuvres, at least, to increased exposure to polluted water
supplies, cannot but have an appreciable effect upon the incidence of
the disease.
There is every reason to believe, furthermore, that the practice of the
inoculation of nurses, inaugurated two or three years ago at a consid-
ei'able number of training schools throughout the Commonwealth, has
become increasingly prevalent, with undoubtedly beneficial effects.
Xo deleterious effects have been reported as yet from the use of anti-
typhoid vaccine. In one instance a militiaman was said to have died
a short time after inoculation with typhoid vaccine, but the autopsy
showed that death was due to other causes.
Antityphoid inoculation is comiDulsory for the troops of the United
States army, and the beneficial action produced by this procedure is
seen in the fact that during the year 1913 only two cases of typhoid
fever occurred in a personnel of over 80,000 men, and neither of these
cases died.
Antimeningitis Serum.
On Xov. 1, 1913, the Board was able, after a long period of prepara-
tion under the auspices of Dr. Theobald Smith, to furnish to citizens
of the Commonwealth, in a manner similar to that employed with the
diphtheria antitoxin, a curative serum for cerebrospinal meningitis. With
this serimi the following circular was sent out: —
State Board of Health, State House,
Boston, Nov. 1, 1913.
Aktiheningitis Serum.
The State Board of Health is prepared to furnish free to physicians and
citizens of the Commonwealth, in a manner simikir to that employed with
diphtheria antitoxin, a curative serum for use in cases of cerebrospinal
meningitis. This antimeningitis serum is obtained from the horse after pro-
Xo. 34.] GENERAL REPORT. 3
longed treatment with a number of strains of the diplococcus of meningitis.
It is of no service in other infectious diseases. It is administered subdurally
and not by the subcutaneous or intravenous route. It is urged, furthermore,
that whenever a reliable microscopic examination of the cerebrospinal fluid
withdrawn cannot be made at once, the fluid should be sent to the nearest
accessible laboratory, or to the laboratory of the State Board of Health.
The specific diplococci disappear rapidly from the fluid and may not be
found later than six hours after withdrawal from the spinal canal.
1. When lumbar puncture (in fourth lumbar space, or higher if necessarj-) is performed
in a suspicious case, be prepared to inject the serum. If the cerebrospinal fluid withdrawn
is cloudy make the injection of seriun immediately and without waiting for a bacterio-
logical examination. The subsequent doses of the serum are to be given only if the Dip-
lococcus intracellularis has been demonstrated.
2. Always withdraw as much cerebrospinal fluid as possible at each puncture and
inject full doses of the serum. Thirty cubic centimeters of serum should be injected in
every instance in which this quantity of fluid or less has been removed, unless a distinctly
abnormal sense of resistance in the spinal canal is encountered after as much serum has
been injected as fluid has been removed. WTien the amount of fluid withdrawn exceeds
30 cubic centimeters, introduce a large quantity of senma — up to 45 cubic centimeters,
or even more. In the very severe or fulminating cases inject from 30 to 45 cubic centi-
meters of serum without reference to the quantity of fluid removed unless abnormal
resistance is encountered.
3. In very severe or fulminating cases repeat the injection of serum within the first
twenty-four hour period, as soon as the symptoms intensify, or, where the condition
remains stationarj^, after the lapse of the first twelve hours.
4. In cases of average severity make daily injections of full doses for four days. If
diplococci persist after the fourth dose, continue the injections until they have disap-
peared.
5. If the subjective symptoms, including fever and mental impairment, persist after
the diplococci have disappeared, or after the four doses have been given, and improve-
ment is not progressing, wait four days, if the condition is stationary, and then repeat the
four injections. Should the symptoms have become worse before the expiration of this
period, the injections should be resumed immediately.
6. In relapse, which is indicated either by reappearance of the diplococci in the cerebro-
spinal fluid or recrudescence of the symptoms, the four doses at twenty-four hour intervals
are to be repeated, and the subsequent treatment is to be conducted as for the original
attack.
7. This plan of treatment is to be followed until the patient is free of sjTnptoms, the
diplococci disappear from the cerebrospinal fluid, or the chronic stage of the disease super-
venes. The sermn has proven of some benefit in the chronic stages in which the dip-
lococci are still present in the meninges. When the condition of hydrocephalus has
been established the injection of seriun into the spinal canal offers little of value. It is
possible that direct intraventricular injections may be of benefit in this condition. '
It is too early as yet to determine accurately the clinical results ob-
tained from this new serum, but as far as the results go they would
seem to indicate that this new product of the State Board of Health is,
at least, equal to if it does not surpass in eiBciency the antimeningitis
serums which have preceded it.
1 From directions issued by the Rockefeller Institute, New York (abstracted from paper by Charles
Hunter Dunn, Boston Medical and Surgical Journal, 1908).
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
Anterior Poliomyelitis.
As a result of a request made by the Board to the last Legislature,
a further appropriation of $10,000 was made for the study of anterior
poliomyelitis, and this study has been carried on in 1913 along three
general lines : — ■
1. The cases have been studied clinically by Dr. Carl TenBroeck and
Dr. Arthur L. Eeagh, acting as special investigators for the Board, and
also, in a number of instances, by the local State inspectors of health.
2. Animal paralyses have been studied in the laboratory of Dr. Theo-
bald Smith.
3. Experiments looking to a repetition of the positive results obtained
in 1912 by Prof. Milton J. Eosenau with the bites of the stable fly
{8tom,o(rys calcitrans) . (See supplement.)
Ophthalmia Neonatorum.
During 1913 the Board has continued its intensive work for the pre-
vention of blindness occurring as a result of ophthalmia neonatorum.
This work, carried out through the State Inspectors of Health, has been
of the greatest importance and of a most far-reaching character. In
this place it is necessary only to state that ^s a result of this campaign,
carried on since 1909, the announcement could be made in 1913 by
Mr. Henry Copley Greene, field agent for the Commission for the Blind,
that the cases of blindness in Massachusetts due to ophthalmia neo-
natorum in 1912 was but one-half of the number due to the same cause
in 1911. Further details concerning this campaign will be found in
that portion of the supplement dealing with the State Inspectors of
Health.
The Maintenance of Isolation Hospitals by Cities and Towns.
The establishment and maintenance of isolation hospitals by cities
and towns for the better control of diphtheria, smallpox, scarlet fever
and tuberculosis, etc., have been increasing slowly during the past few
years. Certain cities, however, having shown themselves negligent in
establishing such hospitals, it was voted at a meeting of the State Board
of Health, held Dec. 4, 1913, that the following letter be sent to the
Attorney-General of the Commonwealth; and as a result of this letter
the Attorney-General has inaugurated proceedings against these two
cities with the view to compelling them to establish and maintain such
hospitals : —
No. 34.] GENERAL REPORT. 5
Dec. 4, 1913.
Hon. James M. Swift, Attorney-General, State House, Boston, Blass.
Dear Sir: — The cities of Lowell and Gloucester have been requested
by the State Board of Health to establish and maintain hospitals for the
reception of persons suffering from diseases dangerous to the public health
as defined by the State Board of Health, and have tlius far failed to comply
with this request, made in accordance with chapter 613 of the Acts of 1911,
as amended by chapter 151 of the Acts of 1912. The dates of these requests
are as follows: Lowell, on Dee. 9, 1911, and Dee. 9, 1912; Gloucester, on
Dec. 9, 1912, and Aug. 12, 1913.
The State Board of Health, therefore, respectfully calls the attention of the
Attorney-General to the facts above stated, with the recommendation that
such action be taken as will bring about the establishment in these cities of
such hospitals.
Your very truly,
Mark W. Richardson,
Secretary.
Venereal Diseases.
During 1913 there has been a marked increase in the interest taken
in venereal disease and its relation to the public welfare. It seems
highly desirable that such disease should be made reportable under cer-
tain restrictions. In fact, such reporting has been inaugurated in the
States of Cahfornia and Vermont, and also in the city of New York.
Chapter 670 of the Acts of 1913 would give the State Board of Health
the power to require the notification of such diseases, but before deter-
mining whether or not such reporting should be made obligatory it seems
essential that laboratory facilities for the proper diagnosis of these dis-
eases should be provided.
The Board therefore recommends that an increased appropriation of
$4:,000 be made in order that these laboratory facilities for the diagnosis
of venereal disease may be installed.
The Work of the State Inspectors of Health and Their Salaries.
The work of the State Inspectors of Health has increased by leaps and
bounds during the past few years, but the remuneration for these services
has by no means kept pace with the character of the work done.
When originally appointed the State Inspectors of Health were ex-
pected to devote approximately one-half of their time to the service of
the State. As a matter of fact, however, this service has in practically
all instances required their undivided attention.
It seems highly desirable, therefore, that such of these inspectors as
6 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
are willing to give their entire time to health work should be recom-
pensed accordingly, and it is recommended that for this purpose an
increased appropriation of $10,000 be made for the 3^ear 1914.
Dangers incurred througpi Transportation by Common Carriers
OF Persons afflicted with Contagious Disease.
In two instances, at least, during the past year the notice of the Board
has been called to dangers inflicted upon persons transported by common
carriers through the almost willful negligence of physicians who have
sent patients suffering from diphtheria and scarlet fever to neighboring
towns on railroad trains and trolley cars.
A review of the law shows no remedy or penalty for such action. The
Board therefore strongly recommends that legislation be enacted which
shall protect as far as may be possible the traveling public from persons
suffering from contagious disease.
Food and Drug Department.
The work of the food and drug department has increased markedly
the past few years, and it seems desirable at this time to increase the
number of traveling inspectors to five. To cover the salary and incidental
expenses relating to such an extra inspector an increased appropriation
of $3,500 is considered advisable.
Food Eegulations made by Cities and Towns.
Chapter 448 of the Acts of 1912 (amending section 70 of chapter 56,
Eevised Laws) makes it obligatory upon cities and towns to submit to
the State Board of Health for its approval any regulations they may
make as to the control of the sale of food products. As a result of this
requirement a considerable number of cities and towns have submitted
drafts of food regulations, and these have, in the great majority of in-
stances, been approved. Such food regulations have been submitted by
the following cities and towns : —
Boston : milk regulations and ice-cream regulations approved Jan. 2, 1913 ;
regulations concerning foodstuffs approved Feb. 6, 1913.
Brockton : milk regulation approved Sept. 4, 1913.
Fall River: food regulations approved Aug. 7, 1913.
Lawrence: milk regulation approved Aug. 7, 1913.
Lynn: reg'ulation for foodstuffs approved May 1, 1913; amendment to food
regulation approved June 5, 1913.
No. 34.] GENERAL REPORT. 7
New Bedford : food legiilatioiis although submitted in 1913 wex'e not ap-
proved until .Jan. 1, 1914.
North Andover: food regulations apjaroved June 5, 1913.
Peabody: food regulations approved May 1, 1913.
Pittsfield: food regulation approved June 5, 1913.
Plymouth : food regulation approved June 5, 1913.
Revere: food regulation approved .Jan. 2, 1913.
Salem: food regulations approved May 1, 1913; amendment to food regu-
lations approved June 5, 1913.
Waltham : food regulations ajiproved Feb. 6, 1913.
Winchester: food regulations approved July 3, 1913.
"Winthroi^ : food regulations api^roved Aug. 7, 1913.
New Legislation.
Acts of 1913, Chapter 210.
An Act to provide for the Reporting of Deaths from Diseases Danger-
ous TO the Public Health.
Be it enacted, etc., as follows:
The board of health in cities, and in towns, the board of health, or, where
no such board is chosen, the selectmen acting as a board of health, shall
send to the state board of health every week a report of the deaths in their
city or town, for the Aveek ending Saturday noon, from all diseases declared
by the state board of health to be dangerous to the public health, upon forms
to be prescribed by said state board. {Approved February 28, 1913.
This legislation should be of great assistance to the Board in locating
cases of notifiable disease, for it happens not infrequently that the first
notification received as to the presence in a locality of communicable
disease appears in the death returns.
Acts of 1913, Chapter 328.
An Act to authorize Counties to establish and maintain or to provide
Bacteriological Facilities.
Be it enacted, etc., as follows:
Section 1. For the better presentation of the public health and for the
purpose of securing greater accuracy in the diagnosis of communicable dis-
eases, county commissioners are hereby authorized to establish and maintain
bacteriological laboratories, or to provide such laboratory facilities for their
respective counties, from time to time, as may be deemed advantageous by
them, and for this purpose may expend such sums as may be necessary from
the treasury of the county.
Section 2. No expenditures shall be made under the provisions of this
act until the laboratories or the laboratoiy facilities established or provided
8 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
iu accordance herewith have been inspected and approved by the state board
of health.
Section 3. This act shall take effect upon its passage. \_Approved March
21, 1913.
Tliis act has already been made use of in the western part of the State
by the establishment of a county laboratory in Pittsfield for the diagnosis
of communicable diseases. In this way unavoidable delay incident to
the service maintained by the State Board of Health in Boston is elim-
inated.
Acts of 1913, Chapter 538.
An Act relative to the Sale op Eggs taken from Cold Storage.
Be it enacted, etc., as follows:
Section 1. Whenever eggs that have been in cold storage are sold at
retail, or offered or exposed for sale, the basket, box or other container in
which the eggs are placed shall be marked plainly and conspicuously with
the words " cold storage eggs ", or there shall be attached to such container
a placard or sign having on it the said words. If eggs that have been in
cold storage are sold at retail or offered or exposed for sale without a con-
tainer, or jDlaced upon a counter or elsewhei-e, a sign or placard, having the
words " cold storage eggs ", plainly and consi:)icuously marked upon it, shall
be displayed in, upon or immediately above the said eggs; the intent of this
act being that cold storage eggs sold at retail or offered or exposed for sale
shall be designated in such a manner that the purchaser will know that they
are cold storage eggs. The display of the words " cold storage eggs ", as
required by this act, shall be done in such a manner as is approved by the
state board of health.
Section 2. Violation of any provision of this act shall be punished by
a fine of not less than ten dollars nor more than five hundred dollars for each
offence. [Approved April 25, 1913.
In accordance with this law the Board made, on June 5, 1913 (mod-
ified Aug. 7, 1913), and on Oct. 10, 1913, rules and regulations relative
to the sale of eggs taken from cold storage. Under this law and the
above-mentioned regulations, 72 prosecutions were maintained (from
Oct. 6 to Nov. 30, 1913) by the Board with success, so that at the present
time persons buying eggs may be reasonably certain as to the character
of the goods sold. Details of this portion of the Board's work will be
found in the supplement.
At a meeting of the State Board of Health held Aug. 7, 1913, it was
voted to modify the regulation made June 5, 1913, to read as follows: —
The sign or placard required by section 1 of chapter 538 of the Acts of
1913 to be placed ui)on or immediately above cold storage egg's, or upon the
No. 34.] GENERAL REPORT. 9
basket, box or other container in which cold storage eggs are placed, shall
consist of the words " Cold Storage Eggs " printed in uncondensed Gothic
type, in letters not less than one inch in height, printed in black on a white
background, no other lettering to appear on or to be attached to said sign
or placard. (This sign or placard to be used only where eggs are offered
or exposed for sale.)
On Oct. 10, 1913, the State Board of Health voted to make the follow-
ing additional regulation concerning the proper marking of cold storage
eggs when sold to a purchaser : —
The marking required by section 1 of chapter 538 of the Acts of 1913,
to be placed upon the bag, basket, box or other container in which cold
storage eggs are placed, after having been sold to a purchaser, shall consist
of the words " Cold Storage Eggs " printed or stamped in uncondensed
Gothic type, in letters not less than one-half inch in height, in black, purple
or red ink, no other lettering to appear in connection with the words " Cold
Storage Eggs". (This method of marking to appear on the bag, basket,
box or other container in which eggs are delivered to the purchaser.)
Acts of 1913, Chapter 722.
Ax Act to prohibit the Manufacture, Sale and Use op Golf Balls con-
taining Explosives.
Be it enacted, etc., as follows:
Section 1. It shall be unlawful to manufacture or sell or knowingly to
use in this commonwealth, or to have in possession for the purpose of sale,
any golf ball containing any acid, fluid, gas or other substance tending to
cause the ball to explode and to inflict bodily injury.
Section 2. Whoever violates any provision of this act shall be punished
by a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars for a first offence, and for any
subsequent oft'ence by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars, or by im-
prisonment for a term not exceeding one year, or by both such fine and im-
prisonment. [Af)proved May 28, 1913.
This act was made necessary by the fact that a number of persons had
been injured, especially as regards their eyesight, from the explosion
of these specially prepared golf balls. An investigation of certain golf
balls made by the analyst of the Board showed the following results : —
Exploding Golf Balls as a Cause of Accidents.
Two cases of injury to eyesight have come to the notice of the State
Board of Health recently through the explosion of certain varieties of
golf balls. It seems that in the manufacture of these balls a small rubber
10
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
bag about 1 inch in diameter is filled with solutions of differing type.
The bag is then wound with rubber thread until it has become nearly as
large as is desired in the finished product. It is then placed in the gutta-
percha cover. The rubber windings cause great pressure upon the bag.
and if this pressure is relieved at one point by cutting, the bag bursts
and in the bursting the contained solution is scattered into the face of
the person holding it. In view of these accidents the chief analyst of
the Board has examined a number of golf balls, and those thus far dis-
covered with liquid centers are given in the list below : —
Name.
Manufacturer.
Nature of Center.
The Colonel (Star),
The Colonel (Arch),
Water Core, ....
Zodiac,
Bantam, ....
St. Mungo Manufacturing Company,
St. Mungo Manufacturing Company,
St. Mungo Manufacturing Company,
Martins, England
Goodrich Company,
Zinc chloride solution.
Zinc chloride solution.
Water.
Soft soap and talc.
Soft soap and red lead.
Acts of 1913, Chapter 272.
An Act relative to the Adulteration op Drugs.
Be it enacted, etc., as follows:
The first paragraph of section eighteen of chapter seventy-five of the Re-
vised Laws is hereby amended by striking out the words '' falls below ", in
the eleventh line, and inserting in place thereof the words : — differs ma-
terially from, — so that tlie said first paragraph will read as follows : — A
drug shall be deemed to be adulterated : 1. If, when sold under or by a name
recognized in the United States pharmacopoeia, it differs from the standard
of strength, quality or purity prescribed therein, unless the order therefor
requires an article inferior to such standard or unless such difference is made
known or so appears to the purchaser at the time of the sale. 2. If, when
sold under or by a name not recognized in the United States pharmacopoeia
but which is found in some other pharmacopoeia or other standard work on
materia medica, it differs materially from the standard of strength, quality
or purity prescribed in such work. 3. If its strength, quality or purity
differs materially from the professed standaid under which it is sold, [-ip-
2)roved March 8, 1913.
This change in the law was made necessary because of the fact that
certain morphine tablets were found to contain more morphine than was
stated upon the label, with the result that acute opium poisoning occurred
in one instance.
Xo. 34.] GENERAL REPORT. 11
"VYater Supply axd Sewerage.
The State Board of Health presents herewith a report of its doings
for the year ending Nov. 30, 1913, under the provisions of laws relat-
ing to the protection of the purity of inland waters, as required by
chapter 75, section 115, of the Revised Laws.
The Board has received during the year 211 applications for advice
with reference to water supply, sewerage, sewage disposal and matters
relating thereto, a much larger number than in any previous year.
Of these applications, 139 were in relation to water supply, 19 to
sources of ice supply, 34 to sewerage, drainage and sewage disposal,
4 to the pollution of streams, and 15 to miscellaneous matters.
Water Supplies.
Public water supplies were introduced during the year in the towns
of Agawam, East Longmeadow, Egremont (village of South Egremont),
Mattapoisett, Warren (village of West Warren) and West Brookfield.
Of the 353 cities and towns in the State, 207, containing by the
census of 1910 a population of 3,205,835, are provided with public
water supplies. The remaining towns, 146 in number, contained by
the census of 1910 a population of 160,581. There are only 6 towns
in the State, having a population in excess of 2,500, which are not
provided with public water supplies, viz., Dartmouth, Somerset, Sut-
ton, Templeton, Tewksbury and Westport.
Of the 207 cities and towns having public water supplies, 164 are
supplied wholly or in part from municipal or district works, while 43
are supplied by water companies.
The sources of supply used during the last year included 63 natural
lakes, 78 artificial storage reservoirs, and 110 systems of ground water
supply, the total number of separate sources used being approximately
300. Temporary sources of water supply were used in several places,
under the provisions of chapter 25, section 35, of the Revised Laws,
during the dry weather of the summer and autumn.
A severe epidemic of gastroenteritis, traced to the municipal water
supply, occurred in the town of Peabody in the early part of October,
1913. As many as 500 cases were investigated by the inspectors of
the Board, and doubtless a very much larger number of persons was
affected by the disease. The cases were most numerous iti the early
hours of October 4, and an investigation was begun at once.
Bacterial analyses of the water supply on that day showed the
presence of an unusual number of bacteria in Spring Pond and in the
water from taps in the town, including those characteristic of sewage.
12 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
An examination showed the presence of polluting matter on the shores
of the lake, especially about the ice houses, but also at other points,
and that the shores of the lake were frequented by fishermen and
others, as well as by employees about the ice houses.
In accordance with the recommendations of the Board, the water
of Spring Pond was shut off, the pipe system flushed, and the town
supplied from Suntaug Lake. The shores of Spring Pond and the
region about it were then carefully cleaned, traces of pollution re-
moved, and a thorough inspection instituted to prevent further con-
tamination. The epidemic quickly subsided and, though a great num-
ber of persons was affected, no deaths occurred, and there was no
sickness at any later time traceable to this cause.
This epidemic illustrates the great danger that may result from
using a pond, from which water is supplied directly for drinking, for
the purpose of fishing and ice supply.
Rainfall and Stream Floav in 1913.
Judging from the records of the Sudbury River watershed, the rain-
fall for the year 1913 was less than the normal in January, February,
June, July, August and November; it was considerably in excess of
the normal in March and October and differed but little from the
normal in April, May, September and December. Owing to the low
rainfall of the summer months, the flow of the streams was very low,
the flow in July and August being slightly lower than in the corre-
sponding months of the previous year, though not as low as in the
summer of 1910.
Sanitary Protection of Public Water Supplies.
Under the authority of chapter 75, section 113, of the Revised Laws,
regulations have been made during the year for the sanitary protec-
tion of Asnebumskit Brook, used as a source of water supply for the
city of Worcester. Up to the present time, the Board has made rules
and regulations for the sanitary protection of the sources of water
supply of the following cities and towns: —
Abington and Rockland.
Amherst.
Andover.
Attleborough.
Braintree.
Brockton and Whitman.
Cambridge.
Chicopee.
Concord.
Danvers and Middleton.
Easthampton.
Fall River.
Falmouth.
Fitchburg.
No. 34.]
GENERAL REPORT.
13
Gardner.
Great Barrington (Housatonic).
Greenfield.
Haverhill.
Hingham and Hull.
Holyoke.
Hudson.
Lincoln and Concord.
Lynn.
Marlborough.
Maynard.
Montague.
Northampton.
North Andover.
Northborough.
Norwood.
Peabody.
Pittsfield.
Plymouth.
Randolph and Holbrook.
Rockport.
Russell.
Salem and Beverly.
Springfield.
Springfield and Ludlow.
Stockbridge.
Taunton.
Wakefield.
Westfield.
West Springfield.
Weymouth.
Winchester.
Worcester.
In making such regulations, it has been the custom, acting under
the provisions of chapter 467 of the Acts of the year 1907, to dele-
gate to local authorities the granting or withholding of permits for
boating, fishing and ice cutting upon the ponds and reservoirs used as
sources of domestic water supply; but the act provides that in case
of complaint as to the granting or withholding of such permits, the
Board may, upon appeal of any aggrieved party, make such orders
relating thereto as the public health requires.
Supervision of Water Companies.
Under the provisions of chapter 319 of the Acts of the year 1909,
entitled " An Act to provide for the supervision of water companies
by the state board of health," the Board is authorized to investigate
complaints in writing relative to the service furnished in any city or
town, or the charges therefor, etc., and to make "such recommenda-
tions concerning the reduction, modification or continuation of such
charges for service, or concerning improvements in the quality of the
service or extensions of the same, or concerning other matters in the
premises, as the board shall deem just and proper." In 1913 a further
act was passed, entitled "An Act relative to the regulation and super-
vision of water companies," which requires that the Board shall fur-
nish advice to the Commissioner of Corporations for his guidance in
proceedings relating to the petition of any w^ater company for author-
ity to issue capital stock or bonds.
Under these laws the Commissioner of Corporations has been ad-
14 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
vised as to the issue of bonds by the Cohasset and the Weston water
companies.
Early in the year a petition was received from the board of select-
men of the town of Great Barrington protesting against the condition
of the water supplied by the Housatonic Water Works Company in
the village of Housatonic in that town, and after an examination the
Board recommended an investigation to determine a practicable plan
for improving the quality of the water. Subsequently a plan was
presented, but after consideration of the plan further time for the
study of the problem seemed desirable, the results of which had not
been completed at the end of the year. The action of the Board in
the matters presented is as follows: —
April 3, 1913.
To the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Great Barrington.
Gentlemen : — In response to your petition for an examination of the water
supplied by the Housatonic Water Works Company with a view to improving
its condition and making it satisfactory for domestic purposes, the Board has
caused the source of supply of the company to be examined and has investi-
gated the abihty of the company to construct works necessary for improving
the quality of the water.
It is probable, in the opinion of the Board, that the water of Long Pond, now
used for the supply of Housatonic, can be improved and rendered satisfactory
by filtration through sand, and it is likely that this plan would prove the most
economical and otherwise satisfactory one for securing a good water supply
for the village. The Board has recommended that investigations be made by
the company to determine the cost of such improvement. A copy of tliis recom-
mendation is appended.
As soon as this information has been received, the Board will consider what
changes, if any, may be required in the charges for water by the company to
enable it to carry out the necessary improvements.
April 3, 1913.
To the Housatonic Water Works Company, Housatonic, Mass.
Gentlemen: — In response to a petition from the selectmen of the town of
Great Barrington protesting against the present condition of the water supplied
by the Housatonic Water Works Company, the Board has caused the source
of water supply used by the company to be examined by one of its engineers
and samples of the water from these works to be analyzed.
The results of the examination show that the condition of this supply is much
the same as at the time of the previous investigation. The water of Long Pond,
the source from which the supply is taken, is affected by the presence of con-
siderable numbers of microscopic organisms of a kind which impart to the water
a disagreeable taste and odor, and it is to the presence of these organisms that
the objectionable condition of the water in the past few months has been due.
The conditions are much the same as at the time of the previous examination
Xo. 34.] GENERAL REPORT. 15
in 1911, when the Board suggested that you investigate the condition of the
bottom and shores of the pond in order to determine the practicability of im-
proving the condition of the water by cleaning the shores and bottom or by
lowering the level of the water, and also that you investigate the probable cost
of purifying the water by filtration. A copy of the recommendations made by
the Board at that time is appended hereto.
A further examination of the condition of the pond indicates that it is shallow,
that the bottom is covered largely with mud, and it is probable that the best
practicable and least expensive plan of improving the quality of this water will
be by filtration through sand. The income of the company, judging by the
examinations made by the Board, appears to be sufficient to enable it to
construct suitable works for the satisfactory purification of this water,
provided it shall be found that such works can be constructed at reasonable
cost, and at the same time enable the company to pay interest upon its
bonds, a reasonable dividend on the stock, and provide a proper depreciation
fund.
The Board recommends that you cause an investigation to be made and plans
prepared by an engineer of experience in such matters, to determine the prac-
ticabiUty and the probable cost of purifying the water of Long Pond by filtra-
tion through sand. The Board further recommends that the investigation be
made at the earliest practicable time and that as soon as plans and estimates
of cost are available, they be submitted for the consideration of the Board. In
the opinion of the Board, the time required for the necessary investigations and
the preparation of plans under the existing circumstances should not exceed
two months. Upon receipt of this information, the Board will consider what
changes, if any, may be advisable in the charges for water to enable the com-
pany to improve satisfactorily the quahty of its supply.
Nov. 6, 1913.
To Hon. William D. T, Trefry, Commissioner of Corporations.
Dear Sir : — The State Board of Health has considered your application for
advice as to the amount of stock and bonds which is reasonably requisite to be
issued by the Weston Water Company, and has caused the works to be examined
by its engineers.
According to the information presented, it appears that the petition of the
water company requests authority to issue capital stock amounting to $32,500,
in addition to the present capital stock of the corporation amounting to $17,500.
They also petition for authority to issue $50,000 worth of bonds, making the
total issue of stock and bonds $100,000,
The statement of the assets of the company, eliminating items not pertaining
to the physical plant, show a value slightly exceeding $107,000. An examina-
tion of the various items making up this value indicates that they are reasonable,
and the valuation of the pipe lines, which make up more than half of the total,
is low for present conditions, especially if considerable ledge was encountered
in the construction of the works. The items of pumping station and machinery
at the Warren Avenue works appear to be high under present conditions.
16 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
As a result of the investigations by its engineers, the Board is of the opinion
that, making allowance for the greater cost of the Warren Avenue pumping
station and machinery than would be required for present needs; the present
value of the physical plant is 195,000.
Boston, Aug. 8, 1913.
To Hon. William D. T. Trefry, Commissioner of Corporations.
Dear Sir: — The State Board of Health has considered your appUcation for
advice as to the amount of stock which is reasonably requisite to be issued by
the Cohasset Water Company for certain purposes named in its petition for
authority to increase the capital stock of the said company, a copy of which
was submitted with your application, and in response to your request has caused
the locality to be examined by its engineer and has considered the information
presented as to the purposes for which the new issue of stock is to be used and
the probable cost of the proposed works.
According to the information presented, it appears that the petition of the
water company requests the authority to issue capital stock to the additional
amount of $19,600 "for the purpose of paying for new construction w^ork, for
new piping and for the purpose of installing a new filtration plant to remove
excess of iron and impurities from water."
The information as to the filtration plant indicates that it is designed to
filter the water pumped from the well at Beechwood Station through a sand
filter, designed by Mr. R. S. Weston, for the purpose of removing the excess of
iron from the water. The capacity of the filter will differ little from similar
filters already constructed at two other places in the State, and the estimated
cost of the works, $17,710, should be sufficient for the purpose and is not exces-
sive. The new construction work referred to in the petition appears upon
inquiry to be the cost of laying a pipe in King Street, Cohasset, carried out last
year at a cost of $5,000. This pipe was 5,000 feet in length and, considering
its size and the probable character of the excavation, the work appears to have
been done at a reasonable cost.
The new pipe referred to in the petition is a main pipe constructed in Pond
Street, the estimated cost of wliich, for a length of 1,600 feet, is $3,400. Con-
sidering the character of the street in which this pipe is to be laid, the estimate
appears to be a reasonable one.
As. a result of the investigation by its engineers, the Board is of the opinion
that the cost of the items indicated, including the 5,000 feet of pipe laid last
year, is likely to exceed the amount of capital stock which the petition requests
authority to issue, assuming that the work will be done in a thorough and satis-
factory manner, which appears to be the intent of the company from the prep-
arations being made for carrying out the work.
Extension of Public Water Supplies.
In the cities and larger towns of the State where water supplies
were introduced many years ago, the works have been extended until
the public w^ater supply has become available. to practically all of the
No. 34.] GENERAL REPORT. 17
inhabitants. In the smaller places such complete extension of the
public works is very rarely the case. It is the common rule in towns
supplied from municipal works, as well as those supplied from water
companies, to provide water works service only in the more thickly
settled areas and to extend the works in the more sparsely settled
districts only to such streets and sections as are likely to furnish
sufficient income to pay for the cost of construction and maintenance.
Frequently, such extensions are secured through agreement with the
prospective water takers that the latter will pay an aggregate amount
sufficient to cover the interest on the cost of construction of the works.
It sometimes happens that disagreements arise over the reasonableness
of making extensions in districts in which there is a doubt as to
whether the income will pay the interest on the cost of the works, and,
in the cases of towns supplied by private companies, appeal is some-
times made to the Board.
In cities and towns supplied by private companies, the Board is
authorized by law to advise as to the service rendered, and has in
one or two cases recommended extensions where the circumstances
seemed to warrant such recommendations. In the case of municipally
owned works, however, no authority has been delegated to the Board
by the Legislature either as to the rates or service, and in cases where
extensions are desired, unless deemed reasonable by the water depart-
ment of the city or town, appeal can be had only to the city council
or to the authority of the town in town meeting.
It sometimes happens that water works extensions seriously needed
for the protection of the public health are not made by the town when
required, and in such cases there is no redress except such as may be
had through appeal to the Legislature. A case of this sort, in the
town of Saugus, was brought to the attention of the Board and the
Board made the following recommendation: —
Boston, Aug. 8, 1913.
To the Baker^s Hill Improvement Association, Saugus, Mass., Mr. R. J. Murphy,
Secretary.
Gentlemen: — Referring to your request for assistance in an effort to get a
supply of water necessary for the daily use of the inhabitants of Baker's Hill,
the State Board of Health has examined the locality and finds that a public
water supply is greatly needed for the health and comfort of the inhabitants of
Baker's Hill, where no public water supply is at present available.
It appears from information furnished by the Saugus water board that the
elevation of Baker's HiU is such that it is impracticable to supply water from the
present pipes of the town without pumping. Such cases are not uncommon
among the cities and towns of the State, and in a number of such cases a water
supply has been furnished by establishing a small pumping station and stand-
18 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
pipe, pumping water from the mains already laid to a sufficient elevation to
supply the houses above the level reached by the existing pipe system.
In order to provide such a sj^stem in this case, it will be necessary for the
town to appropriate a sufficient sum of money for the purpose and to construct
and operate the works.
In the cases of cities and towns suppUed with water by private companies,
the Legislature has given power to the State Board of Health to regulate the
service, but no powers have been granted to this Board by the Legislature to
regulate the service furnished the cities and towns where the water works are
owned and operated by the municipality. In case of the neglect of the town
to provide a water supply in the district in question, the Legislature is the
only power that can supply relief. In case an appeal to the town fails, it is
possible that an appeal to the Legislature would secure the necessary action.
The only action possible for this Board in the existing circumstances is a
presentation of the facts to the Legislature, which the Board will make in its
annual report in January, unless relief is afforded by the town before that time.
Examination of Sewer Outlets.
Under the provisions of law requiring an annual examination of
main outlets of sewage and drainage and the effect of sewage disposal,
the sewer outlets of the various cities and towns have been examined
during the year.
The most important main sewer outlets in the State are those of
the Boston main drainage and the north and south metropolitan
sewerage districts, which include in the aggregate about one-third of
the population of the State.
The sewage of the Boston main drainage district is discharged into
tide water at Moon Island in the southwesterly part of the harbor.
The total quantity of sewage discharged from this outlet amounts to
about 90,000,000 gallons per da^'. The sewage from the Boston main
drainage district is passed first through a settling tank or grit chamber
before reaching the pumping station at Calf Pasture, and is subse-
quently stored in basins at Moon Island and discharged on the first
two hours of the outgoing tide. In consequence of its storage before
disposal, the sewage is given far greater opportunity for decomposition
than the sewage discharged at the main outlets of the metropolitan
systems.
The conditions about the Moon Island outlet have been subject to
frequent and regular examination for many years. From time to
time chemical and bacterial examinations are made of the waters into
which this sewage is discharged, both during the period when the
sewage is being discharged and in the intervening periods between
discharges. The tidal current into which this sewage is discharged
is of no great volume and velocity, and the rate of discharge, amount-
No. 34.] GENERAL REPORT. 19
ing to 20,000,000 gallons per hour, is from six to ten times as great as
at the outlets of the metropolitan sewerage districts, where the dis-
charge is continuous throughout the twenty-four hours. Very little
change has been noted in the conditions about this outlet since it was
first put in operation thirty years ago.
The sewage of the north metropolitan sewerage district is discharged
at Deer Island Light, on the northerly side of the entrance to Boston
harbor, at all stages of the tide, the quantity discharged there in 1913
amounting to an average of about 56,000,000 gallons per day. The
tidal currents passing this outlet are much larger in volume and have
a considerably higher velocity than those passing the outlet at Moon
Island, while the rate of discharge is much less, amounting to only
about 2,300,000 gallons per hour. The sewage is much fresher, and the
area affected by the discharge at this outlet much smaller, than at
Moon Island. The outlet is located very close to Deer Island Light
and, while the sewage ordinarily disappears very quickly within a
short distance of the outlet, the odors are, nevertheless, objectionable
to the keepers of the light. There is no question that such objection
could be removed, and the disposal of the sewage confined to an even
smaller area than at the present time, by extending the outlet into
deep water, which can be reached by a short extension of the main
outfall sewer.
The Deer Island outlet has been in constant use for over twenty
years, and frequent examinations of the locality and analyses of the
water of the harbor in its neighborhood show that no material change
in the conditions has taken place there.
The sewage of the south metropolitan district is discharged into the
great channel known as Nantasket Roads, north of Peddock's Island,
at all stages of the tide. Here also the tidal volumes and velocities
are much greater than at Moon Island, and, while the total quantity
of sewage discharged in 1913 amounted to about 50,000,000 gallons
per day, or about 60 per cent, of the amount discharged at Moon
Island, the actual rate of discharge is only about 2,100,000 gallons
per hour, and the area of sea water visibly affected by the sewage is
comparatively insignificant. The outlet is a very satisfactory one,
and nowhere else in the State is so great a quantity of sewage dis-
posed of effectually and without objection in so small an area.
No material change has occurred during the year in the conditions
affecting the outlets of sewers at New Bedford and Fall River. At
New Bedford the main sewerage works are rapidly approaching com-
pletion, and it is expected that they will be put in operation during
the coming year. When these works have been completed they will
afford a means for diverting the sewage from the numerous outlets
20 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
into New Bedford harbor and Clark's Cove which now cause most
serious nuisances in those waters. At Fall River the sewage con-
tinues to discharge into the Taunton River and Mount Hope Bay
from several independent outlets, which are located upon or very near
the shores of the river or bay. The conditions about many of these
outlets are objectionable and could be relieved by the construction
of extensions which would discharge the dry-weather flow of sewage at
a reasonable distance from the shore.
Plans for the improvement of the sewage-disposal system of the city
of Lynn were rejected by vote of the inhabitants of the city toward
the end of the year, and new plans will be required before it will be
practicable to prevent the serious nuisance in" Lynn harbor caused by
the present main sewer outlet of the city.
No change has been made during the year in the sewer outlet at
Beverly, though the question of improving the conditions at this out-
let has been under consideration by the city for several years.
The sewage of the city of Salem and town of Peabody is discharged
into the sea near Great Haste Island in Salem harbor and, as the
outlet is close to the surface of the sea, the sewage spreads at times
over a wide area. Such objectionable conditions as are noted about
this outlet could undoubtedly be prevented by extending it to deep
water, which can be reached at a point about half a mile east of
Great Haste Island.
One of the most satisfactory sewer outlets in the State is that of the
town of Swampscott, sewage from which is discharged into the sea
at Dread Ledge at a point where the water is 60 feet in depth. It
is very difficult to find any traces of sewage in the water immediately
over this outlet.
The conditions about the sewer outlets into the principal rivers of
the State have been examined during the year and will be referred to
in describing the condition of the rivers.
Sewage-disposal Systems.
There are 32 cities and towns in the State which have provided
works for purifying their sewage or subjecting it to some form of treat-
ment for the removal of organic matters before final disposal. These
cities and towns are the following: —
Amherst.
Andover.
Attleborough.
Billerica.
Brockton.
Clinton.
Concord.
Easthampton.
Framingham.
Franklin.
No. 34.1 GENERAL REPORT. 21
Gardner.
Hopedale.
Hudson.
Leicester.
Lenox.
Longmeadow.
Marion.
Marlborough.
Maynard.
Medfield.
Milford.
Natick.
North Attleborough.
Northbridge.
North Broolcfield.
Norwood.
Pittsfield.
Southbridge.
Spencer.
Stockbridge.
Westborough.
Worcester.
The sewage-disposal systems have been examined from time to time
during the year, and recommendations have been made and advice
given in cases where the condition of the works was found to require
improvement.
Great improvement has been effected in recent years in the opera-
tion of the works for purifying the sewage at Marlborough, Clinton,
Hudson, Natick and Westborough, and these improvements have been
maintained throughout the past year. There has also been an increase
in efficiency in the operation of the works for the disposal of the sew-
age at Hopedale, and considerable work has been done in reconstruct-
ing underdrains at the disposal works of the town of Andover.
On the other hand, there has been a material deterioration in the
efficiency of the disposal works of the town of Framingham, one of the
oldest plants in the country, where for many years the sewage was well
purified. The deterioration is due to lack of care in the maintenance
of the works, and recommendations of the Board as to securing more
satisfactory operation of the filters have not been followed.
At several of the other works, namely, those at Amherst, Gardner,
Leicester, Lenox, Longmeadow^ Medfield and Southbridge, the effi-
ciency is low on account of lack of attention in the operation of the
works or of lack of funds for maintenance.
The new works for the purification of the sewage at Fitchburg were
under construction during the year, and it is expected that they will
be available for use in 1914. The works under construction consist
of a system of settling tanks and trickling filters, followed by sedimen-
tation of the efiluent, with provision for ultimate filtration through
sand if found necessary.
A trickling filter has also been added to the purification works at
Brockton and was first operated near the end of the year.
22
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
Unsanitary Conditions due to Lack of Sewerage.
In the annual report of the State Board of Health for 1911 a table
is given, showing the cities and towns having and not having systems
of sewerage at that time. From that report it appears that there
were then 10 towns, having populations in excess of 6,000, in which
no provision for the collection and disposal of sewage had been made.
These towns are the following: —
Weymouth,
Amesbuiy,
Dan vers, .
Braintree,
Saugus, .
Population
in 1910.
12,S95
9,894
9,407
8,066
8,047
Town.
Bridgewater,
Marblehead,
Whitman,
Rockland,
Stoughton,
Population
in 1910.
7,688
7,338
7,292
6,928
6,316
During the past year the town of Amesbury has completed a system
of sewerage, and steps have also been taken looking to the construc-
tion of a sewerage system in the town of Braintree, but in most of the
other towns conditions, caused by lack of sewerage, are in many cases
very objectionable. The most notable of these are the conditions at
Rockland, Stoughton, Danvers and Weymouth, in all of which towns
there are serious nuisances which are difficult and in most cases im-
practicable of removal until a sewerage system has been provided.
The attention of the town of Rockland has been called repeatedly
to the extremely objectionable conditions existing in the thickly settled
portions of that town on account of overflow of cesspools and other
serious nuisances which it is impracticable to relieve. In other places
— notably Stoughton and Danvers — the streams and water courses
flowing through the towns, and other waters adjacent thereto, are
badly polluted with sewage. There is no practicable way of maintain-
ing proper sanitary conditions in the thickly populated portions of
these towns unless sewers shall first be provided.
Pollution of Streams.
Assabet River.
The chief pollution of the Assabet River at the present time is
caused by the discharge of manufacturing waste from the woolen mills
at Maynard. The Board has repeatedly urged the construction of
works for the purification of wastes from this establishment, and a
No. 34.] GENERAL REPORT. 23
beginning has at last been made on this important improvement.
During the year large tanks for the collection and sedimentation of
the wastes have been constructed, and plans have been made to con-
struct drains to convey the various wastes to the tanks. The work
has progressed slowly, and no improvement in the river has yet been
effected, its condition during the past year being about the same as
in other recent years.
Charles River.
The Charles River receives at the present time comparatively little
pollution. One of its tributaries, flowing through the town of Frank-
lin, is considerably polluted, but plans have been prepared for the
collection and proper disposal of the sewage and objectionable wastes
that enter the stream in that town, and preparations are being made
for constructing the works in the near future. With the removal of
the pollutions in this town, the river will be quite free from contam-
ination throughout the greater part of its course.
Small amounts of polluting matter find their way into the stream
from factories in Newton, Waltham and Watertown, and from the
overflows of sewers in Brighton, Cambridge and Boston, but in general
the pollutions are local in character and the general condition of the
river is good.
Chicopee River.
The Chicopee River, formed by the junction of the Ware, Quaboag
and Swift rivers in the westerly part of the town of Palmer, is used
as a place of disposal for the sewage of Ludlow and portions of the
cities of Springfield -and Chicopee.
Objectionable conditions have been created at three or four points
along the river by local sewer outlets, but action by the local author-
ities, especially in Chicopee, has already relieved the more objection-
able conditions in this stream, and its condition as a whole is not
objectionable.
Concord River.
While two of the main tributaries of the Concord River, the Assabet
and Sudbury rivers, are considerably polluted at one or two points,
the main river receives no important pollutions between Concord and
the city of Lowell. In the course of the river through the latter city,
however, it receives much pollution from sewage and manufacturing
waste, and its condition is at times objectionable.
The stream has been carefully examined, the sources of pollution
located, and plans for the prevention of these objectionable conditions
have been recommended to the authorities of the city of Lowell,
within the limits of which these objectionable conditions were found.
24 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
Connecticut River.
This stream is the largest river in the State and receives directly
the sewage of all of the cities and most of the towns on its banks,
including Turners Falls in Montague, Hatfield, South Hadley, Holyoke,
Chicopee, Springfield and West Springfield, and sewage is also dis-
charged into a number of its tributaries very close to the main stream.
Notwithstanding the large amount of sewage which the river receives,
the quantity is small as compared with the flow of this large river,
and its effect on the condition of the water is noticeable only in the
neighborhood of some of the sewer outlets in the cities along its course.
While considerable improvement has been made in recent years in
sewerage systems along the river, notably at Chicopee, where the prin-
cipal sewer outlet has been extended into the stream so as to relieve
a serious nuisance in this neighborhood, further improvement is desir-
able at a number of other places along the river where sewage is dis-
charged either upon the banks or in their immediate neighborhood,
causing the fouling of the shores at times of low water.
French River.
This stream is badly polluted, chiefly by manufacturing waste, at
several points along its course, the most objectionable condition being
found below Webster, where the river is polluted both by the sewage
of the town and by a very large quantity of manufacturing waste
from the large woolen mills at this place. The condition of the river
below Webster, and as it crosses the State line into Connecticut, has
become objectionable.
Hoosick River.
This river is one of the most seriously polluted streams in the State,
and its condition in 1913 has remained about the same as in former
years. Its pollution is caused chiefly by sewage from Adams, North
Adams and Williamstown, and its condition is most objectionable
below the main sewer outlet of the city of North Adams.
Honsatonic River.
The results of chemical analyses of samples of water from this river
at various points show a marked increase in the pollution of the stream
below Pittsfield in 1913 as compared with former years.
The sources of pollution of this river were carefully investigated
during the year, the results showing that the chief source of pollution
is the sewage of the city of Pittsfield, a large part of which has been
No. 34.] GENERAL REPORT. 25
discharged untreated directly into the stream. The pumping works
for conveying the sewage of this city to a filtration area in the valley
of the river 2 miles below are inadequate for the purpose, and an
enlargement of the filtration area will be necessary to care properly for
all of the sewage. As a result of its investigations, the Board made
the following recommendations to the city of Pittsfield: —
Sept. 22, 1913.
To the Board of Public Works, Pittsfield, Mass.
Gentlemen: — Recent examinations of the Housatonic River show that
through increasing pollution its condition is becoming offensive, especially below
the city ot Pittsfield. The chief and most objectionable pollution of the river
is sewage from the city of Pittsfield, a large quantity of which was being dis-
charged untreated into the river at the time of a recent examination, contrary
to the provisions of chapter 433 of the Acts of the year 1909. The growth of
the city has been rapid in recent years, and the available capacity of the works
for pumping the sewage to the filter beds is inadequate, under existing condi-
tions, to care for and remove all of the sewage and prevent the pollution of the
river.
The filtration works of the city have been well maintained and have produced
an effluent of good quality, but the area of the filter beds is hmited, and when
provision is made for preventing the further overflow of sewage into the river
in the neighborhood of the pumping station or above, and discharging aU of
the sewage upon the filter beds, the improvement of these works will be neces-
sary for the effective treatment of all of the sewage.
The Board recommends that steps be taken at once by the city to make the
necessary enlargements of its sewerage and sewage-disposal works to provide
for removing aU of the sewage of the city at all times to the filtration area and
for its efficient purification there before discharge into the Housatonic River.
The additional works should include a pumping capacity of at least 1,000,000
gallons per day in excess of the quantity cared for by the present pumps, and
it is not unlikely that a still larger capacity wiU be necessary in order to provide
for the removal of all of the sewage at times of maximum flow. The capacity
of the pumping plant should be sufficient for the removal of all of the sewage
at aU times, and the filtration works should be enlarged sufficiently to care for
the additional quantity of sewage.
While the chief pollution of the river at the present time is due to
the sewage of Pittsfield, it is also polluted seriously at Dalton, in the
valley of the east branch above Pittsfield, and by the sewage of the
towns of Lenox, Lee and Great Barrington, together with manufactur-
ing waste in these and other towns.
26 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
Merrimack River.
The results of a very thorough examination of the sources of pollu-
tion of the Merrimack River, together with plans and recommenda-
tions for removing the objectionable conditions found in this stream,
were reported to the Legislature of 1912, and printed as House Docu-
ment, No. 2050.
The investigations show in brief that the chief causes of the objec-
tionable condition of the river are the sewer outlets in the various
cities and towns along its banks and the pollution caused by wool-
scouring waste in the city of Lawrence. The excessive fouling of the
bed, banks and waters of the river about the sewer outlets in the
cities of Lowell, Lawrence and Haverhill can readily be prevented by
an improvement of these outlets, plans for which were presented in
the report of last year, and these improvements can be carried out
by the municipalities themselves whenever they may see fit to begin
this work.
The city of Lowell has already made an excellent beginning on the
work of improving its sewer outlets, and during the past year has
completed the extension of the very objectionable sewer outlets at
West, Fulton and Colburn streets on the north side of the river above
Central bridge, so that the dry-weather flow of sewage is now dis-
charged well beyond the low-water shore line and beneath the surface
of the water at all times.
The objectionable conditions caused by the discharge of wool-
scouring waste into the river from various mills in the city of Law-
rence were brought to the attention of the proprietors of these mills
at a conference with the Board in December, 1912. "While works for
treating wool-scouring wastes have already been installed at a number
of wool-scouring mills in the State, no works have as yet been in-
stalled by the mills along the river at Lawrence.
During the past year experimental works were installed at one or
two of the mills, and the Board is informed that further experiments
are soon to be begun with a view to designing a method for removing
the objectionable properties from the wool-scouring wastes. These
wastes can be treated in a general system which would require col-
lecting sewers on both sides of the river laid within the channel of
the stream, and a treatment works near the river below the city, plans
for which were described in the report of the Board last year and are
on file in the office of the Board.
It appears to the Board advisable that a limit be placed upon the
time in which these objectionable wastes shall be allowed to discharge
No. 34.] GENERAL REPORT. 27
into the stream, and that a limit of time should also be specified
within which the work of improving satisfactorily the condition of the
sewer outlets in the cities and towns along the river shall be completed.
Nashua River.
No improvement has taken place in the condition of the north
branch of the Nashua River, which is very foul for many miles below
the sewer outlets of Fitchburg and Leominster.
The construction of sew^ers for the removal of the sewage of Fitch-
burg and of works for its purification has advanced considerably
during the past year, but from present appearances they are not
likely to be completed before the end of 1914.
The Board has already notified the town of Leominster of the
necessity of the construction of purification works by that town as soon
as practicable, but, while plans of sewage-disposal works have been
prepared, no further action has been taken toward removing the
sewage of the town from the river and its tributaries.
Nemasket River.
This stream, a tributary of the Taunton River, is badly polluted by
the sewage of Middleborough, Plans for the purification of the
sewage of this town were made many years ago, but the town has
never authorized the construction of the works.
Sudbury River.
This river continues to receive a large amount of pollution from the
woolen mills at Saxonville, and, although plans have been prepared
for the relief of this nuisance, no works for this purpose have yet been
constructed.
Taunton River.
The chief pollution of the Taunton River is caused by the sewage
of the city of Taunton which is discharged directly into the river in
the lower part of the city. Permission to continue the use of this
outlet has been extended from time to time, but, while the most
recent limit expired on Dec. 1, 1913, works have not yet been con-
structed by the city, and a petition has been presented to the Board
by the city authorities for a further extension of the period within
which the river may be used for the disposal of the sewage. This
petition is now under consideration. The Taunton River also re-
ceives considerable pollution by sewage in Bridgewater and several
of the other towns within its watershed.
28 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
Ten Mile River.
The condition of this stream shows considerable improvement, and
no doubt a much greater improvement will be effected with the exten-
sion of the sewerage systems in Attleborough and North Attleborough
within the near future. During the past year its condition has been
less objectionable than in earlier years.
Three Mile River.
This stream, one of the principal tributaries of the Taunton River,
flowing through the towns of Dighton, Foxborough, Mansfield and
Norton, and a portion of the city of Taunton, receives a large amount
of pollution, and its condition below Norton, where it is seriously
fouled by wool-scouring waste from a large woolen mill, has been very
objectionable in recent years.
Ware River.
No material change has taken place during the past year in the
condition of this stream, which is badly polluted at many points,
especially in and below the town of Ware.
Other Rivers.
No material change has been noted in the condition of the other
principal rivers in the State as compared with former years. Some
of them receive considerable pollution, notably the Westfield River
below Westfield, the Quaboag River below Spencer and at Palmer,
and the Deerfield River below Greenfield, but in no case is the pol-
lution so serious as to have caused objectionable conditions up to
the present time.
North River in Salem and Peabody.
A very large amount of work has been done in the examination of
manufacturing wastes from various establishments situated along the
North River and its tributaries in Salem and Peabody. The main
trunk sewer in this valley is designed to receive both the sewage of
the municipalities and the manufacturing waste from the various
factories which discharge waste of objectionable character. Soon after
the construction of this sewer, a great improvement took place in the
condition of the North River, but more recently there has been a
serious deterioration, and the examinations of the past year show that
large quantities of manufacturing waste find their way into the stream
either directly or through overflows from sewers or connections.
No. 34.] GENERAL REPORT. 29
Authority to make rules and regulations for the trunk sewer has
been given the Board under the provisions of chapter 104 of the Acts
of the year 1901, and authority is given to the sewer boards of the
municipalities to regulate the entrance of matters into their sewers
under the provisions of chapter 433 of the Acts of the year 1909.
The greater part of the manufacturing wastes are very foul in
character and contain excessive quantities of suspended matter which
tend to form deposits in the sewers. To prevent such deposits, settling
tanks have been installed at most of the factories, but many — if
not most — of these are inadequate and unsatisfactory, or ineffi-
ciently operated, so that they are of little value.
It has been necessary to examine the wastes from each process in
practically all the factories and to determine the character and the
means of treatment necessary to prevent deposits in the sewers. It
is evident that measures must be taken to prevent the further pollu-
tion of the river, and that the collection and treatment of the man-
ufacturing wastes and their admission to the sewers must be regulated
closely if the serious pollution of the North River is to be prevented
without causing excessive and unnecessary labor in the maintenance of
the trunk sewer. Studies for a practicable plan of regulation have
been carried on as rapidly as possible, but the problem is a difficult
and complicated one on account of the great number of factories dis-
charging foul wastes, the difficulty of collecting those which are
objectionable, and the great difficulty of securing adequate and suitable
areas for treatment works in a densely populated district.
Improvement of the Neponset River.
The condition of the Neponset River, judging from the averages of
chemical analyses, has been somewhat less objectionable in 1913 than
in the previous year, this slight improvement very likely being due
largely to the reduction in the amount of business carried on at some
of the factories on the river. Considerable further progress has been
made in the construction of purification works at several of the fac-
tories, but some of the largest works continue to discharge great
quantities of polluting matter into the river as in previous years.
In cases where there has been continued neglect either to build
works or to consult with the Board concerning them, an information
has been filed with the Attorney-General. Up to the end of the year
nine such cases had been referred to that department.
Rapid progress has been made during the year in the deepening and
improvement of the channel of the Neponset River for the purpose
of draining the great area of wet meadows in the central part of its
30 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
watershed, as authorized under the provisions of chapter 655 of the
Acts of the year 1911. A dredging machine was installed in Hyde
Park and began work Jan. 28, 1913, and later a second dredging
machine was set up farther downstream. About half of the work
necessary for the improvement of the river has already been com-
pleted, including a large part of the work to be done in the lower
reaches of the river. The material dredged from the stream has been
disposed of along the banks of the river, and no objectionable condi-
tions have thus far arisen from this method of disposal. Compar-
atively little objectionable matter had deposited in this section of the
river, the material removed being for the most part sand and gravel
or hardpan. The inhabitants along the river, and the municipalities
and corporations concerned in the structures in and about it, have
in nearly all cases cordially co-operated in the work of improvement
and adjusted their structures to meet the needs of the new channel.
At the present rate of progress, the work is likely to be completed
within the time allowed in the contract.
Pollution of the Blackstone River.
By the provisions of chapter 133 of the Resolves of 1913 an ap-
propriation of $7,500 is made for a new sewer pipe line for the Worces-
ter State Hospital, with the proviso "that no part of the amount
authorized for a new sewer pipe line at the Worcester state hospital,
to connect said hospital with the Worcester system of sewerage, shall
be used or expended unless the state board of health, after making
a thorough investigation of the sewerage conditions of the Blackstone
river, the results of which shall be reported to the general court in
January, nineteen hundred and fourteen, shall certify to the auditor
of the commonwealth that the area of filter beds for the purification
of the sewage of the city of Worcester has been enlarged to an extent
necessary to filter the additional sewage to be discharged from the
said Worcester state hospital, and that in their opinion the city of
Worcester has taken or is taking such action in relation to the puri-
fication of its sewage that it is desirable from the point of view of the
public health that the Worcester state hospital shall be connected
with the sewerage s^'stem of the city of Worcester."
In accordance with the provisions of this resolve, the condition of
the Blackstone River has been carefully investigated during the year
and samples of the water of the river and of the sewage and manu-
facturing waste, discharging into the stream at various points, have
been analyzed.
The results of the examination show that the river is polluted to
No. 34.] GENERAL REPORT. 31
such an extent as to be objectionable below the Cherry Valley district in
Leicester and for a distance of several miles below the sewage treatment
works in the city of Worcester. The causes of the objectionable pollu-
tion of the river are sewage and foul wastes from factories and mills.
Sewage is discharged into the river at numerous places along its course
and into the tributaries of the river at various points. The most im-
portant of the pollutions of the river is that which is caused by the
sewage and effluent from the sewers and sewage treatment works of
the city of Worcester. These works were first put into operation in
1890 in accordance with the provisions of an act of 1886 requiring
the purification of the sewage of the city before its discharge into the
river. The original works provided for the chemical precipitation of
the sewage, the effect of which was to remove about half of the organic
matter from the sewage treated, including nearly 90 per cent, of the
suspended matter, but the works treated only the dry-weather llow
of sewage, and the excess at times of storm continued to discharge
into the river. Subsequently, in 1893, the precipitation works were
enlarged, and in later years sand filters were added from time to time
until they comprise at present an area of 73 acres.
In 1886, at the time the law was passed requiring the treatment of
the sewage, the total length of sewers in the city of Worcester was
56.41 miles, while in 1913 the mileage of sewers and surface drains had
increased to 222.2 miles. In earlier times the sewers were constructed
on the combined plan, but the separate system has been employed
for many years, and at the present time approximately 70 per cent,
of the sewers are operated on the separate plan. The combined
sewers, which receive both sewage and rain water, had an aggregate
length in 1913 of 68.7 miles, and are provided with overflows into
Mill Brook and the Blackstone River, through which a part of the
mingled sewage and rain water overflows at times of storm and is not
treated at the purification works. The quantity of sewage discharged
directly into the river in this way cannot be definitely stated, but it
is probably a small percentage of the total quantity.
The works are carried on under expert supervision, and careful
records of their operation are maintained and published. The follow-
ing information has been supplied relative to the quantity of sewage
treated at the purification works in 1913: —
32
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
Chemical precipitation, .
Sand filtration,
Experimental treatment.
Total,
Million Gallons.
Per Cent.
of Total.
Total.
Daily.
5,170
1,408
32
14.16
3.86
0.09
78.2
21.3
0.5
6,610
18.11
100.0
It further appears that the strongest sewage was treated by sand
filtration, as far as the area was capable of receiving it, because that
method of treatment gives the highest degree of purification. The
remaining sewage was treated by chemical precipitation, with the
exertion of the small quantity used in the experimental works.
The results of the treatment of the sewage are carefully observed
by means of numerous analyses and are recorded in the reports of
the department having charge of the work. The results of the analyses
as presented in the last published report show that the combined sew-
age treatment in 1912 was as follows: —
[Parts in 100,000.]
Ammoni.i.
Chlo-
rine.
Average
Free.
albuminoid.
Flow
per Day
Total.
Dis-
solved.
Sus-
pended.
Total.
Dis-
solved.
Sus-
pended.
in
Million
Gallons.
Average sewage.
Average effluent, .
Per cent, removed.
2.299
1.972
14.22
.873
.369
57.73
.374
.305
18.45
.499
.064
87.18
12.42
12.32
14.20
5.64
60.29
7.58
4.71
37.86
6.62
0.93
85.94
15.74
The preliminary figures for the year 1913 show the following results
of the treatment of sewage: —
[Parts ii
100,000.
Ammonia.
Chlo-
rine.
Oxygen consumed.
Average
Free.
ALBUMINOID.
Flow
per Day
Total.
Dis-
solved.
Sus-
pended.
Total.
Dis-
solved.
Sus-
pended.
in
Million
Gallons.
Average sewage, .
Average effluent, .
Per cent, removed,
2.123
1.733
18.37
.721
.368
48.96
.349
.300
14.03
.372
.068
81.74
11.70
11.15
13.66
5.57
59.26
6.95
4.68
32.68
6.71
0.89
86.74
18.02
_
No. 34.]
GENERAL REPORT.
33
The per cent, of organic matter removed from the sewage has been
calculated by the sewer department of the city from year to year for
many years, and the results indicate that the per cent, of organic
matter removed during the year 1913, judging from the albuminoid
ammonia, was less than in any previous year. The results as calcu-
lated by the sewer department of the city are shown in the following
table: —
Per Cent. Organic Matter removed from Sewage.
December to July.
1909.
Total amount (by albuminoid ammonia),
Amount in suspension (by albuminoid ammonia),
Total amount (by oxygen consumed), .
Amount in suspension (by oxygen consumed),
53.3
85.0
57.0
87.8
1910.
58.3
89.9
60.1
90.9
1911.
58.1
90.0
61.4
91.0
July to December.
Total amount (by albuminoid ammonia).
Amount in suspension (by albuminoid ammonia).
Total amount (by oxygen consumed), .
Amount in suspension (by oxygen consumed),
61.0
88.1
69.7
92.5
58.5
87.1
62.4
88.5
57.9
88.4
61.7
85.8
December to December.
Total amount (by albuminoid ammonia).
Amount in suspension (by albuminoid ammonia).
Total amount (by oxygen consumed), .
Amount in suspension (by oxygen consumed),
1912.
55.6
86.4
56.7
85.4
60.9
88.5
64.9
86.6
1913.
45.5
81.5
43.8
85.6
54.7
82.3
65.1
87.9
56.4
58.4
58.0
57.7
86.4
88.7
89.3
87.2
61.7
61.1
61.5
60.3
89.8
89.7
88.8
85.9
49.0
81.7
59.3
86.7
The above figures comprise the results of both the chemical treatment and treatment by filtration.
The table indicates clearly that the efficiency of the purification has
decreased materially in the past year. The necessity for enlarging
the plant and improving its efficiency was referred to in the report of
the superintendent of sewers for 1912 as follows: —
... So far as known, there have been no complaints, formal or otherwise, from
the residents of the town of Millbury. From observations and tests, it is be-
lieved that the condition of the Blackstone River during the last few years has
been materially better than formerly. With continued rapid growth of popu-
lation and manufacturing industry, however, it is perfectly evident that it will
be a matter of only a short time, when the river -wall show marked deterioration
and afford just cause for complaint by the town of Millbury. It is therefore
imperative that early steps be taken towards enlarging the plant along the lines
of greatest efficiency, as indicated by the results of experiment. Meanwhile, it
34 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
is highly important that the annual appropriation be made sufficient to main-
tain the present plant at its highest efficiency.
The annual appropriation last year was no greater than it was ten years ago,
but during this time the population has increased more than 25 per cent., wages
have been advanced from 15 to 20 per cent., and the price of stock and tools
has likewise increased materially. It is, therefore, unreasonable to expect the
plant to be operated in a most efficient manner without a decided increase in
the annual appropriation. ...
The only sewerage system of notable size in the Blaekstone valley
in Massachusetts, aside from the works of the city of Worcester, is
that of the town of Northbridge, where the sewage of the village of
Whitinsville, containing approximately 5,000 inhabitants, is collected
and disposed of upon sand filters, and the effluent, which has thus far
been reasonably well purified, is discharged into a tributary of the
Blaekstone River. While there are no systems of public sewers in
the valley of the Blaekstone River in Massachusetts other than those
mentioned above, there are sewers serving small populations in Mill-
bury, Grafton and Uxbridge, which discharge directly into the river.
The principal remaining sewage which finds its way into the Black-
stone River or its tributaries is that which is discharged from factories
and mills at widely scattered points throughout the valley, the amount
of which in the aggregate is probably equivalent to the sewage from
a town of 5,500 inhabitants.
Aside from the sewage of cities, towns and factories, the most im-
portant pollutions of the Blaekstone River are the manufacturing
wastes discharged into the stream from the numerous factories and
mills located along the river and its tributaries from Cherry Valley,
several miles above Worcester, to the point where the river flows out
of the State at Blaekstone. The manufacturing wastes are as a rule
discharged into the stream at somewhat widely separated villages, and
the most serious nuisance in the river, caused chiefly by these wastes, is
in the village of Cherry Valley, where woolen mill waste, mingled with
a small quantity of sewage, makes the river objectionable and offen-
sive in the drier part of the year.
The causes of the nuisance were investigated by the Board in
1911, and the manufacturers advised of the necessity of taking meas-
ures to remove the objectionable conditions in this stream.
In other districts the effect of this sort of pollution is usually notice-
able only for short distances in the immediate vicinity of the point
at which the manufacturing waste is discharged, but, upon the main
stream of the Blaekstone River below Worcester, the effect of the
manufacturing waste no doubt tends materially to maintain objection-
able conditions in the river in that part of its course. Statistics as
No. 34.]
GENERAL REPORT.
35
to the quantity and the character of the manufacturing wastes dis-
charged into the Blackstone River and its tributaries from the mills
in various towns have been summarized in the appended table.
A very rough calculation of the comparative quantities of organic
matter discharged into the river from the sewage-disposal works of the
city of Worcester, with the aggregate quantity of organic matter, as
indicated by the albuminoid ammonia in the effluents of the various
mills throughout the valley of the Blackstone River and its tributaries,
indicates that the wastes from manufactories in the aggregate con-
tribute a quantity of organic matter to the river equivalent to about
one-half that discharged from the treatment works of the city of
Worcester. This calculation takes no account of the sewage dis-
charged into the river from factories and mills, nor from the sewers in
Whitinsville, Millbury, Grafton or Uxbridge, nor of the quantity which
overflows from the combined sewers in Worcester at times of storm.
The condition of the Blackstone River has been observed at several
points for many years by means of chemical analyses, and the results
of the analyses of samples collected in the months of June to Novem-
ber, inclusive, in 1913, as compared with those of the past six years,
1908-13, are presented in the following tables: —
Blackstone River, helow Cherry Valley.
[Parts in 100,000.]
Date of
Collection.
1908,
1909,
1910,
1911,
1912,
1913,
Residue
ON Evapo-
ration.
20.57
13.93
16.42
21.02
44.10
32.32
3.83
3.34
3.92
4.40
11.04
6.52
Ammonia.
1531
0681
0633
,1277
.2514
.2591
albuminoid.
0624
,0470
,0489
.0726
.2884
.1623
.0508
.0334
.0387
.0559
.1023
.1122
CO
.0116
.0136
.0102
.0167
.1861
.0506
O
5.76
3.70
4.02
5.70
10.70
8.18
Nitrogen
AS
.0020
.0125
.0146
.0080
.0002
.0015
.0007
.0003
.0002
.0005
.0004
.0004
.80
.85
1.15
3.08
2.06
Blackstone River
, above Worcester Sewage-disposal Works.
1908, .
.16
23.67
5.55
.0990
.0291
.0153
.0138
3.23
.0134
.0014
.83
3.327
1909, .
-
52.97
18.65
.1865
.0381
.0239
.0142
4.80
.0033
.0010
2.09
8.440
1910, .
.15
50.92
18.97
.1933
.0545
.0309
.0236
4.07
.0023
.0009
2.19
11.850
1911. .
.11
44.64
15.70
.1920
.0449
.0212
.0237
4.03
.0170
.0009
2.05
8.167
1912, .
.10
40.05
10.91
.2047
.0352
.0225
.0127
3.58
.0027
.0011
1.69
6.667
1913, .
.10
35.17
10.34
.2767
.0491
.0285
.0206
3.18
.0003
.0008
1.31
4.933
36
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
Blackstone River, below Entrance of Chemically Treated Sewage.
[Parts in 100,000.]
o
O
Residue
Ammonia.
1
3
O
Nitrogen
1
1
a
5
RATION.
1
albuminoid.
AS
Date of
Collection.
"3
d
m to
1
1
a
1
.1
1
a
2
1908,
.30
38.80
7.63
.9407
.1490
.0781
.0709
5.34
.0040
.0033
1.31
4.017
1909,
-
53.79
12.12
1.0567
.1282
.0792
.0490
6.92
.0067
.0075
1.72
6.333
1910,
-
52.15
12.52
1.0090
.1654
.0817
.0837
5.68
.0015
.0034
2.17
5.683
1911,
.21
53.25
13.15
.9967
.1608
.0651
.0957
6.54
.0152
.0072
2.26
6.067
1912,
.23
48.90
10.08
1.1700
.1673
.0904
.0769
6.12
.0137
.0096
2.40
4.017
1913,
.28
40.68
10.46
.9320
.1286
.0719
.0567
4.49
.0158
.0084
1.79
2.960
Blackstone River, below Worcester Sewage-disposal Works.
1908,
.46
37.70
6.82
1.1317
.1362
.0919
.0443
6.80
.0078
.0040
1.28
1.383
1909,
48.82
9.29
1.2200
.1072
.0777
.0295
8.20
.0140
.0069
1.49
3.533
1910,
-
52.38
11.13
1.3033
.1265
.0892
.0373
8.07
.0108
.0046
1.85
3.867
1911,
.20
48.98
7.93
1.2633
.1150
.0709
.0441
8.88
.0255
.0123
1.74
2.550
1912,
.32
52.23
7.77
1.7985
.1223
.0777
.0446
8.14
.0118
.0098
1.82
3.317
1913.
.27
45.67
9.64
1.1267
.1228
.0788
.0440
6.41
.0195
.0078
1.61
2.242
Blackstone River, at Millbury.
1908, . ti .
-
40.63
6.34
1.3424
.1642
.0980
.0662
9.31
.0040
.0016
1.64
.946
1909,
-
44.57
8.05
1.3500
.0957
.0740
.0217
8.69
.0026
.0066
1.27
1.056
1910,
.23
46.98
9.93
1.2177
.1037
.0609
.0428
8.16
.0027
.0030
1.36
1.817
1911,
.61
46.70
8.72
1.2283
.0990
.0602
.0388
7.82
.0077
.0016
1.24
.990
1912,
-
42.25
7.77
1.4633
.1632
.0880
.0752
7.21
.0006
.0025
2.23
1.397
1913,
-
60.32
11.85
1.0610
2085
.0852
.1233
6.07
.0155
.0151
2.53
2.668
Blackstone River, at Uxbridge
1908,
.31
16.33
4.07
.2387
.0253
.0196
.0057
3.05
.0408
.0071
.32
-
1909,
.22
18.31
4.35
.3473
.0273
.0216
.0057
3.64
.0325
.0066
.36
-
1910,
.26
22.53
4.69
.4963
.0356
.0302
.0054
4.62
.0498
.0043
.41
.090
1911,
.26
23.10
3.85
.3717
.0293
.0225
.0068
4.15
.0558
.0173
.44
.074
1912,
.21
21.91
3.06
.4897
.0345
.0288
.0057
4.06
.0497
.0137
.45
.093
1913,
.29
19.48
3.70
.3880
.0355
.0281
.0074
3.34
.0382
.0107
.49
.096
No. 34.]
GENERAL REPORT.
37
Blackstone River, at Millville, in Blackstone.
[Parts in 100,000.)
Residue
ON Evapo-
ration.
Amm
ONIA.
Nitrogen
a
§
o
a
o
i
albuminoid.
AS
Date of
Collection.
"3
1
a
o.-S
Ot— 1
1
>
1
3
CO
1
i
a
2
1908.
.33
9.85
2.53
.1295
.0232
.0185
.0047
1.78
.0258
.0024
.34
-
1909,
.24
11.87
3.17
.1595
.0267
.0220
.0047
2.27
.0225
.0019
.38
-
1910,
.30
13.94
3.32
.2350
.0277
.0234
.0043
3.01
.0290
.0013
.37
.087
1911,
.33
14.35
2.79
.1787
.0268
.0222
.0046
2.94
.0355
.0051
.43
.054
1912,
.29
15.20
2.18
.2433
.0283
.0249
.0034
2.91
.0421
.0064
.43
.074
1913, .
.37
12.92
2.38
.1631
.0281
.0237
.0044
2.44
.0345
.0063
.42
.065
It will be seen from these tables that the quantity of organic matter
as shown by the albuminoid ammonia has varied considerably from
year to year, being slightly less in 1913 below Cherry Valley, and
slightly greater between Mill Brook channel and the sewage precip-
itation works of the city of Worcester than in the year 1912. Below
the precipitation works, the quantities of free and albuminoid am-
monia are less than for several years. Farther down the river, at
Uxbridge and Millville, the conditions have differed but little from
those of last year. Samples were also collected for analysis at various
stations along the river in the drier part of 1913, the more important
results of which are summarized in the following table: —
Results of the Analyses of Samples taken on Sept. 11, 1913.
[Parts in 100,000.]
Ammonia.
Chlorine.
Free.
Total
Albuminoid.
Just above Worcester sewage-disposal works, .
Above Millbury
At Millbury below entrance of Dorothy Brook,
Just below Millbury line,
Below Farnumsville,
Above entrance of Mumford River,
Below entrance of Mumford River,
.2260
1.3400
1.0600
1.0500
.5650
.2760
.1260
.0335
.1080
.0630
.0625
.0340
.0278
.0296
2.74
8.45
6.88
7.05
3.45
3.75
3.00
38 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
The foregoing tables show that the river is greatly polluted in
Cherry Valley but that the pollution largely disappears before reach-
ing the disposal works of the city of Worcester. Below that point the
river shows the highest degree of pollution found anywhere along its
course. The effect of the pollution greatly diminishes below the point
of junction with the Quinsigamond River and diminishes rapidly
below other important affluents farther downstream. It is evident
from these tables that by far the most serious pollution of the Black-
stone River is caused by the sewage and effluent discharged from the
sewage purification works in the city of Worcester.
Very thorough experiments have been conducted under the direction
of the sewer department of the city of Worcester, covering a period
of several years, for the purpose of obtaining information as to the
most efficient method of providing for the further purification of the
sewage, and the results of these investigations have been published
from time to time, especially in recent reports. These experiments
and investigations have shown very definitely the lines along which
the further purification of the sewage can be effected and the objec-
tionable pollution of the river relieved. They indicate that the cost
of the necessary additional works, to effect a very great improve-
ment in the efficiency of the purification of the sewage, may amount
to an addition of from 30 to 40 per cent, of the amount thus
far expended for the construction of the disposal and purification
works.
The question of the disposal of the sewage of the Worcester State
Hospital was the subject of consideration by a commission appointed
by the Legislature of 1909 (chapter 128 of the Resolves of 1909),
which found that the method of disposal of the sewage of the Worces-
ter State Hospital was a nuisance, and that the public interests
required that the nuisance should be prevented as soon as possible and
a proper method of disposing of the sewage of that institution pro-
vided. The commission recommended that the sewerage system of
the Worcester State Hospital be connected with the sewers of the
city of Worcester and that the sewage of the hospital be disposed of
thereafter in connection with the Worcester system. Under the Re-
solve of 1913, already quoted, connection of the hospital sewer with
the Worcester sewerage system has not yet been made, as the condi-
tions of the resolve relating to the enlargement of the Worcester
sewerage system have not yet been fulfilled.
Pollution of the Blackatone River.
No. 34.] GENERAL RErORT. 39
Lawrence Experiment Station.
The Lawrence Experiment Station has now been in operation for
more than twenty-five years, and has always been of great value in
supplying information for the use of the Board in its replies to requests
for advice from cities, towns, corporations, individuals, etc., on matters
pertaining to water purification, sewage disposal and purification,
trade wastes disposal and other sanitary subjects.
The station has also an educational value, as typical examples of
well-known methods of treating or purifying sewage and water are
kept in operation there and are frequently examined by officials con-
cerned with proposed treatments of water and sewage. The station
is also frequently visited by students from the engineering schools in
the State and the instructors in these schools. Further than this
investigations are constantly being made at the station in regard to
new or proposed methods of water purification, sewage disposal, etc.,
and practically all the bacteriological examinations of the public water
supplies of the State are made in the station laboratories.
Besides studies upon water purification during the year, studies
upon the disinfection of water, corrosion of pipes, removal of carbonic
acid, iron and manganese from water, methods of maintaining a fair
degree of cleanliness of the water used in swimming pools, and of the
effect of the various constituents of water in storage upon fecal and
other bacteria, have been made.
In the studies of sewage treatment or sewage purification 11 inter-
mittent sand filters, 9 trickling filters, 11 contact filters and 9 special
filters have been kept in operation. Methods for the preliminary
clarification of sewage and for the disposal of sewage sludge have been
further investigated. It has long been recognized that the amount of
sewage which can be absorbed by a given volume of water without
producing a nuisance is limited by the oxygen content of that water
and by the rapidity with which oxygen is taken up by the sewage,
and studies upon the oxygen requirement of different sewages before
and after treatment by different sewage-disposal methods have been
in progress for a number of years. In this connection, during the past
year a new and promising process for the treatment of sewage by
aeration, in specially designed tanks, has been devised. By this
method not only is a greater percentage of the suspended and colloidal
matters removed than by ordinary sedimentation or chemical precipi-
tation, but the oxygen requirement of the sewage is so greatly re-
duced that filters can be successfully operated at very high rates with
sewage treated in this way. Sewage undergoing this treatment can
40 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
be clarified to as great a degree as, or perhaps greater than, by chem-
ical precipitation, and at a much less cost. An extensive investiga-
tion in regard to the fertilizing value of sewage and sewage sludge has
also been made during the year.
Bacterial examinations of 1,800 samples and chemical examinations
of 750 samples, forwarded by the engineering department to the sta-
tion during 1913, have been made, and the usual large amount of
chemical and bacteriological work, made necessary by the investiga-
tions at the station, has been carried on.
Propeietaky Medicines.
During the year one proprietary preparation containing alcohol, and
with no statement as to the percentage of alcohol, was advertised as
unsalable at retail, under the provisions of chapter 386 of the Acts of
1906, namely: —
Bracer: Artificial Wild Cherry, Flavored and Colored, Straight or Mixed.
Distribution of Pamphlets.
That portion of the Board's work concerned with the distribution of
pamphlets on various public health topics has grown remarkably within
the last few years, so that at the present time the following literature is
available for distribution : —
The Occurrence of Infantile Paralysis in Massachusetts in 1908.
Infantile Paralysis in Massachusetts in 1909.
Infantile Paralysis in Massachusetts during 1910.
The Control of Tuberculosis.
Directions for Living and Sleeping in the Open Air. (The National Associa-
tion for the Study and Prevention of Tuberculosis.)
The Control of Typhoid Fever.
Antityphoid Inoculation : Typhoid Prophylactic.
Hygiene of Occupations: Permanent Exhibit of the Massachusetts State
Board of Health.
Hygiene of the Boot and Shoe Industry in Massachusetts.
The State Board of Health of Massachusetts : A Brief History of its Organi-
zation and its Work.
Cholera: Its Nature, Detection and Prevention. (United States Public
Health Reports.)
Epidemic Cerebrospinal Meningitis. (United States Public Health Reports.)
For Mothers with Little Babies: How to take Care of Baby's Health.
Death in School Drinking Cups.
Recommendations for the Control of the Stable Fly {Stomoxys calcitrans).
No. 34.] GENERAL REPORT. 41'
Preventive and Remedial Work against Mosquitoes. (United States Bureau
of Entomology, Bulletin, No. 88, 1910.)
Anti-malarial Measures for Farmhouses and Plantations. (United States
Public Health Reports, No. 105, 1913.)
The Mosquito Plague of the Connecticut Coast Region and How to Control,
it. (Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin.)
The Abatement of Nuisances.
The Sanitary Privy. (United States Department of Agriculture, Farmers'
Bulletin, 463.)
The State Board of Health and its Relation to the Milk Problem in Massa-
chusetts.
Dont's for Dairymen.
Address to the State Inspectors of Health of Massachusetts: Typhoid Fever.
Address to the State Inspectors of Health of Massachusetts : The Suppression
of Tuberculosis.
Monthly Bulletin of the Massachusetts State Board of Health.
State Board of Examiners of Plumbers.
At a meeting of the State Board of Health, held on Aug. 7, 1913,
Mr. Charles E. Felton of Brockton was reappointed to the State Board
of Examiners of Plumbers.
A brief report of the work carried on by this Board in 1913 appears
in the Supplement.
Food axd Drug Inspection.
The number of samples of foods and drugs collected and examined
during the year ended jSTov. 30, 1913. was 9,727, and the total number
since the work was ^egun in 1883 has now reached 223,052.
During the year 161 prosecutions were made in the various courts of
the Commonwealth, bringing the total number to 4,272. The details are
presented in the Supplement.
Inspection of Liquors.
The work of the Board in connection with the duties of the office of
inspector and assayer of liquors, transferred to the Board in 1902, is
reported upon in the Supplement.
Inspection of Dairies.
During the year ended Nov. 30, 1913, 4,493 dairies were examined
by the Board's veterinarian, and the attention of 1,543 proprietors and
of boards of health of cities and towns, wherein the dairies were situated
or the product thereof sold, was called to a total of 5,071 objectionable
conditions.
42 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
Of the total number of dairies examined, 4,492 were situated in Massa-
chusetts and 1 in a neighboring State. The details will be found in the
Supplement.
Slaughtering Inspection.
• During the year ended Nov. 30, 1913, there were appointed 460 in-
spectors of slaughtering in the cities and towns throughout the State,
this being an increase of 100 over the appointments of 1912; two State
inspectors of slaughtering were also appointed.
A more detailed report will be found in the Supplement.
Cold Storage of Food Products.
Three State inspectors of cold storage of food products were appointed
by the Board during the year ended Nov. 30, 1913, to look over the
cold-storage plants throughout the State. Licenses were issued to 47
cold-storage warehouses, — an increase of 10 over the number issued in
1912 (three months, September to November, inclusive).
Each cold-storage plant renders a quarterly report on all goods placed
in storage and of the amount of articles of food held by it at the end of
each quarter.
For confiscations on account of articles unfit for food found in cold
storage, as per physical and chemical analyses, see the detailed report in
the Supplement.
Sale of Eggs taken from Cold Storage.
Under this law 72 cases were prosecuted and convicted during the
year ended Nov. 30, 1913.
For detailed information see Supplement.
Vital Statistics, Distribution of Antitoxin and Vaccine, etc.
Eeports upon Fatality of Certain Diseases, Otficial Eeturns of Deaths
in Cities and Large Towns, the Vital Statistics of the State, the Pro-
duction, Distribution and Use of Diphtheria Antitoxin and Vaccine, and
upon Bacteriological Diagnosis are presented in the Supplement.
Eoutine Work of the Board.
Statistical Table for the Year ended Nov. SO, 1913.
Whole number of samples of food and drugs examined,
Samples of milk examined (included in the foreg-oing),
Number of prosecutions against offenders during the yeai
Number of convictions during the year,
Amount of fines imposed,
Number of dairies examined,
9,727
6,702
161
116
$2,807.75
4,493
Xo. 34.]
GENERAL REPORT.
43
Xumber of packages of antitoxin of 1,500 units each issued to
cities and towns,
Number of tubes of vaccine issued to cities and towns,
Number of ampoules of typhoid vaccine,
Number of bacterial cultures made for diagnosis and release of
diphtheria in cities and towns,
Number of examinations made for diagnosis of tuberculosis,
Number of examinations of blood made for diagnosis of malarial
infection,
Number of examinations of blood made for diagnosis of typhoid
fever, Widal test,
Number of cultural tests of typhoid fever,
Number of nitrate of silver solution outfits for use in cases of
ophthalmia neonatorum, issued to cities and towns, .
Number of notices of cases of infectious diseases received and re-
corded under the provisions of chapter 75, section 52, Kevised
Laws,
96.891
112,039
21,014
5,332
1,502
337
2,639
66,249
Force employed in the General Work of the Board.
Secretary, ........
Assistant to the secretary,
Clerks, .
Messengers, ........
Supei-v-ising inspector of dairy, slaughtering and cold storage,
Inspectors of slaughtering,
Inspectors of cold storage of food products.
Health District Act : —
State Inspectors of Health, ....
Assistants to the State Inspectors of Health,
Clerks,
Total,
Force employed for food and drug inspection : —
Chemists and assistants, ....
Inspectors, ......
Clerk
1
1
5
2
1
2
3
12
3
3
34
Total,
Force employed at laboratory (Bussey Institution): —
Pathologist,
Expert assistants,
Laboratorj' assistants,
Stable helpers, .
Total,
1
2
5
2
lo
44
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
Under the Provisions of Sections 112 to 118 of Chapter 75, Revised Laws.
Applications for advice from cities, towns and others: —
Relating to water supply, 139
Relating to ice supply, 19
Relating to sewerage and drainage, 34
Relating to pollution of streams, 4
Miscellaneous, 15
Total,
Number of samples examined at the State House iaborator)
Chemical examinations of water and sewage, .
Microscopical examinations of water,
Special examinations for lead, ....
Special examinations (field work) for carbonic acid, dis
solved oxygen and alkalinity, ....
Other miscellaneous examinations, ....
211
8,601
2,630
147
282
10
11,670
Number of samples examined at the Lawrence Experiment Station:
Chemical examinations of water, sewage, ice and manu-
factural wastes,
Chemical examinations of sand, .....
Mechanical examinations of sand,
Bacterial examinations of water, sewage, ice and raanu-
factural wastes, ........
Bacterial examinations of sand, .....
Bacterial examinations of shellfish,
3,180
101
28
5,048
22
42
8,421
Total,
20.091
Force employed at Central office : —
Chief engineer, 1
Assistant engineers, 11
Stenographers and clerks,
Messenger,
Force employed at laboratory, Room 502, State House: —
Chief chemist,
Assistant chemists
Biologist,
Stenographer and clerks,
18
12
No. 34.] GENERAL REPORT. 45
Force employed at Lawrence Experiment Station: —
Assistant chemists, .....••••-'
Bacteriologists, 2
Other assistants and laborers, 4
8
Total ordinary force, 38
The number of applications for advice under the provisions of the acts
relating to water supply and sewerage, received since July, 1886, when
these acts first went into operation, is as follows : —
1886,
8
1901,
105
1887,
22
1902,
93
1888,
28
1903.
129
1889,
38
1904,
125
1890,
23
1905,
105
1891,
53
1906,
130
1892,
56
1907,
125
1893,
51
1908,
134
1894,
53
1909.
128
1895, ^
52
1910,
139
1896, '.
65
1911,
176
1897,
59
1912,
149
1898,
1899,
75
79
1913,
211
1900,
104
Total
2,515
Appropkiations.
The appropriations for the year ended Nov. 30, 1913, as recommended
by the Board in the annual estimates made under the provisions of
chapter 6, section 26 of the Revised Laws, were as follows: —
For the general expenses of the Board,
For the investigation of anterior poliomyelitis, $10,000 00
Balance from 1912, 1,514 08
For the inspection of food and drugs, ....
For the production and distribution of antitoxin and vaccine,
For the purity of inland waters, .....
For the examination of sewer outlets and Neponset River,
For the super\asion of water companies, .
For the sanitary condition of the Merrimack River, .
For the Aberjona River,
$26,500 00
11,514 08
17,500 00
21,000 00
36,000 00
16,000 00
1,000 00
1,000 00
1,000 00
46
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
$5,000
00
38,800
00
500
00
5,000
00
7,000
00
855
40
For printing the annual report, .
State Inspectors of Health, ....
For the prevention of ophthalmia neonatorum.
For slaughtering and meat inspection,
For cold storage of food, ....
For extermination of mosquitoes, balance from 1912,
Total, $188,669 48
Expenditures.
The expenditures under the different appropriations for the year ended
Xov. 30, 1913, were as follows: —
General Expenditures.
Appropriation (including appropriation for typhoid fever) for
the year ended Nov. 30, 1913, $26,500 00
Credit by paid to State treasuiy from sales of serum and other
sources, 106 61
$26,606 61
Salaries, $11,120 92
Traveling expenses, 3,282 97
Express charges, 94 5o
Stationery, maps and blue prints, 1,012 18
Printing, 3,963 95
Books, subscriptions and binding, 1,066 52
Advertising, 45 92
Extra services, 1,176 19
Messenger, 246 72
Postage and postal orders, 2,772 66
Telephone and telegraph messages, ...... 369 21
Typewriting supplies, repairs and rental, 398 06
Sundrj' office supplies, . . 491 13
Laboratory supplies, 384 53
Labor and materials, 16 45
Miscellaneous, 164 65
Total, $26,606 61
No. 34.]
GENERAL REPORT.
47
For carrying out the Provisions of the Resolve relative to the Investigation
of the Disease known as Anterior Poliomyelitis or Infantile Paralysis
{Chapter 49, Resolves of 1911 and Chapter 22, Resolves of 1913).
Appropriation for the year ended Nov. 30, 1913, .... $10,000 00
Balance from 1912, 1,514 08
Credit by paid to the State Treasurer on account of sales of ani-
mals, ^ 40 00
$11,554 08
Salaries, $650 00
Traveling expenses, 120 68
Printing, 52 47
Postage, 18 52
Telephone and telegraph messages, 19 08
Laboratory supplies, 548 76
Purchase of animals, 127 40
Food for animals, 453 54
Express, 19 33
Extra seiTices, . 1,257 25
Labor, 194 43
Miscellaneous, 62 15
Total, $3,523 61
Expenditures under the Provisions of the Food and Drug Acts for the Year
ended Nov. 30, 1913.
Appropriation, $17,500 00
Credit by cash returned to treasury on account of money ad-
vanced to inspectors, 13 79
Salaries of analysts.
Salaries of inspectors, .
Salary of laboratory assistant.
Traveling expenses and purchase
Apparatus and chemicals.
Printing, ....
Services, cleaning laboratory.
Express, ....
Telephone messages and postage.
Sundry laboratory supplies, .
of samples,
$17,513
79
$6,900
00
6,180
01
214 00
3,383 18
390
24
161 88
50
75
4 04
27
85
55
51
48 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
Books, binding and stationery, $53 89
Extra sennees, 47 62
Advertising, 1 °"
Miscellaneous, 19 40
Total, $17,490 17
Expenditures for the Production and Distribution of Antitoxin and Vaccine
for the Year ended Nov. 30, 1913.
Appropriation, $21,000 00
Salaries, $8,602 21
Traveling expenses, " ^-
Express charges, , ,
Apparatus, chemicals and laboratory supplies, .... 3,605 53
Books and stationery, 54 70
Printing, 251 43
Purchase of animals, °~2 89
Services of veterinarian, 2 00
Food for animals, 3,5^3 lo
Rental of telephone, messages and postage, 48 06
Extra services, 218 81
Water, gas, electric lighting and heating, 441 65
Labor and materials 338 27
Ice, > 150 32
Rent, ' '. 2,008 32
Miscellaneous, 215 27
Total, $20,377 39
For carrying out the Provisions of the Act to protect the Purity of Inland
Waters, and to require Consultation with the State Board of Health
regarding the Establishment of Systems of Water Supply, Drainage
and Sewerage.
Appropriation for the year ended Nov. 30, 1913, . . . $36,000 00
Credit by amount returned to the State Treasurer, ... 4 65
$36,004 65
Salaries, including wages of laborers at Lawrence Experiment
Station, $29,311 40
Apparatus and materials, • 1,438 49
Traveling expenses, 2,079 19
Express charges, 1,377 71
Books and binding, 376 13
Maps and blue prints, 198 27
No. 34.] GENERAL REPORT. 49
Stationery, drawing materials and typewriter supplies, . . $703 61
Telephone, telegraph messages and postage, .... 30 52
Labor, 3 00
Extra services, 81 55
Services, collecting samples and reading gauges, .... 226 56
Miscellaneous, . , 168 42
Total, $35,994 85
For the Examination of Sewer Outlets, tinder the Provisions of Section 4,
Chapter 75 of the Revised Laws.
Appropriation for the year ended Nov. 30, 1913, . . . $16,000 00
Salaries, including wages of laborers at Lawrence Experiment
Station, $10,569 06
Apparatus and materials, ........ 1,314 72
Kent of Lawi'ence Experiment Station, 150 00
Labor, 17 38
Traveling expenses, 2,775 30
Express charges, 377 91
Telephone and telegraph messages and postage, .... 77 31
Extra services, 22 59
Services, collecting samples and reading gauges, .... 12 00
Books, maps, blue prints and binding, 210 82
Stationery, drawing matei'ials and typewriting supplies. . . 341 41
Miscellaneous, 131 04
Total, $15,999 54
For carrying out the Provisions of the Act relative to the Supervision of
Water Companies (Chapter 319, Acts of 1909).
Appropriation for the year ended Nov. 30, 1913, .... $1,000 00
Salaries, . . . , , $861 67
Extra services ... . . 123 75
$985 42
For carrying out the Provisions of the Act relative to the Sanitary Condi-
tion of the Merrimack River (Chapter 505, Acts of 1909).
Appropriation for the year ended Nov. 30, 1913, . . . $1,000 00
Salaries. . $776 66
Traveling expenses, ......... 222 50
Total, $999 16
■50
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
For carrying out the Provisions of the Act relative to the Aherjona Biver
(Chapter 291, Acts of 1911).
Appropriation for the year ended Xov. 30, 1913, . . . $1,000 00
Salaries, $975 00
Traveling 24 00
Total $999 00
Expenses under the Provisions of the Act to provide for the Establishment
of Health Districts and the Appointment of State Inspectors of Health
{Chapter 537, Acts of 1907; Chapters 405 and 543, Acts of 1910; Chap-
ters 603 and 709, Acts of 1911) for the Year ended Nov. 30, 1913.
Appropriation, $38,800 00
of Health
Salaries of State Inspectors of Health
Assistants to the State Inspectors of Health,
Clerical assistants, office of State Board of Health,
Clerical expenses of State Inspectors of Health, including type
writing,
Extra services, office employees, ....
Extra services, public stenographers, .
Traveling expenses, State Inspectors of Health, .
Traveling exi3enses, assistants to the State Inspectors
Typewriting supplies. State Inspectors of Health,
Typewriting supplies and rental, office State Board of Health,
Printing, administrative purposes,
Printing, public infoitnation,
Books,
Office sujjplies, inspectors of health.
Office supplies, office, State Board of Health
Laboratory and experimental work.
Postage,
Expi-ess,
Telephone and telegi'aph.
Miscellaneous, ....
Total, $35,880 4
$23,553
77
1,277
87
2,916 14
491
14
120
46
106
60
5,060
76
221
34
10
10
132
35
571
72
95 53
12 00
33
20
303
93
9
96
571
91
51
32
331
07
9
30
For carrying out the Provisions of the Act relative to the Prevention of
Ophthalmia Neonatorum {Chapter 458, Acts of 1910).
Appropriation for the year ended Xov. 30, 1913 $500 00
Ophthalmia outfits, $300 80
Total $300 80
No. 34.]
GENERAL REPORT.
51
For carrii'my out the Provisions of the Act relatwe to Slaughlering and
Bleat Inspection (Chapter 297, Acts of 1911).
Apiii-opriatioii for the year ended Nov. 30, 1913, . . . .$5,000 00
Credit by paid to State treasury for the sale of branding outfits. 243 80
Salaries,
Traveling expenses.
Telephone and telegraph.
Printing.
Branding outfits, .
Office supplies and stationery,
Purchase of typewriter and supplies,
Extra services,
Miscellaneous,
Total, $5,241 54
For carriiing out the Provisions of the Act relative to the Cold Storage of
Food Products [Chapter 652, Acts of 1912).
Appropriation for the year ended Nov. 30, 1913. . . . .$7,000 00
Salaries .$5,975 77
Traveling expenses, 661 48
Printing, 53 41
Telephone, telegraph and postage, 6 13
Extra services, 204 20
Office and typewriting supplies, 82 75
Miscellaneous, 15 08
Total, $6,998 82
$5,243 80
$3,622 42
732
73
6
35
91 24
300
30
288
25
64
75
124 50
11
00
HENPtY P. WALCOTT.
M. J. ROSEN AU.
HIEA:^r f. mills.
ROBERT AV. LOYETT.
C. E. McGILLICUDDY.
CLEMENT F. COOGAN.
JOSEPH A. PLOUFF.
SUPPLEMENT.
[531
Water Supply and Sewerage.
Adyice to Cities, Towns and Persons.
[55]
ADVICE TO CITIES, TOWNS AND PERSONS.
Under the provisions of the Eevised Laws (chapter To, section IIT),
the State Board of Health is required to
consult with and advise the authorities of cities and towns and persons hav-
ing, or about to have, systems of water supply, drainage or sewerage, as to
the most appropriate source of water supply, and the best method of assur-
ing its purity or as to the best method of disposing of their drainage or
sewage with reference to the existing and future needs of other cities, Towns
or persons which may be affected thereby. It sliall also consult with and
advise persons engaged or intending to engage in any manufacturing or other
business whose drainage or sewage may tend to pollute any inland water as
to the best method of preventing such pollution, and it may conduct experi-
ments to determine the best methods of the purification or disposal of drain-
age or sewage. No person shall be required to bear the expense of such
consultation, advice or experiments. Cities, towns and persons shall submit
to said board for its advice their proposed system of water supi^lv or of the
disposal of drainage or sewage, and all petitions to the general court for
authority to introduce a system of water supply, di'ainage or sewerage shall
be accompanied by a copy of the recommendation and advice of said board
thereon.
_ During the year 191.3 the Board has given its advice to the following
cities, towns and persons who have applied for such advice under the
provisions of this act or under special acts relating to water supply and
sewerage.
Official communications were made during the year under the provi-
sions of acts relating to water supplv and to sources of ice supnlv a^
follows : — ' 11.'-
Water Supplt.
Amherst.
Andover (well at school).
Barnstable (Massachusetts Volun-
teer Militia) (two).
Belehertown (two).
Blackstone (Woonsocket Rubber
Company).
Boston (Boston Belting Company).
Braintree (two).
Bridgewater (well) (two).
Brookfield.
Brookfield (Fosler-Moulton Shoe
Company).
Cambridge (Y. M. C. A.).
58
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
Canton (Plymouth Rubber Company).
Canton (Massachusetts Hospital
School).
Chelmsford.
Chelmsford (Silesia Worsted Mills).
Chelmsford (wells) (two).
Clinton.
Dedham (wells).
Douglas (camp gimmd).
Dracut (American AYoolen Com-
pany).
Dracut (spring).
Duxbury (wells).
fJverett (Belmont Hill Spring).
Fall River (two).
Fall River (Enterprise Brewing
Company).
Fitchburg (two).
Fitchburg (spring).
Framingham (Society of St. Vincent
de Paul).
Gardner (spring).
Great Barrington (Housatonic).
Great Barrington (well in Housa-
tonic).
Greenfield (Fire District No. 1).
Hamilton (Asbury Grove).
Hamilton (South Hamilton).
Hanson (well).
Haverhill.
Haverhill (spring).
Holbrook (spring) (two).
Holden (spring).
Holyoke (Deane Steam Pump Com-
pany).
Lanesborough.
Lawrence (Arlington Mills).
Lawrence (Hartig & Miller).
Lawrence (well at Bay State build-
ing).
Lawrence (spring).
Lawrence (wells) (two).
Lenox.
Leominster.
Lexing-ton (avcU).
Lincoln.
Lynn (well).
Lynnfield (well at school).
Marion.
Marshfleld (well in Sea View).
Medford (well).
Medway (well).
Methuen (spring).
Middleborough.
Middleton (Haswell Park).
Milton (well).
Nantucket (Sachem Spring).
New Bedford (well).
Norfolk (Norfolk State Hospital).
North Adams.
Northampton (Hampshire County
Sanatorium).
North Attleborough (Riley & French ) .
Northbridge (wells) (two).
North Reading (water supply of pro-
posed school).
Norwood.
Norwood (F. W. Bird & Son).
Norwood (well).
Palmer (Central Vermont Railroad).
Palmer (Forest Lake Park).
Palmer (spring).
Peabody (four).
Pelham (wells).
Plainville (Whiting & Davis Com-
pany).
Plymouth (spring at Manomet
kuffs).
Princeton (wells).
Provincetown.
Randolph & Holbrook.
Reading (Massasoit Spring).
Rockport.
Salem.
Salisbury (Salisbury Beach).
Sandwich (Massachusetts Volunteer
Militia) .
Saugus (Baker's Hill).
Saugus (town pump).
Scituate.
Sharon.
Shelburne Falls (well).
Xo. 34.]
ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOWNS.
59
Shirley (wells).
Shrewsbury ( three ) .
Shutesbury (springs).
Somerset (two).
Spencer (Isaac Prouty & Co.).
Sterling.
Sterling (wells) (two).
Stongbton (two).
Sturbridge ( wells ) .
Swansea (wells).
Townsend (wells).
Walpole (F. W. Bird & Son).
Watertown (^-Etna Mills).
West Brookfield.
Westfield (Pequot Park).
Weston (well on Sibley Road).
Weston (Hastings Organ Factory).
Westport (wells) (two).
West Stockbridge.
Westwood (well at Colburn School),
West wood (well of H. F. Mylod).
Williamsburg (two).
Winchester (well).
Woburn (well).
Worcester.
Amherst.
Auburn.
Canton.
Cbicopee.
Fall River.
Georgetown.
Greenfield.
Hyde Park.
LaAvrence.
Lynn.
Marshfield.
Ice Supply.
Milton.
Northampton.
Palmer.
Pittsfield.
Rockland.
Southwiek.
Westford.
Westport.
Winchendou.
Worcester.
OflBcial commimications were made during the year under general and
special acts relating to sewerage and sewage disposal, as follows : —
Norwood (Dr. Lewis H. Plimpton).
Rockland (New System Laundry).
Rockland (E. T. Wright Company).
Amherst.
Andover.
Barnstable.
Chelmsford (Middlesex County Train-
ing School).
Chicopee (Fairview).
Chicopee (Chicopee Falls).
Dartmouth.
Duxbury.
Easthampton.
Foxborough.
Franklin.
Hull.
Maiden (Boston Rubber Shoe Com-
pany).
Manchester.
Russell.
South Hadley (two).
Springfield (House of the Good
Shepherd).
AValpole (Lewis Manufacturing Com-
pany).
Waltham (Pond End School).
Ware.
Westfield.
Weymouth (Laundry in South Wey-
mouth).
Wilmington (C. S. Harriman & Co.).
Winchendon.
60 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub Doc
Miscellaneous.
Agawam (two).
Cohasset.
Everett (N, E. Gas and Coke Com-
Lexingtoii.
Lowell (two),
I\rmbury.
pany). I Northbridge.
Hampshire County (County Commis-
sioners) (two).
Haverhill.
Hyde Park (New York, New Haven
& Hartford Railroad).
Pittsfield.
Tisbury.
Uxbridge.
Weston (two).
Westport.
Water Supply.
The following is the substance of the action of the Board during the
year in reply to applications for advice relative to water supply : —
Amherst.
Oct. 30, 1913.
To the Amherst Water Company, Amherst, Mass., Mr. L. Dwight Hills, President.
Gentlemen: — In response to your request of Sept. 27, 1913, relative
to using Amethyst or Orient Brook as a temporary water supply if neces-
sary, the State Board of Health has caused the locality to be examined by
one of its engineers and a sample of the water to be analyzed.
Since filing your application, the quantity of rainfall has been such
that it is probable that a further supply of water than that furnished
by your regular sources will not be required. Nevertheless, it is advisable
to make provision for an additional supply of water in case the flow of
streams and the supply in your reservoirs should again become deficient.
The examination of Amethyst Brook indicates that it is not at present
desirable to take water for the supply of the towm from that stream at
the point at which water was diverted last year. In case an additional
supply becomes necessary, it will be best to take the water from Buffum
Brook, a tributary of Amethyst Brook, at a point about 1^/4 ^^liles
upstream from the former intake and about 200 feet above the Xorth
Eoad from Amherst to Pelham.
It appears to be practicable to divert the water of this stream by a
short pipe line into a tributary of your lower reservoir by gravity, and in
that case a considerable additional supply can be obtained at a compara-
tively small cost. It is essential, in the opinion of the Board, if the
water company is to supply water enough for the requirements of the
town in future, that it shall either increase the capacity of its reservoirs
or secure an additional supply from a suitable source, or reduce very
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOWNS. 61
materially the consumption of water in the to\yn. It is evident that there
is a great, and probably unnecessary, loss of water from your mains by
waste or leakage, or both, and the cause of the excessive use of water in
the town should be ascertained as soon as" practicable, and unnecessary
use and waste prevented.
It is understood that the meter designed for the measurement of all of
the water delivered into the pipes of the town will shortly be put into
operation, and as soon as the meter is available for use an investigation
should be made, with the assistance of an engineer of experience in such
matters, to ascertain what leakage, if any, takes place along the pipe lines
and in what districts in the town excessive consumption of water occurs.
It is also important to install service meters as rapidly as possible until
all water is delivered to consumers through meters.
If it is found, as a result of this investigation, that it is impracticable
to reduce materially the consumption of water by the town, the Board
recommends that measures be taken at the earliest practicable time to
introduce an additional supply of water sufficient with the present sources
to furnish all of the water required by the town at all times.
Barnstable (Massachusetts Volunteer Militia).
June 12, 1913.
To Alaj. Frank P. Williams, Medical Corps, M. V. M., Boston, Mass.
Dear Sir : — In response to your request for an examination of the
water of the Xcrth and Middle Cotuit ponds, and advice as to the use
of these waters for drinking, the State Board of Health has caused the
locality to be examined by one of its engineers and has considered the
results of analyses of samples of water from these ponds.
The investigations show that the conditions affecting these ponds are
much the same as at the time of a previous examination in 1908, when
the Board advised your department that the water was naturally of good
quality and probably safe for drinking, but that with a camp of soldiers
near its shores it would be essential to guard the purity of the water
carefully.
It is understood that the camp now proposed will be near the north-
easterly shore of the North Cotuit Pond, and under these conditions it
would be best not to take water from that pond for drinking during the
encampment. If taken from either of the other ponds it would be neces-
sary under the circumstances to guard carefully the purity of the water.
An examination has also been made of a spring not far from the house
on the northeasterly shore of the North Cotuit Pond, and the results
show that the water at the time this examination was made was probably
safe for drinking. If the spring is carefully covered and provision made
62 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
for drawing the water with a pump in such a way as to prevent its
polkition, this water could prohably be used with safety for drinking.
The safest plan of supplying water to this camp will be by sinking
tubular wells near the pond at points unaffected by danger of local pol-
lution, and there is no doubt that an adequate supply of good water can
he obtained in this way at no great expense.
June 12, 1913.
To Maj. John H. Sherburne, 1st Battalion Field Artillery, M. V. M., Boston, Mass.
Dear Sir : — In response to your request for an examination of the
water of the well at the Benjamin E. Blossom farm in West Barnstable,
and advice as to its quality for drinking, the State Board of Health has
caused the well and its surroundings to be examined and a sample of the
water to be analyzed.
The results of the examination indicate that the water contains an
excessive quantity of iron, which imparts considerable color and turbidity
to the water and may at times give it a noticeable taste. There are no
sources of pollution in the immediate neighborhood of the well, however,
and, except for the objectionable appearance and taste, the water in the
condition in which it was found at this time was probably safe for
drinking.
It is not a desirable drinking water, however, and a better supply
should be provided for future requirements if the use of this localit}^ is to
be continued. It is important that the well be covered securely, and it
will be advisable to draw the water wholly by means of a pump.
Belchertowx.
June 16, 1913.
To the Belchertown Water Com-pany, Belchertoum, Mass.
Gentlemen: — In response to your request of June 5, 1913, for an
examination of certain tubular wells in the vicinity of Jabish Brook, and
advice as to their use as sources of water supply for the village of Belcher-
town, the State Board of Health has caused the wells and their surround-
ings to be examined by its engineer and has also considered the results
of a pumping test made recently to determine the probable quantity and
quality of the water obtainable from the ground in this region.
The results of a number of analyses of the water collected while pump-
ing from the wells between May 6 and ]\Iay 16 of the present year indi-
cate that the water is of good quality for the purposes of a domestic water
supi)ly. The quantit^^ of water pumped during the greater part of the
pumping test was much greater than would be required for the water
supplv of Belchertown for domestic purposes, but observations of the
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOWNS. 63
height of the ground water in the test wells during and after the test
siiow that its level decreased rapidly while pumping and recovered very
slowly after the test was completed. Considerable rain fell during the
test, and under the circumstances it is doubtful in the opinion of the
Board whether these wells would furnish enough water for the require-
ments of the \illage. It is not unlikely, moreover, that considerable water
will eventually be used by the railroads and in dry seasons for the water-
ing of gardens and irrigation of crops, and under the circumstances it is
not probable that these wells would furnish an adequate quantity of water
for all the requirements of the village after the water has come into
general use.
The conditions appear to be more favorable for obtaining an adequate
quantity of water on the southwesterly side of Jabish Brook farther down-
stream at a point where a test well was put in last year, and it is pos-
sible also that an ample supply of water could be obtained from wells
a short distance farther upstream from the wells used during the recent
test.
In view of the circumstances, the Board recommends that further tests
be made and a location secured if practicable where the porous soil is of
such a depth and covers such an extent of territory that it is likely that an
adequate quantity of water can be secured. The Board will assist you in
further investigations, if you so request, by making the necessary analyses
of water and will give you further advice as soon as the results of further
tests are available. There would be no objection to the use of the water
of the wells re<?ently tested in connection with water from other wells in
tlie neighborhood in case an additional quantity of water can be obtained
from some other location in the immediate neighborhood.
Oct. 22, 1913.
To the Belchertoivn Water Company, Belchertoum, Mass., Mr. M. C. Baggs, Treasurer.
Gentlemen: — In response to your request of Sept. 2, 1913, for
approval by the State Board of Health, under the provisions of chapter
350 of the Acts of the year 1912, of the taking of a water supply for
Belchertown from the ground near Jabish Brook by means of tubular
wells, the Board has considered the results of a pumping test made l)y
pumping from several wells from August 21 to 27 and again from Sep-
tember 29 to October 2.
During these tests water was pumped from the wells at rates ranging
from 144.000 to 158,000 gallons per day during the first period, and at
a rate of somewhat over 200,000 gallons per day during the second period,
. and after these tests the ground water level recovered very rapidly.
An examination of the locality by one of the engineers of the Board
64 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
shows that, excepting the cultivated lands which it is proposed to acquire,
there are no sources of pollution in the immediate neighborhood of the
wells, and the quality of the water as shown by the analyses of a number
of samples sent in by you at various times during the tests is satisfactory
for domestic purposes.
It is probable, in the opinion of the Board, that an adequate quantity
of good water for the requirements of Belchertown, so far as can now be
foreseen, can be obtained from wells in the location in which this test
was made, and the Board approves the taking of water from wells in this
location for the supply of the town under the provisions of chapter 350
of the Acts of the year 1912.
Bkaixteee.
March 25, 1913.
To the Board of Water Commissioners, Braintree, Mass.
Gextlemex : — In response to your request for an examination of the
waters of Great Pond, from wliich the water supply of Braintree is now
being taken, and advice as to its quality, especially with reference to com-
plaints of an objectionable color, taste and odor of the water, the State
Board of Health has caused the pond and its watershed to ])e examined
and samples of the water from the pond and its tributaries and from the
water pipes in the town to be analyzed.
The results of these and previous examinations show that the water of
Great Pond is affected at times by a high color and a disagreeable taste
and odor, and these objectionable conditions were quite marked at the
time of the recent examination.
The disagreeable taste and odor which affect the water at the present
time are probably due largely to the presence in the water of considerable
numbers of the microscopic organism S}Tiura, which imparts to water a
disagreeable taste and odor even when present in small numbers. The
presence of these organisms in water used for drinking is not known to
be injurious to health, though they render the water very disagreeable
for drinking and other domestic uses.
The watershed of Great Pond is quite thickly populated, and analyses
of its waters show that the tributaries of the pond receive considerable
pollution. The population within the watershed already probably
amounts to 1,500, or 430 persons per square mile, and besides the dwell-
ing houses and a 'small institution there are numerous barns and other
outbuildings within this watershed, as well as large areas of cultivated
land, some of which are heavily fertilized.
The water is also unfavorably affected by standing in contact with
the organic matter in the swamps on its watershed, especially a large
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOWNS. 65
swamp at the upper end of the pond nearly equal in area to the pond
itself, which is flooded at high water to a slight depth. The pond is also
quite shallow, with a muddy bottom over parts of its area, upon which
weeds and water plants grow in considerable abundance.
Under these conditions it is unlikely that any material improvement in
the quality of the water will take place in the future, and with the further
increase of population on the watershed its quality is likely to deteriorate.
Without doubt considerable improvement could be effected in the quality
of the Avater of this pond by lowering its level so as to prevent the flood-
ing of the swamp at the upper end, and by drainage and other improve-
ments in its watershed, including the construction of sewers in the more
densely populated parts of the area; but lowering the pond would dimin-
ish its yield, and it is unlikely that any improvements that it is prac-
ticable to make in this way — unless at great expense — will prevent a
reeui-xence from time to time of the objectionable conditions of which
complaint is now made.
The best practicable plan of effecting a satisfactory improvement in
the condition of this water is by filtering it through sand, and in that
way not only would a further safeguard be provided against danger of
injury to the public health from the pollution of the water, but the ob-
jectionable color would be satisfactorily reduced and the disagreeable taste
and odor removed.
The improvement of the quality of the water of Great Pond could
probably be effected at less expense by joint action on the part of all of
the towns using this pond as a source of water supply, and if it is decided
to filter the water a joint filtration works would be much less expensive
than separate works at each of the pumping stations.
It is very important, in the opinion of the Board, that early action be
taken by the towns interested to improve the conditions affecting the
water supply taken from this pond, and the Board reconnnends that these
towns consider without delay the question of improving the quality of
the water by filtration and of making more adequate provision for pre-
venting the pollution of the pond and its tributaries. It is of especial
importance at the present time that the rules and regulations for the
sanitary protection of this pond shall be strictly enforced.
The Board will, upon request, give you such advice or assistance as it
can in further investigations as to the improvement and protection of
this water supply.
66 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
Oct. 22, 1913.
To the Board of Water Commissioriers, Braintree, Mass.
Gextlemex : — The State Board of Health has considered your re-
quest for the establishment of rules and regulations for the sanitary pro-
tection of Little Pond in Braintree similar to those now in force at
Great Pond, and has caused the locality to be examined by one of its
engineers.
The results of this examination show that the area of watershed of
Little Pond is about half a square mile, and that it contains at the pres-
ent time approximately 150 dwelling houses and a probable population
of 650 persons, or about 1,300 persons per square mile of watershed.
There are also many barns and other buildings in the immediate vicinity
of the shores of the lake, and at many of the places examined there are
privies, cesspools, sink drains and other sources of pollution within 100
feet of the water. In the course of the examination numerous deposits
of fecal matter and other foul matters were found along the shores of
the pond, in many cases within a few feet of the water.
There are no sewers within the watershed of Little Pond, and under
the existing conditions it is impracticable, in the opinion of the Board,
to protect the purity of this water efficiently by the enforcement of sani-
tary regulations unless a system of sewers for the removal of sewage and
other foul matter from the watershed is provided, or unless the water
is efficiently filtered.
In past years water has been taken from the filter gallery near the
shores of this pond; but the ground water upon the side of the pond
on which the filter gallery is situated is very badly polluted by the
sewage from the numerous dwelling houses in this neighborhood, all of
which is deposited upon or in the ground in this region, and the analyses
of the water of the filter gallery show that it is badly polluted, evidently
by sewage from these dwellings.
Under the circumstances it is not advisable, in the opinion of the
Board, to use either the water of Little Pond or that of the filter gallery
for the supply of the town under present conditions, and if it should
become essential to introduce either of these waters temporarily into the
water supplv pipes of the town, it should either be treated with a disin-
fectant or the water takers should be notified to boil the water thoroughly
before using it for drinking.
The Board recommends that the question of the further use of Little
Pond or the filter gallery for the water supply of Braintree be given im-
mediate consideration, and, if it is decided to use water from either of
these sources in future, the town should either construct a system of
sewerage within this watershed and connect therewith all dwelling houses
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOWNS. 67
and other buildings from \vhicli polluting matters ma}- find their way
into the pond or filter gallery, or provide an efficient system of filtration
by which all of the water will be filtered before being supplied to the
town. If it is decided to carry out either of these plans and then con-
tinue the use of this watershed, the Board will adopt such regulations
as may be required for the adequate protection of the quality of the water.
It is not improbable, in the opinion of the Board, that, under the exist-
ing conditions, the cost of improving efficiently the quality of the waters
of Little Pond or the filter gallery so that these waters may be used with
safety for domestic purposes might be greater, all things considered, than
the cost of a supply of good water from some other source.
Brookfield.
Dec. 5, 1913.
To the Board of Water Commissioners, Brookfield, Mass.
Gextlemex : — In response to your request for an examination ,, of
certain available sources of additional water supply for the town of
Brookfield, and advice as to the practicability of their use for that pur-
pose, the State Board of Health has caused the sources indicated to be
examined and samples from the present and proposed sources to be
analyzed.
One of the sources is a well 13 feet square and 9 feet deep, located about
a quarter of a mile southeast of the Brookfield railroad station and 50
feet from the Quaboag River. It appears that the well was sunk through
coarse sand or gravel to clay or hardpan, and that when used for the
supply of the town in the summer of 1912 it yielded water quite freely,
but for a limited time.
The analyses of the water indicate that under present conditions it is
probably safe for domestic use. There is a considerable population at
no great distance from the well, but at the present time the drainage
from this population does not appear to be affecting the ground water
in the neighborhood of the well. It is impossible to determine without
further investigations whether the quality of the ground water in this
region would remain satisfactory or would change materially in case a
considerable quantity, such as would be required for the supply of the
town, should be drawn from wells or other works in this region.
In order to determine whether an adequate supply of good water for
the requirements of the town could be obtained from the ground in this
region, it would be necessary to sink a number of wells and test them by
pumping for a period of several days. It would not apparently add very
materially to the cost of works if, instead of locating a well at the point
where the present well is situated, it should be constructed from half a
68 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
mile to a mile farther east, and, considering the circumstances, it appears
to be desirable that further tests should be made in this region to de-
termine the possibility of obtaining there an adequate supply of good
water for the requirements of the town at all times.
The other source mentioned in your application is the ground in the
valley of the brook northwest of the village, but it does not appear that
any tests have been made in this locality which would furnish any definite
information as to the possibility of obtaining an adequate supply of good
water in this region.
The Board recommends, as the first step in securing an additional
supply of good water for the requirements of the town, that you cause
tests to be made, both in the valley of the brook northwest of the town
and in the region east of the present well near the Quaboag Eiver, to de-
termine the character of the soil and the probable quantity and quality
of water obtainable from the ground in these regions. These tests should
be made under the direction of an engineer of experience in matters re-
lating to ground-water supplies, and if favorable conditions are found
a pumping test should be made by pumping from a group of wells at
that place for several days.
The Board will assist you in further investigations, if you so request,
by making the necessary analyses of water, and will give you further
advice in the matter when the results of further investigations are
available.
Cambridge (Y. M. C. A.).
May 27, 1913.
To the Young Men's Christian Association, Cambridge, Mass.
Gextlemen : — In response to your request for an examination of the
waters of the Belmont Crystal and Eobbins springs, located respec-
tively in Belmont and Arlington, the State Board of Health has caused
the springs and their surroundings to be examined and samples of their
waters to be analyzed.
The water of the Belmont Crystal Spring contained at the tune of the
last examination a slightly greater quantity of organic matter than in
former times, but in other respects it has shown little or no change in
quality for many years. The amounts of chlorine and nitrates present in
this water are larger than the normal for the region, but the number of
bacteria is low. The watershed of the spring is uninhabited, and the
presence of the abnormally high chlorine and nitrates is undoubtedly due
to the fertilizer applied to the cultivated lands about the spring. In the
opinion of the Board the water of this spring is at present safe for drink-
ing, and if the fertilizing of the land about the spring should be dis-
continued, the quality of the water would no doubt be greatly improved
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOWNS. 69
and the spring could continue to be used with safety so long as the water-
shed about it remains uninhabited as at present.
An examination of the water of Bobbins Spring in Arlington shows
that the use of some of the springs from which water was formerly taken
has been discontinued, and only one of the springs was in use at the time
of this examination. The quality of this source has varied considerably
for several years, showing on the whole a slight deterioration. The re-
sults of the analysis indicate that this water at the time of the recent
examination was safe for drinking; but dwelling houses have been con-
structed recently upon lands about the spring, and, unless these houses
shall be connected with the sewer, there is danger that the wastes dis-
charged from them may affect unfavorably the quality of the water.
The Board recommends that the water of this source be examined from
time to time in the future, in order that its use may be discontinued if
detmoration occurs.
Cantox (Massachusetts Hospital School).
May 21, 1913.
To the Board of Trustees, Massachusetts Hospital School, Canton, Mass.
Gen-tlemen : — In reply to your request for advice as to a water supply
for the Massachusetts Hospital School, to be obtained from drilled wells
on the grounds of the hospital, the State Board of Health has caused
the locality to be examined by its engineer and has considered the in-
formation presented as to tests already made with a view to obtaining
a well-water supply for the institution.
It appears that the pressure under which water is supplied from the
works of the town of Canton is insufficient for adequate fire protection
and that the expense of obtaining an adequate supply of water from the
Canton works would be large. The tests made in various parts of the
grounds of the hospital with a view to obtaining a ground-water supply
have not been favorable, all of the test wells having been driven to rock
without obtaining any considerable quantity of water.
Under these circumstances there is considerable doubt as to whether
an adequate supply of water for the institution could be obtained by
drilling a deep well or wells in the rock, and there is also uncertainty as
to the quality of the water that might be obtained in that way. An ex-
amination of the region about the hospital indicates that on adjacent
lands east of the hospital grounds in the neighborhood of Eeservoir Pond
the soil is coarse and porous, and the conditions appear to be favorable
for obtaining an adequate supply of water by means of tubular wells.
The Board recommends that as the next step in your investigations for
70 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
obtaining a water supply for the institution you cause test wells to be
driven in the lower grounds not far from Eeservoir Pond east of the in-
stitution to determine whether a porous stratum exists in this region
from which an adequate supply of water can be secured. The Board will
assist you in further investigations, if you so request, by making analyses
of samples of water, and will give you further advice in the matter when
additional information is available.
Chelmsford.
Sept. 2, 1913.
To the Board of Water Commissioners of the Chelmsford Water District, Chelmsford,
Mass.
Gentlemex : — In response to your request for the approval of the
taking of water from the ground in the valley of Eiver Meadow Brook,
about half a mile southeast of Chelmsford Center, as a source of water
supply for the Chelmsford Water District, the State Board of Health has
caused the locality to be examined and has considered the results of a
test made by pumping from a group of wells in this location for a period
of about six days between August 8 and August 14. During this test
water was pumped from eight wells at a rate of about 300,000 gallons per
day, and measurements of the height of the gi-ound water in observation
wells at several points in the neighborhood before, during and after the
test, considered in connection with the quantity of water pumped, in-
dicate that an adequate supply of water for all the present requirements
of the Chelmsford Water District can be obtained from the ground in
this locality.
The results of analyses of samples of water taken daily throughout the
test show that it is soft, free from iron, and in all respects of good
quality for the purposes of a public water supply.
The Board, acting under the provisions of chapter 641 of the Acts of
the year 1913, hereby approves the taking of a water supply for the
Chelmsford Water District from wells in the location in which this test
was made.
At the present time the region about the wells is uninhabited, and the
source does not appear to be exposed to danger of pollution. It is de-
sirable, however, in the opinion of the Board, that the district should
eventually acquire a considerable area of land about the wells to protect
the purity of the water.
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOWNS. 71
Clinton.
Sept. 18, 1913.
To the Board of Water Commissioners, Clinton, Mass.
Gentlemen : — In response to 3-our request for advice as to the com-
plete removal of the organic matter found in a large depression in the
bottom of He}"wood Pond, so called, which you are now enlarging and
improving for use as a storage reservoir, the State Board of Health has
caused the locality to be examined by its engineer and has caused samples
of the soil from the area in question to be analyzed.
The results of the analyses show that the deposit in question consists
almost wholly of diatomaceous earth containing a considerable per-
centage of nitrogen. Experiments with it show, furthermore, that water
standing upon it takes up color, and there is little doubt that if this
deposit were left in the reservoir it would affect very unfavorably the
quality of the water.
The Board recommends that the deposit be removed if practicable,
and if it is not found practicable to remove it the best plan would be to
cover it to a depth of at least 12 inches with hardpan or similar material
from the higher parts of the reservoir bottom or the adjacent hillsides.
It appears that a large quantity of this material has been deposited along
the sides of the reservoir above the high-water line, where it is exposed
to the action of rains and is likely to be washed into the water. It is
impracticable to remove this material, and the best plan would be to
seed it with grass so as to grow a sod as soon as possible.
Dracut (American Woolen Company).
Aug. 18, 1913.
To the Board of Health, Dracut, Mass.
Gentlemen : — In response to your request for an examination of the
water supplied by the American Woolen Company in Collinsville, and
advice as to its quality, the State Board of Health has caused the wells
to be examined and samples of the water to be analyzed.
The results of the examination show that the water of these wells is
quite hard and contains an excessive quantity of iron, a part of which
precipitates from the water on standing. While there are no indications-
that the water in its present condition is injurious to health, the presence
of the excess of iron makes it very objectionable for many domestic
purposes.
At the time of the introduction of water from these wells, the Board
advised concerning them in part as follows : —
72 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
. , . Analyses of samples of water from test wells . . . show that it is
soft, nearly colorless, and free from odor, and is otherwise of good quality
for the purposes of a public water supply. Whether the water will remain
satisfactory when the quantity required for the supply of Collinsville is
drawn continuously from wells at this place cannot be predicted with cer-
tainty. The meadow in which the wells are located contains a considerable
depth of peaty soil and is subject to flooding- at times of high water in the
brook, and water drawn from wells in similar locations has in some cases
deteriorated after a longer or shorter period of use and become objectionable
on account of an excess of iron. The chances of deterioration in this case
can apparently be materially lessened by draining the meadow so that water
will not stand upon it for a very considerable time, and it appears to be
feasible to provide drainage at no great expense. . . .
At the time of the recent examination it was evident that the gromid
about the wells is kept flooded more or less continuously during the
greater part of the year. This condition has undoubtedly led to the
deterioration in the quality of the water, and it is very doubtful whether.
even if the flooding of the meadows should now be discontinued, the
quality of the water of these wells would improve sufficiently to make it
satisfactory for domestic use.
Considering the circumstances, it is advisable that the use of these
wells be discontinued and a supply introduced as soon as practicable
from some source which will furnish water of good quality.
To the American Woolen Company, Collinsville, Mass. ' '
Gextlemen : — In response to a request from the board of health of
Dracut, the State Board of Health has caused an examination to be made
of the water supplied by you in the village of Collinsville, and finds that
the water has greatly deteriorated on account of the presence of an excess
of iron and become very objectionable for many domestic purposes.
The Board recommends that a supply of water of good quality be intro-
duced in this village at the earliest practicable time.
A copy of the advice of the Board to the board of health of the to^\Ti
of Dracut is enclosed herewith.
DuxBURY (Wells).
Dec. 4, 1913.
To (he Board of Health, Duxhiiry, Mass., Mr. Charles W. Eaton, Secretary.
Gentlemen : — In response to your request for an examination of
certain wells in South DuxbTiry and advice as to the use of their waters
for domestic purposes, the State Board of Health has caused the wells
indicated to be examined and samples of their waters to be analyzed.
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TO^^^'S. 73
The waters of the wells at the Point school and at the grammar school
on Washington Street appear to be very badly polh;ted and unsafe for
drinking. The well at the South Duxbury school shows less evidence of
pollution than the others, but the water at the time of this examination
was slightly turbid and contained greater numbers of bacteria than are
found in good well waters. Under the circumstances it cannot be re-
garded as a safe source from which to take water for drinking. It is prob-
able that a well could be located west of the school, at a greater distance
from danger of pollution, from which water might be obtained that would
be safe for drinking.
The water of the well at Partridge Academy is similar in many respects
to that of the South Duxbury school, and it is advisable that water from
a source of known safety should be provided as soon as practicable and
the use of this well discontinued.
Samples of water have also been examined from four private wells,
viz., the house of E. S. Grover on Stetson Street and the houses of Dr,
Spaulding, H. E. Hunt and H. E, Merry on Washington Street. One
of these wells apparently contains a considerable amount of sea water,
and all of them were found to be polluted, some of them containing
more chlorine and nitrates than are found in ordinary sewage effluents.
In the opinion of the Board all of these wells are unsafe sources from
which to take water for drinking or other domestic purposes.
The results of the examination of these wells show, on the whole, much
the same conditions as were found in the course of the investigations of
last July, The continued discharge of sewage into vaults and cesspools
in the thickly settled areas in this town pollutes the ground water drawn
for drinking from adjacent wells, and the objectionable conditions will
inevitably grow worse until a public water supply is provided and the
use of these wells discontinued.
The Board again recommends that the question of introducing a pub-
lic water supply be taken up and a satisfactory general supply introduced
at the earliest practicable time.
Everett (Belmoxt Hill Sprixg).
May 24, 1913.
To Mr. A. J. D.\Y, Purchasing Agent, Barrett Manufacturing Company, 297 Franklin
Street, Boston, Mass.
Dear Sir: — In response to your request of March 31, 1913, for in-
formation as to the condition of the water of the Belmont Hill Spring,
so called, in Everett, the State Board of Health has caused the spring
and its surroundings to be examined and a sample of the water to be
analvzed.
74 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
The results of the analysis shoAv that the water has at some time been
■very badly polluted and not subsequently thoroughly purified in its
passage through the ground before entering the spring. There is also
evidence that the quality of the water has deteriorated in recent years.
The spring is located in a populous district where the ground water is
evidently subject to pollution, and, considering the circumstances, in the
opinion of the Board this spring is not a safe source from which to take
water for drinking.
Fall Eiver.
April 28, 1913.
To Hon. James H. Kay, Mayor, and Chairman of Reservoir Commission, Fall River ^
Mass.
Dear Sir : — The State Board of Health received from you on March
8, 1913, the following communication requesting its approval of the
modification of the general plan for protecting the purity of the water of
Xorth Watuppa Pond approved by this Board on March 2, 1911 : —
The Keservoir Commission, on Dee. 16, 1912, voted to carry out at once
and began work upon a modification of its general plan for protecting the
purity of North Watuppa Pond, approved by you March 2, 1911, the modi-
fication being to divert Cress Brook from its present channel, at a point
about 135 feet easterly of Freelove Street and discharge it into Highland
Brook, about 1,000 feet westerly of Meridian Street through a 30-inch con-
duit, instead of directly into the proposed intercepting conduit; but has been
stopped and prevented from carrying this to completion on account of cer-
tain claims and injunctions by parties claiming rights in the land and water
to be occupied.
The reasons for this modification of the general plan were : —
The necessity for diverting Cress Brook away from the water works pump-
ing station, in advance of the completion of the proposed intercepting con-
duit, the start of which has already been delayed nearly two years since the
approval of the general plan by your Board.
The successful negotiation with Samuel Hyde, who owns all the abutting
land between New Boston Road and Freelove Street, upstream from the
AVatuppa Reservation, through which Cress Brook runs, for the easement
across his land at a reasonable price and reasons for anticipating serious
objection from him to the original plan for taking in this brook.
The additional storage for the waters of Cress Brook to be furnished by
the Highland Brook basin.
The approval of this modification of the general jilan is requested from
your Board, in order that the City may acquire by condemnation, land for
this Cress Brook diversion, under section 1 of chapter 437 of the Acts of
1909, if the work is further delayed by these claims and injunctions.
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TO^\'XS. 75
The work of constructing the conduit to divert Cress Brook was begnu on
Dee. 17, 1912, at the southerly edge of the site of the proposed Highland
storage basin shown on the plan approved by your Board March 2, 1911,
and also shown by red "A" on R. C. blue print Xo. 323-R which accom-
panies this application. The work was pushed as rapidly as the weather
permitted until Dee. 31st, when it was stopped by a restraining order from
the Court issued upon application for injunction on part of an abutter
claiming rights in the proposed street, from New Boston Road north in
which the pipe was being laid. This was followed by legal notices fx-om
another abutter and from parties owning land through which Highland
Brook flows, claiming damages for the diversion and there seems no prospect
of settlements being effected at reasonable terms, if at all. At the time of
stopping the work, 269 feet of pipe had been laid and a total of 425 feet
of trench opened. Nothing has been done since the stopping of work and
the City is at a weekly expense of nearly fifty dollars for watchmen, etc.
The red line on the accompanying blue print shows the pipe laid.
The Board has caused the locality to be examined by one of its en-
gineers and has considered your application and the plan presented
therewith.
Judging from the information available as to the flow of these streams
at different seasons of the year and the conditions affecting the move-
ment of water in the lake, it is probable that, if the w^aters of Cress
Brook were diverted into Highland Brook, they would require several
weeks longer to reach the water works intake than at the present time.
Under the circumstances and considering the extra storage available on
the watershed of Highland Brook for the regulation of flow into the
conduit, the Board approves the plan of constructing a conduit from
Cress Brook to Highland Brook, as shown in the plans submitted on
March 8 and April 3, 1913. The Board wishes it understood that, while
the proposed change of outlet of Cress Brook to Highland Brook has
advantages, especially during the construction of the proposed intercept-
ing conduit and to some extent thereafter, it is not to be taken as in
any sense replacing the conduit, which should be pushed to completion
as early as practicable. It will be essential, of course, to enlarge some-
what the size of the main intercepting conduit between Cress Brook
and Highland Brook to allow for the change in the point of admission
of the water of Cress Brook.
The plans approved bear the following titles: " Eeservoir Commission.
Fall Eiver, Mass. Plan Showing Proposed Diversion of Cress Brook,
Scale: 1 inch = 200 feet. Eevised Feb. 24, 1913. R. C. Xo. 323-R''
and " City of Fall River, Mass. Reservoir Commi=sion. Plan Showing
76 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
Cress Brook and Proposed Diversion to Highland Brook and Proposed
Intercepting Drain. Courses are referred to true meridian. Scale: 1
inch ='50 feet. March 24, 1913. E. C. No. 3G7."
Dec. 23, 1913.
To the Reservoir Commission, Fall River, Mass.
Gentlemen : — In response to your request for advice as to authoriz-
ing the cutting of ice upon North Watuppa Pond, the source of water
supply of the city of Fall Eiver, and the leasing of city lands ahutting
the pond for the storage of ice thereon, the Board has caused the locality
to be examined and has considered the information presented at the
hearing given at this office at your request on Dec. 16, 1913.
The city of Fall Eiver began many years ago to acquire the lands
within the watershed of North Watuppa Pond for the protection of the
purity of the water, and at the present time some two-thirds of the land
within the watershed has passed within the control of the city. It was
found impracticable to purchase at a reasonable cost enough of the lands
in the westerly part of the watershed, chiefly in the watersheds of Cress
and Highland brooks, to protect adequately the purity of the waters
tributary to the pond in this region, and after a thorough study you
have devised a plan for diverting the flow of water from populated areas
in this region into the South Watuppa Pond.
With the construction of this conduit, which should be completed at
the earliest possible time, little further expenditure will be required to
enable the city to secure and adequately protect for the future use of
its inhabitants as a source of domestic water supply this great reservoir,
so well suited for that purpose both in its location and the character of
its waters.
In the course of the work of securing the lands about the pond and
protecting this water supply, it appears that it has been the plan of the
city to acquire the ice house properties in order to prevent danger of
contamination of the waters of the pond from its continued use for the
cutting, storage and handling of ice. This danger, in the opinion of the
Board, cannot be ignored. In order to harvest and remove any consid-
erable quantities of ice, it is necessary to introduce within the watershed
and upon the surface of the pond considerable numbers of men and
horses. Observations of the conditions imder which ice is cut, stored and
handled, even on lakes where these operations are subject to an inspec-
tion which is intended to be adequate, show that these processes may
result in the serious contamination of the water, — in a recent case be-
ing the probable cause of a most serious epidemic.
Furtliermore, from the information presented at the hearing, it does
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES .\ND TOWNS. 77
not appear to be necessary to use North Pond as a source of ice supply
in order to secure an adequate quantity of good ice for the inhabitants
of Fall Eiver at reasonable cost. Ice which may be safely used for
domestic purposes can undoubtedly be obtained from large portions of
the South Pond, and other ponds were indicated at the hearing from
which ice of good quality can be secured at distances from the city in-
volving little greater haulage than would be the case if ice were taken
from the North Pond.
In view of the circumstances and the information presented, it seems
to the Board unnecessary to use North Watuppa Pond as a source of ice
supply and, considering the danger to the purity of the drinking water
of the city that would inevitably result from such use, the Board recom-
mends that the further use of North Watuppa Pond as a source of ice
supply be discontinued at the earliest practicable time.
FiTCHBURG.
April 17, 1913.
To the Board of Water Commissioners, Fitchburg, Mass.
Gextlemex : — The State Board of Health has considered your re-
quest, received through your engineers, Messrs. Metcalf & Eddy of Bos-
ton, for advice as to the quality of the water of Wyman Reservoir in
relation to its use as a source of water supply for the city of Fitchburg,
and has caused the reservoir and its surroundings to be examined by
one of its engineers and samples of the water to be analyzed.
This examination was made at a time of the year when the condition
of the water of ponds and reservoirs is usually at its best, and the results
of the chemical analysis showed that the color of the water at this time
was slight and the quantity of organic matter not excessive. The micro-
scopical examination showed the presence of organisms of kinds which
have been known to impart very disagreeable tastes and odors to the
waters of ponds and reservoirs when present in considerable numbers.
It is probable that organisms grow in this water in greater abundance
at other seasons of the year than at the time when the recent examina-
tion was made.
Wyman Reservoir was not constructed with a view to its use as a
source of domestic water supply, and, while a reservoir formerly existed
on this site for many years, its size was much enlarged when the new
dam was built a few years ago, and a considerable area of the portion
flowed is said to be covered deeply with mud. There is also a con-
siderable population within the watershed, which is largely increased in
summer when the cottages near the reservoir are occupied, and the
reservoir and its tributaries already receive considerable pollution.
78 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
Under the circumstances it is not unlikely that the quality of the water
is quite different in the summer and autumn from its condition as found
at the time of the recent examination.
The Board is unable to advise you definitely at the present time as
to the probable quality of the water of Wyman Reservoir at other seasons
"of the year, but, judging from such information as is available concerning
it and experience with other reservoirs, it is likely that in order to obtain
satisfactory water from this source either the condition of the reservoir
and its watershed must be improved or the water must be efficiently
filtered. It is probable that the improvement of the water can be effected
more economically by sand filtration than by any other plan, and if this
plan were adopted the water could probably still be supplied to the city
by gravity.
The question whether Wyman Reservoir is the most appropriate source
of water supply of the city of Fitchburg has not been considered by the
Board, it being understood that you are investigating also sources to
the north of the city, which were examined by the engineer of the Board
last year and for the development of which it is understood that plans
are now being prepared. As soon as your investigations are completed
the Board will, upon request and the receipt of plans and estimates of
the cost of works, consider such other sources as may be available and
advise you as to the most appropriate plan for securing an additional
water supply for the city.
Aug. 18, 1913.
To the Board of Water Commissioners of the City of Fitchburg, Mass.
Gentlemen : — The State Board of Health has considered your ap-
plication for advice relative to increasing the water supply of the city of
Fitchburg, in which your proposed plans are outlined as follows : —
This city having outgrown its present water supply we have had engineers
look up a larger sujoply and from their report we have decided to recom-
mend, subject to your approval, the following scheme : —
To build a dam at Shattucks on the Falulah Brook at an elevation that
would supply water to Overlook Reservoir, said dam would hold about
291,000 gallons, and also to secure the rights in Ashby Reservoir and divert
the flow of that watershed into the brook supplying Shattucks Reservoir.
Ashby Reser\-oir is of shallow flowage and muddy bottom but by drawing
it down the brook and storing it in this reservoir the quality would we think
become satisfactory.
Later when an increased supply is needed to raise tlie level of Ashby
Reservoir 10 feet by dams at each end and build a permanent dam at Wa-
chusett Lake, and raise the level there about 10 feet. The expense of the
whole scheme has been estimated at about $300,000.
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TO^VNS. 79
We wish your opinion of this plan and would refer you to report in the
possession of your engineer for details of not only this scheme but the whole
subject of an increased supply that we have considered.
Accompanying the application is a report of your engineers, Messrs.
Metcalf and Eddy of Boston, containing the results of the investigation
of the available methods of enlarging the water supply of the city of
Eitchburg, together with estimates of the quantity of water to be obtained
from the various sources used in connection with your present supplies
and the probable cost of the necessary works for the development of
these sources for the use of the city.
From these investigations it appears that the practicable methods of
increasing the supply of water for the city are (1) the construction of
additional storage reservoirs on Falulah Brook above the present Falu-
lah Eeservoir; (2) raising the level of Wachusett Lake; and (3) the
taking of water from Ashby Reservoir north of the Ealulah Brook water-
shed. It also appears that investigations show that additional watersheds
can be developed, if necessary, northwest of Ashby Eeservoir and the
water obtained therefrom brought to the city by gravity through Ashby
Eeservoir and Falulah Brook.
The Board has caused the locality to be examined and has considered
the conditions affecting the development of an additional water supply
for the city of Fitchburg and the results of the investigation presented.
The city of Fitchburg is growing rapidly, and the quantity of water used
for manufacturing purposes is large, probably amounting to an equiva-
lent of 34 gallons per day for each inhabitant of the city. The quantity
of water supplied to the city is unfortunately not all measured, so that
it is impracticable to determine accurately the amount used at the pres-
ent time. It is evident, however, that the yield of the present sources is
no more than equal to the present requirements in a dry season. Much
of the water is supplied through meters, and there has been a great re-
duction in unnecessary use and waste of water since the introduction of
meters was begun, and it is no doubt possible to effect a considerable
further saving when meters have been provided for all services. While
by the introduction of meters a considerable further reduction in the
consumption of water could doubtless be made, it is necessary, in the
opinion of the Board, on account of the growth of the city, to provide an
additional water supply at the earliest practicable time.
An examination of your present sources of supply shows that, while
most of these sources are quite fully developed, large quantities of water
go to waste from Falulah Brook in the wetter portion of the year, owing
to lack of storage. The studies of your engineers show that it is prac-
80 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
ticable to construct reservoirs upon this stream at several points, the most
favorable being just above the present Falulah Eeservoir at the lower
end of the watershed and in the neighborhood of Shattucks, so called,
about a mile farther upstream. Your engineers recommend that reser-
voirs be constructed at these points, the lower one of which is designated
as the Lovell Eeservoir and the upper one as the Shattuck Eeservoir.
Calculations of the probable yield of your sources of supply indicate that
by the construction of these two reservoirs, and by using them in connec-
tion with the present sources, the probable yield of your entire works
would be increased from about 3,700,000 gallons per day to about 5,900,-
000 gallons per day, — a quantity sufficient to meet the requirements of
the city probably for the next ten years, assuming that the growth of
the city continues about as in the past. When the capacity of these
sources has been reached it will be possible to increase the supply further
by the acquisition of Ashby Eeservoir and the subsequent raising of its
water level. The watershed of Ashby Eeservoir is adjacent to that of
Falulah Brook on the north, and its waters can be drawn by gravity into
Falulah Brook. It is also possible to increase materially the storage ca-
pacity in Wachusett Lake by increasing the height of the dam at its
outlet. The increase in the yield resulting from the enlargement of
Wachusett Lake, however, would be small compared with the increase
obtainable from the use of Ashby Eeservoir. The increase obtainable by
raising Wachusett Eeservoir in the beginning would be comparatively
small, and if this course were adopted a further additional supply would
very soon become necessary.
Considering all of the circumstances, it appears to the Board that the
most appropriate method of increasing the water supply of the city of
Fitchburg at the present time is to provide additional storage on Falu-
lah Brook. The water of this brook, while slightly colored, is in other
respects of good quality for domestic purposes and the watershed is
sparsely populated; but on account of the very small storage now pro-
vided, the water of this watershed during much of the year is delivered
to consumers quite directly without the sanitary advantages of storage
for a considerable time.
The investigations of your engineers show that it is practicahle to con-
struct two reservoirs of considerable size on Falulah Brook. The pro-
posed Lovell Eeservoir, located near the lower end of the watershed,
would be more expensive, but it would hold a considerably larger quantity
of water than the proposed Shattuck Eeservoir. The Shattuck Eeservoir
would be at a higher level than the Lovell Eeservoir, and it would be
practicable to divert the water of the former into the high-service system
of the city. It is probable, however, that the present sources of supply
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOWNS. 81
are sufficient for the high-service districts for a considerable time in the
future.
It appears to the Board that there are decided advantages, especially
from a sanitary point of view, in the construction of the Lovell Reservoir,
near the lower end of the Falulah watershed, in the beginning, and thus
secure for this watershed the sanitary protection due to storage which
is available for all of the other watersheds. Moreover, a greater increase
in the yield of your sources of supply can be secured by the construction
of the Lovell Eeservoir than would be the case if the Shattuck Reservoir
were constructed in the beginning, the difference being about 500,000 gal-
lons per day.
From a careful study of all of the conditions, the Board is of the
opinion that it is advisable to construct the Lovell Reservoir in the be-
ginning, to be followed by the construction of the Shattuck Reservoir
whenever the need of a further supply becomes apparent. When the
watersheds froili which your supply is now drawn have been developed
by the construction of these reservoirs, the additional supply obtainable
by increasing the storage capacity of Wachusett Lake would be compara-
tively small and it would be necessary within a very short time to se-
cure a supply from other watersheds. Investigations show that it is
practicable to divert water from Ashby Reservoir into the Falulah Brook
watershed by gravity, and, in the opinion of the Board, this method of
increasing your water supply after the proposed development of Falulah
Brook is completed will probably be the most appropriate and satisfactory
that it is practicable to adopt. By the development of this watershed,
with the proposed additional storage reservoirs on Falulah Brook, the
supply of water available for the city can be increased to double the
quantity available at the present time. The plans further show that
it will probably be practicable to obtain a very large additional supply
from the upper waters of the Souhegan River, when a further quantity
is required, and divert it into the Ashby watershed by gravity.
The Board recommends the construction in the beginning of the
Lovell Reservoir, so called, on Falulah Brook, to be followed by the con-
struction of the Shattuck Reservoir as soon as a further supply becomes
necessary. The Board further recommends that you secure the right to
take water from Ashby Reservoir and the watersheds northwest thereof,
from which the Ashby Reservoir can be supplemented by gravity. The
Board also recommends that Venturi meters, or other suitable measuring
devices, be installed on all the sources of water supply of the city and
an accurate record of the daily consumption maintained at all times.
It is also advisable that all water supplied to consumers, including city
departments, public fountains, etc., shall be metered.
82 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
Greenfield (Fire District No. 1).
June 13, 1913.
To the Board of Water Commissioners of Fire District No. 1, Greenfield, Mass.
Gentlemen: — The State Board of Health received from you on
June 4, 1913, an application for its advice relative to, and approval of,
a proposed plan for obtaining an additional supply of water for Fire
District No. 1 of Greenfield from the ground on the easterly side of
Green Eiver about half a mile north of the present pumping station on
that stream and south of the highway bridge near the boundary between
Greenfield and Leyden.
The application is accompanied by a plan showing the contour of the
ground in the region in which it is proposed to locate the collecting
well and the location of test wells which have been driven in this region
to determine the depth of porous soil and the character of the ground
water. This plan also shows two possible locations for a dam on Green
Eiver for diverting the water of that stream onto the ground in the
vicinity of the proposed collecting well and the lands which it is pro-
posed to acquire for the development and protection of the proposed
supply.
The Board has caused the locality to be examined by one of its
engineers and has considered the plan presented and the results of the
tests made in 1911 with a view to securing an additional supply of
water from the ground in this locality. The results of the analyses
of samples of water collected at that time showed the ground water of
this locality to be of very good quality for domestic purposes. The tests
also showed that the wells penetrated a porous soil several feet in depth
extending below the level of the river, and these conditions — taken in
connection with the character of the soil in the region about the proposed
well, which appears to be favorable for the absorption of a considerable
portion of the water falling upon the ground — are favorable for obtain-
ing a large quantity of water from wells or other collecting works in
this region.
The plan provides, however, in case the quantity of water obtainable
from the proposed well or other additional works in this locality should
not prove sufficient for the requirements of the district at all times in
connection with the present sources, for diverting water from Green
River above the highway bridge into trenches or areas in the neighbor-
hood of the proposed well for the purpose of supplementing the yield
of ground water.
In the opinion of the Board the plan is an appropriate one for in-
creasing the water supply of the fire district, and, used in connection
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOWNS. 83
with the present sources, is likely to provide an additional quantity of
water for all requirements — if reasonably used — until the population
becomes much greater than at the present time. It is important, in case
the water of Green Eiver shall be diverted to the proposed trenches or
filter beds upon the ground near the wells, that the trenches or filters
should not be located nearer than 100 feet from the well, and it is
also important that these trenches or filters be located at places where
the soil to a depth of as much as 4 feet is composed of sand suitable
for filtration. The area of land which it is proposed to acquire in the
beginning is a reasonable one for the purpose under the conditions ex-
isting at the present time.
The Board, acting under the provisions of chapter 497 of the Acts
of the year 1913, approves the taking of an additional water supply from
the ground on the easterly side of the Green Eiver and the lands in-
dicated upon the plans submitted with your application and the location
of the well shown thereon.
Hamilton (Asbury Grove).
Sept. 4, 1913.
To the Board of Health, Hamilton, Mass.
Gentlemen: — ^In the course of an investigation of the sanitary con-
ditions at Asbury Grove in Hamilton, the State Board of Health has
caused an examination to be made of a number of wells located in this
densely populated area and samples of their waters to be analyzed.
The results of the analyses show that the waters of these wells are
practically all polluted to a greater or less extent, evidently by the sewage
deposited upon the ground in a large number of receptacles located in
the neighborhood of the dwelling houses about the grounds. Some of
these wells show evidence of more serious pollution than others, the
most seriously polluted being the well near the car office, the well on
the westerly side of Mudge Avenue, just south of Mt. Zion Avenue, the
well at the corner of Kingsley and Mudge avenues, the well in the pas-
sageway between Olin and Essex avenues, and the well in a stable on
Asbury Avenue, opposite Maple Avenue; but all of the other wells show
evidences of pollution, and experience with such wells indicates that
with the existing conditions the quality of the water of these wells is
likely to deteriorate further in the near future.
Under the circumstances it is very important, in the opinion of the
Board, that an adequate supply of good water for domestic purposes
shall be provided for use in this thickly settled community. The Board
recommends that every effort be made to secure the introduction of a
supply of good water for this densely populated area before the coming
84 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
of another summer season, and the further use of the wells located in
the immediate neighborhood of dwelling houses, or other possible sources
of pollution, prevented.
Hamilton (South Hamilton).
Dec. 4, 1913.
To the Board of Health, Hamilton, Mass., Mr. Geokge W. Fitz, Secretary.
Gentlemen: — In response to your request for an examination of
private wells in South Hamilton and advice as to the conditions affecting
the wells in that village, the State Board of Health has caused a num-
ber of wells in various parts of the village to be examined and samples of
their waters to be analyzed.
This examination included nine driven wells, some of which were
located in the more densely populated parts of the village and others on
the outskirts. These wells consisted of an iron pipe from 11/^ to 21^
inches in diameter, driven usually to a depth of from 18 to 57 feet,
though in some cases wells were sunk to depths of from 72 to 90 feet.
Where tubular wells are used, no cases were found of pollution of the
well by surface drainage, but in all cases there were numerous privies
and cesspools at no great distance from the wells, and pollutions of the
ground water have a very decided effect upon the condition of the water
taken from the wells. The waters of all of these wells were found to be
polluted, many of them to such an extent as to be unsafe for domestic use.
Among these the worst were the wells of G. Adams, A. W. Chandler,
Mrs. McGlaufiin, the well at the South School and the well of J. W.
Eoberts on Pleasant Street. The further use of these wells should be
prevented.
The quality of well waters in such locations as these is subject to con-
siderable change from time to time, owing to variations in the circum-
stances affecting their pollution, and their condition may be worse at
other seasons of the year than at the time of this examination.
An examination has also been made of two additional wells at Asbury
Grove, one being a dug well near the house of J. W. Mann, and the other
a new tubular well near the Tabernacle in Asbury Grove. The water
of these wells at the present time is probably safe for drinking, but both
wells show some evidence of pollution and both are located in populous
districts. In each case there are sources of pollution at no great distance
from the wells and the quality of their water is likely to deteriorate with
continued use.
The conditions are such at the present time in the village of South
Hamilton that it is evidently impracticable for the householders in the
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOWNS. 85
greater part of the village to secure a supply of water which is safe for
drinking upon their own premises, and it appears to the Board that the
introduction of a general water supply from some suitable source is es-
sential for the adequate protection of the public health in this village.
Your attention has already been called in a previous communication to
the condition of wells in Asbury Grove, where much the same conditions
were found, and the circumstances are such that it would probably be
practicable to supply both Asbury Grove and South Hamilton from the
same source at less expense than would be necessary for the supply of
these villages from separate sources.
The Board recommends that the matter of a public water supply in
the thickly settled portions of Hamilton be taken up without delay
and the preliminary investigations made at the earliest practicable time.
Wlien the necessary information has been obtained to determine the most
appropriate source of water supply and the probable cost of works, the
town will have been supplied with the requisite information to enable it
to give due consideration to this important question.
Haverhill.
Aug. 8, 1913.
To the Board of Health, Haverhill, Mass., Mr. Chester Bryant, Agent.
Gentlemen: — In accordance with your request of July 25, 1913, an
examination of Crystal Lake and its surroundings shows that there are
about forty-three summer cottages or camps on the shores of the lake, all
of which are provided with privy vaults located generally in the rear of
the buildings and 50 feet or more from high-water mark in the lake.
While no cases of direct pollution of the lake were found at this time, it
was found that in some cases the privies are so located that there appears
to be danger that at times of heavy rain some of the contents may be
washed over the ground and enter the lake. It is uncertain, also, whether
sufficient care is exercised in the disposal of other refuse matter from the
cottages near this water supply to prevent pollution of the lake therefrom.
The Board has recommended to the Haverhill Water Board the strict
enforcement of the rules and regulations adopted by this Board for the
sanitary protection of this lake and of other sources of water supply of
the city on Feb. 1, 1912. While these rules are designed for enforcement
by the water department, the sanitary conditions about the lake are,
nevertheless, within the Jurisdiction of your board, and your board can
take action to prevent nuisances, sources of filth and causes of sickness
in the territory about the lake notwithstanding these rules. The powers
of a local board of health over water supplies within its jurisdiction are
86 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
quite fully set forth in the decision of the Supreme Court in the case
of Stone V. Heath, 179 Mass. 385, and the following extracts from that
decision are important in this connection : —
The jurisdiction over nuisances given to town boards of health by Pub.
Sts. e. 80, §§ 20-27, is summary in its nature, and the orders made there-
under are not subject to judicial examination and revision at the instance of
parties affected by them before they are carried out. After they are carried
out, however, the questions whether there was a nuisance, and, if so, whether
it was caused or maintained by the parties charged therewith, may be
litigated.
St. 1897, c. 510, does not give the State Board of Health exclusive juris-
diction of nuisances affecting the purity of the sources of water supply.
There is nothing in that statute which takes away or limits the power of
local boards of health to deal with nuisances in their respective jurisdictions.
Under Pub. Sts. c. 80, section 20, giving town boards of health the power
to examine into, destroy, remove or prevent " all nuisances, sources of filth,
and causes of sickness " within the town, those boards have jurisdiction over
nuisances affecting the purity of the water supply as well as other causes
of sickness.
Under the circumstances it is probable that your board can aid greatly
to prevent nuisances about this lake in case of need, especially by co-
operation with the water department.
Aug. 8, 1913.
To the Board oj Water Commissioners, Haverhill, Mass.
Gentlemen: — In response to a request from the local board of
health, the State Board of Health has caused an examination to be made
of the conditions about Crystal Lake with reference to the possible pol-
lution of the lake from population living about it, and, while no place
was found at which the lake is being directly polluted at the present
time, the conditions are such that there is danger that pollution from
some of the privies and other places of deposit of sewage or refuse may
at times of heavy rain be washed or carried over the ground to the lake.
The Board recommends that the conditions about the lake be carefully
inspected and that the rules and regulations for the sanitary protection
of the lake adopted by this Board Feb. 1, 1912, be strictly enforced. It
is also advisable that the other sources of supply, especially Johnson's
Pond, be carefully examined and that the strict enforcement of sanitary
regulations be established about those sources.
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOWNS. 87
Lanesboeough.
Oct. 22, 1913.
To the Water Committee, Lanesborough, Mass., F. C Downing, M.D.,iSecretary.
Gentlemen : — In response to your request the State Board of Health
has caused a further examination to be made of Eice Brook and Newton
Brook, which are now being considered as sources of water supply for
Lanesborough, and further samples of water from these streams to be
analyzed.
The results of the examination show no material change in the con-
ditions as shown by the previous investigation. The watershed of New-
ton Brook above the point at which it is proposed to take water is un-
inhabited, and the water, though somewhat harder than desirable, is
of good quality for domestic purposes. The flow of the stream appears
to be well maintained in dry weather, and it is likely that, with a suit-
able reservoir, an adequate quantity of water for the requirements of
the town can be obtained from this source at all times.
Eice Brook is a less desirable source, having at least two groups of
farm buildings on its watershed, while the flow of the stream appears
to be less in the drier part of the year in proportion to the area of
watershed.
Judging from the results of the investigations, the Board is of the
opinion that a suitable water supply for Lanesborough can be obtained
from Newton Brook at less cost than from any of the other sources
suggested.
Lenox.
Dec. 15, 1913.
To the Lenox Water Company, Lenox, Mass.
Gentlemen : — In response to a request received on Oct. 22, 1913,
from the selectmen of Lenox for an examination of your reservoir, which
at that time was nearly dry, the State Board of Health has caused the
reservoir and its surroundings to be examined and samples of the water
to be analyzed.
The work of scraping the bottom of the reservoir was being carried
on at that time, and analysis of the water showed the effect of this work.
Further analyses have been made since this work was completed and the
reservoir filled, and the most recent one indicates that the water has
now returned to a condition in which it may safely be used for drinking.
The experience of the past summer shows very conclusively that the
quantity of water that your present sources are capable of supplying is
inadequate for the requirements of the town of Lenox in the summer
88 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
season. It is possible that the yield of your present watershed can be
increased materially by providing additional storage either above or
below the present reservoir. There also appear to be other sources from
which an additional supply might be obtained.
Before it will be practicable to advise definitely as to the most appro-
priate method of increasing the water supply, it is essential that a care-
ful engineering study be made and the necessary information collected
to determine the probable quantity and quality of water that can be
obtained from available sources and the probable cost of the works.
The Board recommends that the investigation be made under the direc-
tion of an engineer of experience in matters relating to water supply
and that the information be collected at the earliest practicable time.
As soon as the results of the investigations are available the Board will,
upon request, advise you as to enlarging and improving the water supply
of the town.
There are indications that a considerable quantity of water is lost
from the mains and service pipes of the company by waste and leakage.
The Board further recommends that a Venturi meter, or other measur-
ing device, be installed upon the main leading from the reservoir to
the town and that careful records of the consumption of the water be
kept in the future. If the results of these observations disclose an ex-
cessive amount of leakage, it is not improbable that this will have a con-
siderable bearing upon plans for an additional supply.
Leominster.
Oct. 22, 1913.
To the Board of Water Commissioners, Leominster, Mass., Mr. W. H. Chase, Chair-
man.
Gentlemen : — The State Board of Health has considered your com-
munication of Sept. 8, 1913, requesting its advice as to the wisdom of
allowing the cutting of ice on the reservoirs of the town of Leominster,
especially Fall Brook Eeservoir, and has caused the locality to be ex-
amined by one of its engineers.
Fall Brook Eeservoir is an artificial basin constructed and owned by
the town. It has an area of about 82.5 acres, a drainage area of about
1.26 square miles and a storage capacity of about 386 million gallons.
The water in this reservoir is supplied to the town by gravity, the reser-
voir being connected directly with the distribution system. The use of
the reservoir for storage produces considerable fluctuations in its surface
level, the water usually overflowing in the spring in the period of high
flow of streams, while in the summer and late fall in dry years it is
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOWNS. 89
drawn to levels considerably below full pond. As the town grows and
the use of water increases, the fluctuations in the level of the water in
this source are likely to increase, and in .very dry years the amount of
water in storage when ice-cutting would begin might be much less than
the full capacity of the reservoir.
If this reservoir is to be used as a source of ice supply it will be es-
sential, in harvesting the ice by the methods commonly employed at the
present time where considerable quantities of ice are harvested, to in-
troduce numbers of men and horses not only within the watershed but
upon the surface of the ice of the reservoir itself. The experience of
the Board in the matter of the use of water-supply ponds and reservoirs
as sources of ice supply has shown that the pollution of the water is
practically inevitable, and very serious pollutions caused by the use of
reservoirs as sources of ice supply have been found recently in cases
where thorough sanitary rules have been established for the protection
of the water supply.
In the opinion of the Board the use of Fall Brook Eeservoir as a
source of ice supply would inevitably involve pollution of the water, and
the health of the inhabitants of the town would be exposed to danger
of very serious injury. In the consideration of this question the Board
has assumed that the ice houses would be located at some point outside
the watershed; if located within the watershed the danger of pollution
of the water would be even greater.
The objections to the cutting of ice on the Haynes or Morse reservoirs
are even more serious, notwithstanding the fact that the waters of these
reservoirs flow through the distributing reservoir before entering the
city. The cutting of ice on either of the storage reservoirs would re-
quire the introduction of numbers of men and horses into the watershed
of the distributing reservoir at a time when the condition of the ground
is such that danger of the pollution of the water of the reservoirs is
especially great. The storage capacity of the distributing reservoir is
small, and at times of high flow, especially in the late winter and early
spring, the water in this reservoir changes frequently, so that the value
of the storage obtained there is slight, and pollution entering this reser-
voir would quickly enter the supply pipes of the town.
After careful consideration of this question the Board recommends
that the town of Leominster prevent the use of its reservoirs as sources
of ice supply and avoid the great danger to the health of the inhabit-
ants of the town involved in such use.
90 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
Lincoln.
April 12, 1913.
To the Board of Water Commissioners of the Town of Lincoln, Mass.
Gentlemen : — Complaint having been made of an objectionable tur-
bidity and color which affect the water drawn from faucets in Lincoln,
the State Board of Health has caused the water supply of the town to
be examined and samples of the water from various parts of the water-
distributing system to be analyzed.
The results of the analyses show that the water drawn from faucets
near the ends of the pipes at various points about the boundaries of the
town is generally turbid and highly colored and contains such a quantity
of iron as to make it objectionable for many domestic uses; but these
conditions are not confined to the dead ends of the mains, being found
in some cases at other points in the town. Practically no complaints
have been made by consumers living along those streets in which the
water is supplied through cement-lined mains, and at one of the dead
ends where a suitable blow-off has been provided and used there appears
to be no trouble for a time after the use of the blow-off.
Some of the most serious complaints are from a locality in which a
new pipe has been laid within a few months, indicating that the trouble
in this case is probably due to conditions affecting the water before it
reaches this section of the pipe.
It appears to be the custom to flush the pipes by opening hydrants in
the neighborhood of places where complaint is made, and so far as
the Board is informed only one regular blow-off valve has been installed
in any part of the system.
The water of Sandy Pond is naturally very soft and of excellent
quality for domestic purposes, and such waters act somewhat more
readily upon the material of pipes and upon the substances with which
they come in contact than do the waters of less purity which contain
larger amounts of mineral matter.
The system has been in use for many years, and the results of the
examination indicate that considerable iron rust has accumulated in
the pipes, which, on account of the inadequate facilities for flushing, is
now being carried out of the mains into the service pipes of the water
takers. It is probable, also, that a part of the trouble is due to service
pipes, which are largely galvanized iron and which after a few years'
use are seriously attacked by the water.
In the opinion of the Board the condition of this water can be very
greatly improved and thereafter maintained in a much better condition
than at the present time by a thorough and regular flushing of the
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOA\^'S. 91
mains throughout the town, and especially in those portions thereof
where the circulation of water is small.
It is impracticable to flush the pipes • satisfactorily by opening the
hydrants, the best plan being to provide regular blow-ofiE valves of suit-
able size leading from the mains at the dead ends and at other con-
venient points on the pipe lines in thinly settled districts, especially in
the low places where suspended matter in the water has apparently a
tendency to collect in greater quantities than elsewhere. These blow-offs
should be installed at the earliest practicable time, and the system should
then be given a thorough flushing for the purpose of removing the ac-
cumulated suspended matter from the pipes. After this has been
accomplished the pipes should be flushed regularly and with sufficient
frequency to prevent the occurrence of further accumulations.
The water discharged from the blow-offs can be allowed to run ulti-
mately into any convenient body of water, since it contains nothing
which is injurious to health.
In future extensions to these works it is advisable to use cement-lined
pipes for mains and also cement-lined or tin-lined pipes for services.
Marion.
Oct. 22, 1913.
To the Board of Water Commissioners, Marion, Mass.
Gentlemen : — In response to your request of Oct. 1, 1913, for advice
as to an additional water supply for the town of Marion, the State Board
of Health has caused the locality to be examined by its engineer and
has considered the results of tests made by sinking tubular wells in the
'valley of the brook flowing from Bear Swamp just above its junction
with Benson's Brook, in the valley of which the present wells are located.
These tests consisted of sinking four tubular wells from 37 to 40 feet
in depth and pumping from them for a sufficient time to obtain suitable
samples of water for analysis. It was found that water could be pumped
quite freely from these wells, but analyses of samples of the water sent
in by you show that it is of much less satisfactory quality than that
of your present sources of supply, the water showing evidence of pre-
vious pollution, probably caused by the discharge of sewage or sewage
effluent from the sewage filter beds of the town into the adjacent brook.
In view of these conditions and the danger of more serious pollution
at times of high flow when the ground about the wells is probably
flooded, it appears to the Board inadvisable for the town to take water
from this locality. The Board recommends that further investigations
be made with a view to securing water from the ground in the valley
92 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
of one of the streams in this region not affected by the discharge from
the filter beds.
The valley of Doggett's Brook east of that stream between the Marion-
Eochester line and the highway from Marion to Rochester is free from
danger of sewage contamination, and if suitable soil is found here it is
probable that ground water of good quality could be obtained. The
conditions also appear to be favorable for obtaining water of good
quality on the northerly side of the Sippican River above the mouth of
the brook flowing from the filter beds. It is advisable in making these
further tests that they be carried out under the direction of an engineer
of experience in such work. The preliminary test wells should be dis-
tributed so as to obtain general information as to the territory explored
and the subsequent tests made in the locality in which the most favor-
able conditions are found.
The Board will assist you in further investigations by making the
necessary analyses of water and will, upon request, give you further
advice in this matter when the results of further tests are available.
MiDDLEBOROUGH.
May 24, 1913.
To the Board of Water Commissioners, Middleborough, Mass.
Gentlemen : — The State Board of Health has received the following
application from you through your engineer for advice as to certain pro-
posed plans for the treatment of the water supply of Middleborough for
the removal of the iron, which makes the water objectionable for many
domestic purposes : —
On behalf of the Middleborough Water Works, I am sending you by
messenger a set of plans and specifications for the new deferization plant
at Middleborough. As you know, the water supplied the town contains
about 1.5 parts of iron and 1.0 parts of manganese per million; and after
a series of experiments and studies in which I have been gTcatly assisted by
the results furnished from your laboratory, the plans and specifications now
sent you have been worked out.
As I understand the matter, the consent of the Board is not required in
a ease of this kind where improvements for aesthetic reasons only are con-
templated, but I would respectfully ask your advice in the pi'emises.
The plans submitted with the application provide for the construction
of an aerator, a preliminary sprinkling filter of coke, a subsiding basin
and two covered sand filters having an aggregate area of about one-tenth
of an acre, equipped with the usual appurtenances of such filters. From
the filters the water will flow to a regulator house and thence to the fil-
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOWNS. 93
tered-water reservoir, having a capacity of about 45,000 gallons, whence
the water will be pumped for distribution to the town.
The Board, having examined the plans and the specifications relative
to the size and quality of the coke and sand to be used in the filters, is
of the opinion that the proposed works, if constructed in accordance with
the plans and properly operated, will provide for the satisfactory puri-
fication of the present water supply of the tovra. of Middleborough.
MiDDLETON (Has WELL Pakk).
Sept. 4, 1913.
To the Board of Health, Middleton, Mass.
Gentlemex : — In connection with an investigation of the sanitary
conditions at Haswell Park at Middleton, the State Board of Health
has caused two public wells at the park to be examined and samples of
their waters to be analyzed.
The results of the analysis indicate that the waters of these wells at
the time of this examination, though showing some evidence of previous
pollution, were probably safe for drinking. There appears to be some
difficulty in obtaining water from these wells at times when the ground
water is low, and, in consequence, objectionable water is said to be used
at times to prime the pumps.
It is important that an effective method of supplying water in this
park shall be installed at the earliest practicable time and that the
present method of drawing the water be discontinued. There are sources
of pollution at no great distance from the present wells, and it is not
unlikely that the quality of their waters will deteriorate with continued
use. It is important that, if these wells are to continue to be used as
sources of water supply in this place, the water shall be analyzed from
time to time in order that its use may be discontinued if deterioration
occurs.
Norfolk (Norfolk State Hospital).
Sept. 29, 1913.
To Irwin H. Neff, M.D., Superintendent, Foxborough State Hospital, Foxborough,
Mass.
Dear Sir : — In response to your request for an examination of the
water of a tubular well located on the game preserve at the Norfolk
State Hospital and advice as to its suitability for drinking, the State
Board of Health has caused the well and its surroundings to be ex-
amined and a sample of the water to be analyzed.
The well had not been pumped clear at the time of this examination,
but so far as can be judged from this test, the indications are that the
94 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
water would be of good quality for drinking. There appear to be no
sources of pollution in the neighborhood of the well at the present time,
and as long as these conditions continue it is probable that this well
can safely be used as a source of drinking water supply for this part of
the hospital grounds.
North Adams.
Dec. 4, 1913.
To the Committee on Water Supply of the City Council, North Adams, Mass., Mr. S.
MacVeigh, Chairman.
Gentlemen : — The State Board of Health received from you,
through Mr. F. B. Locke, Commissioner of Public Works, the following
application for advice as to a proposed additional water supply for North
Adams, accompanied by outlines of the plans of the proposed works : —
The City Council of North Adams has (subject to approval by the Board)
accepted the report of the Special Committee on Water Supply. This report
recommends the adoption of the plans for a storage reservoir on the stream
commonly known as the Lillie brook in the vicinity of the Beaman and
Paul places in North Adams. The plans now in the hands of the Board
show in a general way the principal features of the proposed changes.
Briefly stated they provide for a storage basin of about 200,000,000 gallons'
capacity. Provision is to be made for conducting the surplus waters from
the Notch brook into the new basin by means of a cement, concrete or iron
conduit starting from the westerly end of the Notch dam and running north-
westerly about one-half mile to the head waters of the Lillie brook, whence
the water will find its way to the new basin by way of the natural water
course. It is also intended to bring a portion of the surplus waters from
Broad brook by means of the present 24-inch supply main and a new con-
nection between this 24-inch main and the new basin. This connection will
probably consist of two 18-inch pipes so arranged that they can both be
used to deliver water into the new reservoir when the flow is large in Broad
brook; or, when the flow is small one 18-inch pipe will take water into the
basin and the other will furnish water to the city. The proper valves and
pressure regulators will be installed to accomplish the results indicated.
The members of the Council Committee ask that the Board, after consider-
ing the plans, will inform them as to their conclusion regarding the proposed
extensions as early as convenient.
Subsequently, the following further request was received for advice
as to additional water supply : —
Regarding the subject of additional water supply for the City of North
Adams: The Council Committee on water supply have requested me to say
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOWNS, 95
that when the Board renders its findings on the proposition now under con-
sideration, the Committee would be glad to also know your views on the
following propositions : —
I. As to the feasibility of obtaining a sufficient supply for the needs of
the city by sinking wells on the Notch brook watershed above the present
storage reservoir.
II. As to whether the Board would advise attempting to get a sufficient
supply by enlarging the present storage basin in the Notch by excavation
above the present dam or by enlarging the dam by strengthening and
raising it.
III. As to whether the city should undertake, considering all our local con-
ditions, to find an underground supply before going ahead with the i^ropo-
sition of obtaining the necessary storage to carry the city through a very
dry season.
IV. As to the amount of storage that should be provided for in case it
should be decided to depend upon storage rather than undergTound supplies.
V. As to whether, considering the conditions, the Board would feel in-
clined to favor an attempt to get the necessary storage on the Broad brook
watershed or would favor an attempt to enlarge the supply from the Broad
brook by driving wells.
These various methods of securing water have been advanced and are urged
more or less strenuously by their several advocates. They have all been
considered by the Committee, and the views of the Board upon any or all
of them would be highly ai3preciated.
On November 25 a report by Prof. W. 0. Crosby, geologist, relative
to the various schemes, was also submitted, and further information has
been supplied by the commissioner of public works at the request of
the Board.
The Board has caused the locality to be examined by its engineer and
has considered the proposed plans and the information submitted relative
thereto. The plans and reports of your engineers indicate that it is
practicable to construct on Lillie Brook a storage reservoir having a
capacity of 200,000,000 gallons and a drainage area of about 1.35 square
miles. The plans provide further for diverting into the Lillie Brook
watershed the surplus flow of Notch Brook, and it is also found to be
practicable, by a change in the intake at Broad Brook and the construc-
tion of a pipe line of no great length, to divert water from the Broad
Brook supply into the proposed Lillie Brook Eeservoir.
Notch Brook and Broad Brook together, as at present developed, are
capable of yielding about 1,700,000 gallons per day, and by the con-
struction of the proposed reservoir on Lillie Brook the capacity of the
works will probably be increased to somewhat more than 2,800,000 gal-
96 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
Ions per day, a quantity adequate for the present requirements of the
city, even at the present high rate of water consumption.
The Board has also considered carefully the other plans suggested in
your application. The first of these plans proposes the sinking of wells
in the Xotch Brook watershed above the present storage reservoir. The
conditions in this watershed are such that there is no probability of the
existence of any large storage of water in the ground above the reservoir
that does not now find its way into the present basin, and there is no
likelihood that an additional supply could be obtained in this valley
which would increase materially the yield of your present sources. The
plan does not appear to be worthy of further consideration.
As to the second plan, the increase of storage in the Notch Brook
valley: The information presented by your engineers shows, as a result
of their investigations, that the fall of this brook is very rapid and
that, in order to construct storage reservoirs of considerable size, a very
high dam or dams would be required. From the information presented
it would be impracticable, in the opinion of the Board, to increase the
storage on this watershed unless at a very great expense.
In regard to the third question, as to whether it is advisable for the
city, considering the circumstances, to make investigations relative to ob-
taining a ground-water supply before constructing a storage reservoir:
The Board has considered the results of a superficial examination of the
territory in North Adams where the conditions appear to be most
favorable for obtaining a ground-water supply. From these investiga-
tions it appears probable that enough water for the supply of North
Adams might be obtained in the valley of the south branch of the
Hoosick Eiver above the city, and it is possible that an adequate addi-
tional supply could be obtained from the ground in the valley of the
north branch of the Hoosick River in Clarksburg near the Vermont line.
The results of the analyses of such samples of water as have been col-
lected from the ground in the valley of the south branch of the Hoosick
River above North Adams show these waters to be excessively hard, even
where not affected by drainage from populated territories, and it is
very doubtful, in the opinion of the Board, whether water that will be
satisfactory in quality could be obtained from the ground at any point
in this valley within reasonable distance of North Adams. In the
valley of the north branch of the Hoosick River the waters are said to
be softer, but the most favorable territory in which to sink wells in
this region contains large areas of cultivated lands and a considerable
population, and it is probable that the ground water would be affected
unfavorably by these conditions. It is impracticable to determine with-
out a thorough test whether a sufficient quantity of water of suitable
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOWNS. 97
quality for domestic purposes could be obtained in this region. The
district appears to be the most favorable one, however, all things con-
sidered, in which to make tests for a . ground-water supply for North
Adams in case it should be found necessary or desirable to attempt to
secure a supply in that way.
As to the fourth question, as to the amount of storage that should
be provided for in case it is decided to depend upon storage rather than
an underground water for an additional supply to the city : It may be
said that the proposed additional storage of 200,000,000 gallons will
bring the yield of all the watersheds of the city up to an amount a little
in excess of the quantity now used. It is obvious under the circumstances
that a storage of 200,000,000 gallons, including the additional water-
shed made available by the proposed reservoir, will be but little more
than sufficient for the present needs of the city. With a smaller storage
than that proposed it would probably be necessary to cut down the use
of water in order to avoid a shortage in dry seasons.
In regard to the fifth question, as to whether, considering the con-
ditions, it is advisable to attempt to obtain the necessary storage on
the Eroad Brook watershed above your present intake either by the
construction of a reservoir or by drawing ground water from tubular
wells: The information submitted by your engineers indicates that the
slope of this brook is so great that it is impracticable to construct reser-
voirs of any considerable size except by the construction of very high
dams, which would be very expensive. The geological conditions also
appear to be such that the practicability of constructing a suitable
reservoir on this stream is somewhat doubtful, and under the circum-
stances the expense might be very large.
As to the practicability of obtaining a ground-water supply in this
valley, a definite recommendation cannot be made, since no tests of the
character of the soil have been undertaken in that region. From the in-
formation presented, however, and a general examination of the locality,
there appears to be no probability that a large quantity of ground water
could be obtained in this valley by means of wells or other works.
After a consideration of the various plans and the information pre-
sented relating thereto, the Board is of the opinion that the most ap-
propriate method of increasing the water supply of North Adams will
be by the construction of the proposed reservoir on Lillie Brook with
a capacity of at least 200,000,000 gallons. If, in the further studies
preliminary to the construction of this reservoir, it is found to be pos-
sible to increase its size, it is very desirable that its capacity be en-
larged to the greatest extent found practicable. The reservoir is at such
an elevation that water can be supplied to the city by gravity, and yet
98 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
it is low enough to make it possible to increase its yield by diverting
into it the surplus water of Notch Brook, making it certain that it can
be filled in the spring of each 3'ear, even should its capacity be increased
considerably beyond that now proposed. It appears to be possible, also,
by slight changes at the intake of Broad Brook Reservoir, to divert the
water from Broad Brook into the proposed Lillie Brook Reservoir when
there is an excess flowing in that stream. It is not likely that for
several years, at least, the additional quantity of water which Broad
Brook is capable of supplying to this reservoir will be necessary to
maintain an adequate storage for the requirements of the city, but the
water of Broad Brook is considerably softer than that of Notch Brook
and some improvement in the quality of the water in this respect would
be effected by diverting some of this water into the Lillie Brook Reser-
voir. Such a pipe line would also save a part of the water which now
wastes from Broad Brook in times of summer rains.
While the connection of Broad Brook with the proposed Lillie Brook
Reservoir does not appear to be necessary at the present time, it is de-
sirable to make a provision for such a connection in future. In the
construction of the proposed Lillie Brook Reservoir it is advisable to
remove the surface soil and other organic matter from the area to be
flooded, but it is also important to examine carefully the character of
the soil that will be exposed to the water, and if clay is -encountered
which is likely to cause serious turbidity provision should be made for
covering it in such a way as to prevent its affecting the quality of the
water.
It is evident from the investigations already made that the consump-
tion of water in the city is excessively great and could be materially re-
duced by the introduction of meters. It is advisable, as the first step in
the prevention of unnecessary waste, to introduce Yenturi meters or some
other system of measuring accurately all of the water delivered into the
pipes for the supply of the city, and the Board recommends that such
systems of measurement be instituted at the earliest practicable time
and a careful record kept of the daily quantity of water used by the city.
If it is then found impracticable to keep the consumption within reason-
able limits by careful inspection, it will be advisable to begin without de-
lay the application of meters to all service pipes.
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOWNS. 99
Northampton (Hampshire Couxty Tuberculosis Sanatorium).
Oct. 22, 1913.
To the County Commissioners oj Hampshire County, Mass.
Gextlemex : — In response to your request for an examination of
Day Brook and advice as to its use as a source of water supply for the
proposed tuberculosis sanatorium in the northerly part of Northampton,
the State Board of Health has caused the locality to be examined by one
of its engineers and has considered the information presented.
It is impracticable to estimate the quantity of water that would be
used in this institution and upon its grounds, but there is probably
little doubt that the quantity required will equal 50,000 gallons per day
during the summer season, at least, and may eventually amount to a
much larger quantity.
Day Brook drains an apparently uninhabited area of about .52 of a
square mile. The watershed is steep and, according to information sub-
mitted by you, the flow of the brook sometimes falls to 10,000 gallons
per day in a dry summer.
In order to secure an adequate quantity of water for the uses of the
sanatorium from this stream it would be necessary to construct a storage
reservoir of considerable size at some point within its watershed. Such
a reservoir might be built at a point southwest of the hospital, but this
site is not a very desirable one. The cost of such a reservoir would be
large, and the quality of the water would be likely to be less satisfactory
than that obtainable from the Northampton water works. Such a reser-
voir would also inevitably be exposed to considerable danger of pollu-
tion and, under the circumstances, the Board does not recommend the
adoption of this plan for supplying water to the proposed institution.
If it is found desirable to obtain an independent water supply for
the institution it would probably be best to secure it if possible from
tubular wells, either in the valley of Day Brook or in the valley of
Mill Eiver east of the proposed institution. If it is decided to obtain a
ground-water supply for the institution, the Board will assist you by
making the necessary analyses of water and will give you further
advice in this matter when the results of tests are available.
From the information at present available it appears to the Board
probable that the most appropriate method of securing a water supply
for this institution will be by pumping water from the works of the city
of Northampton.
You have also requested advice as to the location of a sewage-disposal
system and as to the material to be used for filter beds.
The locality indicated for the construction of filter beds is about 500
100 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
feet west of the highway along Mill Eiver and 200 feet north of the
southern property line of the institution. The soil at the location in-
dicated is not apparently of a suitable character for the purification of
sewage by intermittent filtration, and it is proposed to obtain sand or
gravel from a gravel pit located about half a mile southeast of the village
of Leeds, An examination of this gravel pit indicates that soil suitable
for the filtration of sewage can probably be obtained from it and that
an ample quantity can probably be secured here for the purpose.
In considering the location of filter beds for the institution it is very
important that they shall be sufficiently remote from the roadway lead-
ing to the buildings to avoid offence to visitors, and they should, of
course, be at a sufficient distance from the sanatorium to avoid dan-
ger that objectionable odors will be noticeable in the vicinity of the
buildings. The location selected appears to be at a sufficient distance
from the proposed buildings, and if the roadway leading to the buildings
shall be located 400 feet or more from these filter beds it is likely that
the danger of objectionable odors being noticeable along the roadway
will be avoided. It will be advisable, however, to plant trees thickly
about the area to assist in preventing the escape of objectionable odors.
It is important, in the opinion of the Board, before locating the
filters, to make a careful examination of the soil in this region by means
of test pits, since it is possible that material suitable for filtration can
be found at some point in this neighborhood, and in that case the cost
of the necessary works might be materially reduced.
When plans of the proposed filters have been prepared the Board will
give you advice concerning them, if you so request.
Norwood
Jttly 15, 1913.
To the Board of Water Commissioners, Norwood, Mass.
Gentlemen : — The State Board of Health received from you on
July 2, 1913, the following application for advice as to a proposed plan
for filtering the water supplied to the town from Buckmaster Pond : —
The Water Commissioners of the Town of Norwood desire your advice and
submit for yonr approval, plans of a slow sand filter, which it is proposed to
construct at Buckmaster Pond.
It is proposed to filter the water from Buckmaster Pond and use it in
connection with the new Purgatory Brook well-water supply (which supply
is at times inadequate for the needs of the town). Buckmaster Pond will
furnish about 500,000 gallons of water per day throughout the year. The
quality is at times unsatisfactory, particularly during the summer months
when the water becomes affected by tastes and odors, caused by possible vege-
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOWNS. 101
table growths. It is proposed to use the filter during the summer and fall
only. During the winter and spring months the supply will be pumped from
the Purgatory Brook source.
The filter will have an area of 13,000 sq. ft. or a little less than one-third
of an acre. A clear-water well having a capacity, when full, of 375,000
gallons, will be eonstinicted in connection with the filter.
The plan provides for aerating the water both before going onto the filters
and after passing through the filter.
In operating the filter it is not i^roposed to exceed a rate of over four
million gallons per acre per day.
The present maximum daily consumption of water during the dry months
is approximately 900,000 gallons. The Buckmaster Pond water in its present
state is unsatisfactory for domestic use and the Commissioners desire the
approval of the plans submitted in order that they may proceed with the
construction the present summer.
The application was accompanied by general plans of the proposed
filter prepared by your engineer and l3y information relating to the
operation of a small experimental filter during a period of several weeks
before the plans were submitted.
The Board has caused the locality to be examined by its engineer and
has considered the plans presented and the results of analyses of samples
of water sent in by you from the experimental filter from time to time
during the past two months.
The plans in general provide for filtering the water after aeration
through an uncovered sand filter containing Sl/o feet of filtering ma-
terial at a rate of not more than four million gallons per acre per day.
Provision is made for the aeration of the water after leaving the filter
and for a storage well of suitable capacity to receive the water after
filtration.
The filter is designed chiefly for the removal of the objectionable taste
and odor by which this water is at times affected on account of the pres-
ence of microscopic organisms in considerable numbers. When such
organisms are present in very large numbers, as was the case in the
year 1892, it would probably be impracticable to remove the objection-
able taste and odor efficiently by single filtration such as now proposed;
but it is many years since the pond has been affected by the presence of
very large numbers of organisms during the months from April to
November, inclusive, and if the proposed works are properly constructed
and operated they will probably remove the objectionable taste and odor
from the water during the greater part of the year. Under the circum-
stances it does not appear to be advisable to provide a more thorough
102 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
filtration of the water of this pond than is proposed in the plans now
presented.
In the opinion of the Board filtration of the water of Biickmaster
Pond, as shown by the proposed plans, is the best practicable method
of improving its quality at the present time. It is important that the
storage in Buckmaster Pond shall be drawn upon as fully as practicable
during the summer months so as to relieve the draft on the tubular
wells, which under the scheme proposed are to be depended upon for
the entire supply during the winter season. While the supply of water
from the two sources is adequate for the present requirements of the
town, it is important that a continued effort be made to prevent the
waste of water, since otherwise, if the town continues to grow rapidly,
the supply from both sources may at no distant time become inadequate
for all requirements.
Palmer (Central Vermont Railroad Station).
Dec. 5, 1913.
To Mr. G. L. Gibbs, Agent Central Vermont Railroad Company, Palmer, Mass.
Dear Sir: — In response to your request for advice as to the water
of the Palmer Water Company, used for the supply of the railroad sta-
tion in the town, the State Board of Health has caused the source of
supply and its surroundings to be examined and has considered the
results of analyses of samples of water.
The supply of the Palmer Water Company, as taken from the reser-
voirs now in use, is of good quality for domestic purposes. It is neces-
sary for the protection of this supply that the water.shed be subjected
to careful inspection in order that danger of pollution may be promptly
detected and its effects prevented. Xo objectionable conditions were
found, however, at the time of the recent inspection.
The supply of water which these reservoirs are capable of yielding is
inadequate for the village of Palmer in dry seasons, and it has been
necessary in past times to draw water from temporary sources. The
Board has frequently recommended that an additional supply be pro-
vided by the water company which will be adequate at all times for the
requirements of the village, but these recommendations have not yet
been carried out. The water of the reservoirs is affected at times by a
noticeable taste and odor due to growths of microscopic organisms, but
the presence of these organisms in water is not known to be injurious
to health, and in the opinion of the Board the water of the reservoirs
as supplied to the village at the present time is safe for domestic
purposes.
Xo. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOWNS. 103
Whenever the yield of the reservoirs becomes inadequate, however,
the quality of the water supplied to the town is dependent upon the
character of the source from which a temporary supply is taken.
Peabody.
Jan. 17, 1913.
To the Commission of Public Works, Peabody, Mass., Mr. Charles A. Leary, Engineer.
Gentlemen : — In response to your request for advice as to the
advisability of taking water from Humphrey's Brook without filtration
for the purpose of increasing the water supply of the town of Peabody,
the State Board of Health has caused the brook and its watershed to
be examined and samples of the water to be analyzed.
The water of this brook is naturally of good C|uality for water supply
purposes, the color ordinarily being low and the quantity of organic
matter present not excessive. The watershed contains two small lakes,
near one of which are several summer camps. The total number of
dwelling houses, exclusive of summer camps, is about forty, some of
which are unoccupied, and the population within the watershed at pres-
ent is probably less than fifty persons per square mile.
The soil throughout the greater part of the watershed is evidently
coarse and porous, and it is probable that much of the waste discharged
from dwelling houses and buildings on the watershed is well purified
before entering the brook or its tributaries ; but there are several groups
of farm buildings and a number of piggeries from which polluting mat-
ters probably find their way at times into the streams. An examination
shows that in many of these cases it is practicable, by providing proper
means of disposal for household wastes and by relocating or discontinu-
ing some of the other sources of pollution, to prevent objectionable
drainage from entering the streams directly.
If in connection with these improvements suitable sanitary regula-
tions are established and enforced, it is probable that water taken from
the brook without filtration can be used with safety for domestic pur-
poses if pumped, as proposed, into Suntaug Lake at some point near
the present outlet and delivered thence into Spring Pond before being
supplied to the town.
It may be that larger numbers of pigs or other animals are kept on
this watershed at other seasons of the year than was found to be the
case at the time of the recent examination, and if so the purchase of
lands and buildings may in some cases be necessary. The Board is of
the opinion, however, that, Avith the conditions under which it is pro-
posed to supply this water, it can be adequately protected from pollu-
104 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
tion in the manner herein suggested at much less expense than would
be required in case it were necessary to filter all of the water taken
from the streams.
Oct. 11, 1913.
To the Board of Public Works, Peabody, Mass.
Gentlemen : — In response to the prompt notice of the Board of
Health of an extensive epidemic of diarrhoeal disease in Peabody on Oct.
3 and 4, 1913, the State Board of Health began, on the latter date, an
investigation in co-operation with the local board to determine the ex-
tent and nature of the epidemic and its probable cause.
Up to the present time nearly 500 cases have been located, information
concerning them collected, and the location of the cases plotted upon a
map of the town. The great majority of cases occurred on Friday night
and Saturday, and they were so distributed as to indicate very strongly
that the water supply was the cause of the trouble.
Samples of water were collected for chemical and bacterial examina-
tion from all parts of the system on Saturday, October 4, and on Mon-
day, October 6, and a thorough examination has been made of the
conditions about the various reservoirs and of other circumstances af-
fecting the public water supply.
In the course of this investigation many deposits of fecal matter have
been found in the neighborhood of the ice houses along Spring Pond,
some of which was deposited in the bottom of the pond exposed by the
drawing down of the water; also along the shores of the pond on the
opposite side near its outlet; on the shores of the outer basin near the
pumping station within a few inches of the point where water flows
from the outer basin to the inner basin adjacent to the pumping sta-
tion; in the old crib located in the outer basin but not now used; and
a small amount at the edge of the distributing reservoir. The deposits
are no doubt due in part to visitors to the locality, a number of whom
were seen fishing along the basin and Spring Pond at different times
during the investigation, and in part to those engaged in the handling of
ice in and about the ice houses and in making improvements and re-
pairs about these buildings.
The conditions are such that the water supply may have been pol-
luted from any or all of these deposits. Bacterial examinations, more-
over, show the presence of fermenting bacteria in Spring Pond, the
basins and reservoir, and in various parts of the distributing system,
together with bacteria characteristic of sewage.
While the specific cause of the epidemic of October 3 and 4 cannot
be definitely stated at the present time, the conditions about the sources
of water supply of the town, especially about Spring Pond, the basins
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOWNS. 105
and reservoir, are extremely unsanitary and a great menace to the health
of the users of the water. The Board recommends that the use of the
water of Spring Pond and the basins be completely discontinued for
the present and that the supply be drawn from Suntaug Lake and the
tubular wells, if they are available for use at the present time. At the
same time the water should be drawn out of the distributing reservoir
and the mains thoroughly flushed, and the water therein should be re-
placed with water from the lake.
It is further recommended that after the removal of the deposits of
excrement about Spring Pond, the basins and the reservoir, to which
attention has already been called, fishing in the ponds and basin be
prevented, and that the rules and regulations already established by
this Board for the sanitary protection of the waters used for the water
supply of Peabody be strictly enforced.
If the town is to continue to use Spring Pond as a source of water
supply the Board again recommends that the shores of the pond be
acquired at the earliest practicable time and the further use of the
pond for the cutting of ice and its storage along the shores prevented.
It is also important to secure control of other portions of the watershed
from which polluting matters are likely to enter the pond. There is
considerable leakage from Brown's Pond through the pipe line leading
to the basin, and it is important that this leakage be prevented until
such time as the plan to be followed by the town relative to Brown's
Pond has been carried out.
In the course of this investigation the Board has found a number of
places in the town where the private water supplies of factories, used for
fire protection or other purposes, are connected with the public water
mains, being separated only by check valves, and — judging from in-
formation available to the Board — there is much danger that the water
from the fire supplies may enter the mains at times of fire or when the
fire pumps are tested. It is important, in the opinion of the Board,
that this practice shall be discontinued. Until this can be done the
most reliable check valves available should be substituted.
The Board repeats its recommendation that all drinking water be
thoroughly boiled before being used and that this practice be continued
until all of the water at present in the pipe system has been completely
removed.
lOG STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
Dec. 22, 1913.
To the Board of Public Works, Peabody, Mass.
Gextle:v[en : — Following the epidemic of October last, the State
Board of Health has caused samples of water to be collected at frequent
intervals from the various sources of water supply available for the
town of Peabody in order to advise you as to the further use of water
from these sources for the supply of the town.
The results of the analyses of the waters of Spring Pond continued
to show the presence of objectionable bacteria for several weeks after
the epidemic, but recent samples from the pond collected on Dec. 2 and
9, 1913, indicate that the objectionable bacteria have disappeared from
the pond and the basin, and judging from the results of these analyses
there is nothing to indicate that the water is now objectionable for
drinking.
It is very important that the pond and basin and their surroundings
be continued under careful inspection in order that danger of pollution
of these waters may be prevented or their use again discontinued if
necessary.
If ice cutting is allowed on Spring Pond during the coming winter,
the Board recommends that the use of the water of the pond for the
supply of the town be discontinued while ice cutting is in progress
and that the water be not again used until the results of analyses show
that it may be supplied to the town with safety.
Copies of the most recent analyses are enclosed herewith.
Dkc. 22, 1913.
To the Board of Public Works, Peabody, Mass.
Gentlemen : — In response to your request for an examination of
the watershed of Cedar Pond and advice as to its use as a source of
water supply, the State Board of Health has caused the pond and its
surroundings to be examined and a sample of the water to be analyzed.
The results of the examination show that the watershed of the pond
contains a number of dwelling houses, most of which, however, are lo-
cated quite remote from the pond, and the source does not appear to be
exposed to serious danger of pollution from these dwellings at the pres-
ent time.
It was found in the course of this examination that no sanitary facili-
ties are provided at the pumping station connected with the wells located
a short distance below the pond, and if water is to be taken from the
outlet of the pond in the neighborhood of this pumping station it is
exposed to danger of pollution from the employees at this place. In
any case it is advisable that proper sanitary conveniences be provided
at this place as soon as possible.
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AXD TOWNS. 107
It is understood that the request for the advice of the Board relative
to Cedar Pond is with a view to its use as a temporary water supply
until the question of the future supply of Peabody can be acted upon by
the town, and in the opinion of the Board the pond may reasonably be
used for that purpose under the provisions of chapter 25 of the Eevised
Laws, section 35.
Provixcetowx.
March 25, 1913.
To the Board of Water Commissioners, Provincetown, Mass.
Gextlemex : — In response to your request for an examination of the
water of the tubular wells used for the water supply of Provincetown
and advice as to the cause of the increase in chlorine and its probable
effect on the quality of the water, the Board has caused the wells to be
examined and samples of their waters to be analyzed.
An examination of the records of aualyses of this water since the new
works at Xorth Truro were established in 1908 shows that the chlorine
increased slowly from about 2.0 parts in 100,000 early in 1908 to about
2.5 parts in 100,000 in the early part of 1910, and subsequently in-
creased more rapidly until the amount reached 3.6 parts in 100,000 in
the latter part of 1912.
Examinations of the water of the individual wells from which the
supply is drawn show that the amount of chlorine is smallest in the
wells farthest from the sea, but in wells Xos. U, 16 and 18 the quantity
of chlorine found in these examinations was much greater, especially
toward the end of the period of the day's pumping, than in any of the
other wells. The cause of this excess in chlorine has not yet been ascer-
tained. It will very likely be found to be due to some variation in the
character of the formation in which the wells are sunk rather than to
any matter deposited or discharged upon the ground in the region about
the wells.
It is probable, in the opinion of the Board, that if the three wells
mentioned were shut off and new wells put in east of wells Xos. 1 and
2, the quantity of chlorine in the water as a whole would be decreased,
though very likely there would be some increase in the amount of
chlorine in the wells adjacent to Nos. 14, 16 and 18.
"Under the circumstances it seems best to add a few wells at the
easterly end of the present lines and to discontinue the use of the wells
giving the larger amounts of chlorine, and the Board recommends that
this change be made. If you decide to make this change the Board
will, upon request, examine the water of the new wells as they are put
in and will advise you concerning its quality. If, after the new wells
108 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
have been connected with the pumps, a further test of the entire supply
should seem advisable to determine the effect of the changes upon the
quality of the water, the Board will make a further examination if you
so request.
The quantity of chlorine found in the water at the present time is not
sufficient to affect its quality for domestic purposes, and the water in
general continues to be of as excellent quality as when the works were
first put in.
Randolph and Holbrook.
March 25, 1913.
To the Joint Board of Water Commissioners of the Towns of Randolph and Holbrook,
Mass., Mr. William F. Barrett, Chairman.
Gentlemen: — In response to a request from the Board of Water
Commissioners of the town of Braintree for an examination of the water
of Great Pond and advice as to its quality, the State Board of Health has
made an examination of the pond and its watershed and has reported
the results, together with its recommendations, to the Board of Water
Commissioners of the town of Braintree.
Inasmuch as this pond is used as a source of water supply by the
towns of Randolph and Holbrook, a copy of these recommendations is
sent you herewith for your consideration.
ROCKPORT.
March 25, 1913.
To the Board of Water Commissioners, Rockport, Mass.
Gentlemen : — In response to your request for advice in regard to
the condition of the watershed surrounding the pond from which you
take your water supply, and also as to the best plan of increasing the
supply, the Board has caused Cape Pond and its surroundings to be
examined by one of its engineers and has considered such information
as is available relative to the sources from which an additional supply
might be obtained.
The examination of the watershed of Cape Pond discloses a number
of sources from which the water is exposed to pollution at the present
time.
A considerable quantity of very foul waste from a glue works on
High Street now finds its way into the swamp which borders the north-
erly end of the pond and probably affects unfavorably the quality of
the water.
At the time of the recent examination ice cutting was in progress
upon the pond and several horses and a large number of men were at
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOWNS. 109
work there. No sanitary conveniences appeared to be provided for the
men, and the conditions in the woods at places near the eastern shore
of the pond were very filthy. Pollution from this locality in case of
heavy rain would be washed into the pond.
There are several cottages near the shores of the pond about some
of which the conditions were very objectionable and likely to cause
serious pollution of the water. There are indications, also, that the
pond is used to a considerable extent for boating and fishing in summer.
The Board recommends that the waste from the glue factory be
diverted from the watershed, that the foul deposits found in the neigh-
borhood of the ice houses and elsewhere be removed, and that in the
future the rules and regulations adopted by this Board for the sanitary
protection of Cape Pond be strictly enforced. If it is not then found
practicable to prevent danger of pollution of the pond, it would be best
for the town to acquire control of the lands about the shores of the pond.
The pollution of Cape Pond is no doubt one of the causes of the poor
quality of the water, which often contains large quantities of organic
matter and is affected at times by disagreeable tastes and odors, due
to the presence of large numbers of microscopic organisms.
An examination of the pond indicates that the bottom is covered
largely with mud, and there is an extensive area of swamp on the
watershed, the level of which is but little above the level of the water in
the pond. The water is not very highly colored, however, and its quality
could no doubt be greatly improved by ordinary filtration through sand.
It is evident from the examination of the records of the fluctuations
in level of the water in Cape Pond for several years past that the
quantity of water drawn from this source already equals its capacity in
a series of very dry years and that provision must be made without
delay for future requirements of the town. It is inadvisable, in the
opinion of the Board, to raise the level of Cape Pond in connection with
any plans for securing a large supply of water, since thereby the ob-
jectionable swamp at its upper end would be flooded and the quality of
the water injured.
The consumption of water per inhabitant in Eockport is larger than
in most towns of similar size, due undoubtedly, in part at least, to the
temporary large increase of population in the summer season, and no
doubt in part, also, to waste or leakage. It is probable that the con-
sumption of water could be reduced somewhat by the general introduc-
tion of meters, but it is unlikely that a sufficient reduction in the use of
water could be made in this way to make certain that the yield of Cape
Pond would be adequate for the requirements of the town for any con-
siderable time in the future. Nevertheless, if the consumption of water
no STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
per inhabitant should show a tendency to increase, it would be advisable
to apply meters generally to the service pipes in the town, as is now
being done in many of the other towns in the State.
The sources from which it appears probable that the water supply
of Eockport can be most easily supplemented are Alewife Brook and
its tributaries, especially a tributary which enters the brook from the
northwest a little over half a mile below the pond. The latter stream
drains an uninhabited watershed about twice as large as the drainage
area of Cape Pond, and it appears to be practicable to divert water from
this source into Cape Pond by gravity. Judging from a general exami-
nation of the locality, it is probable that, if it is found practicable to
divert the water from this stream into Cape Pond by gravity, the water
supply of Eockport can be supplemented from this source at less cost
than from any other in this region.
The Board recommends that you cause the necessary surveys and
investigations to be made to determine the practicability and probable
cost of supplementing Cape Pond with water from the stream indicated,
and that at the same time investigations be made to determine the
practicability of supplementing the supply from any other portions of
the Alewife Brook drainage area or adjacent watersheds which appear to
be available for the purpose. The Board will assist you in these investi-
gations by making the necessary analyses of water and will give you
further advice in this matter when you have the results of investigations
to present.
SALEil.
Feb. 6, 1913.
To Mr. P. J. Kelley, Director of Public Works, Salem, Mass.
Dear Sir: — In response to your request of Jan. 21, 1913, for an
examination of the water of Miles Eiver above the point where it crosses
the pipe line leading from Longham Eeservoir to ^yenham Lake, with
a view to the temporary use of this water as an emergency supply for
the cities of Salem and Beverly, under the provisions of section 25 of
chapter 35 of the Ee vised Laws, the State Board of Health has caused
the proposed source of supply to be examined by one of its engineers
and samples of the water to be analyzed.
The examination of the watershed shows that there has been only one
dwelling house constructed within it since the previous examination in
1911 and that it will be practicable, by the enforcement of sanitary
rules and regulations, to secure adequate protection of this water for
the limited period Avithin which its use is practicable.
The results of the examination of the water of Miles Eiver show
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AXD TOWN'S. Ill
that at the present thue this water is of somewhat hetter quality than
at the time of the previous examination and that it does not differ
materially from the water of Wenham Lake and Longham Eeservoir.
The Board, acting under the provisions of the law above mentioned,
hereby approves Miles Eiver at the point where it crosses the pipe line
leading from Longham Eeservoir to Wenham Lake as a proper source
of water supply for temporary use, the water drawn from this source to
be discharged into Wenham Lake. The Board recommends that before
the water is used the possible sources of pollution at the various build-
ings on the watershed be carefully inspected and sanitary rules and regu-
lations established.
Salisbury (Salisbury Beach).
Jan. 2, 1913.
To the Hon. George F. Haley, Director, Artesian Water Com-pany, Salisbury, Mass.
Dear Sir: — The State Board of Health has considered your re-
quest for the examination of the water of the wells used by the Artesian
Water Company for the supply of Salisl)ury Beach and has caused the
wells and their surroundings to be examined and samples of the water
to be analyzed.
The results of the examinations show that the wells are located in
low, sandy upland in Salisbury adjacent to the salt marshes, which are
flooded at high tides, and there are no dwelling houses or other sources
of contamination in the immediate neighborhood.
The water supplied to Salisbury Beach from these wells is very hard
and it is affected by the presence of an excessive quantity of iron, which
renders it very objectionable for many domestic uses. The water of
some of the wells contains, also, a very large quantity of chlorine, though
the average quantity found in the water supplied to the beach has not
been sufficient to affect its taste.
The information submitted to the Board indicates that the supply
from these wells has been inadequate for the requirements of the beach,
and considering its poor quality the Board is of the opinion that the
source is not a suitable one from which to take water for domestic
purposes.
It is understood that you propose to make tests, with a view to
obtaining a better water supply, by sinking wells at points farther back
from the sea, but these tests have not yet been begun.
The plan of taking water from the ground appears to be the most
practicable method of securing an adequate independent supply for
Salisbury Beach, and the Board recommends that careful tests be made
by sinkins: wells at the localities in which the conditions appear to be
112 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
favorable for obtaining a suitable supply for this district. The Board
will assist you in further investigations, if you so request, by making
the necessary analyses of water, and will give you further advice as to
a water supply for Salisbury Beach when you have the results of further
tests to present.
Sandwich (Massachusetts Volunteer Militia).
July 31, 1913.
To Frank P. Williams, M.D., Surgeon General, M. V. M., Boston, Mass.
Dear Sir : — In response to your request for an examination of Tis-
paquin Pond in Middleborough and Peters Pond in Sandwich, the State
Board of Health has caused these ponds to be examined and samples of
their waters to be analj'zed.
The water of Tispaquin Pond is highly colored and contains much
organic matter, derived doubtless from vegetation in swamps within the
watershed of the pond. There are very few dwelling houses on the water-
shed of the pond, however, and there was very little danger of its serious
pollution at the time of this examination. With a camp of militiamen
located in its neighborhood, the chief possible source of pollution to the
pond would be from the men themselves. If properly protected from
pollution by campers or others near its shores or near either of the
brooks tributary to the pond, this pond could probably be used tem-
porarily as a source of water supply without injury to health.
The condition of Peters Pond was found to be much the same as at
the time of the previous examination in 1909, The water is colorless,
nearly clear and naturally of good quality for domestic purposes. There
is very little population near the pond, and with the conditions that
exist there its waters can be used with safety, providing it is protected
from local pollution, especially in case a camp should be established on
or near its shores.
The water supplied on the State Farm in Bridgewater is filtered
water of the Taunton River, which has long been the source of supply
of this institution for drinking. There is no reason to suspect that its
quality is objectionable for that purpose.
Saugus (Baker's Hill).
Aug. 7, 1913.
To the Board of Water Commissioners, Saugus, Mass.
Gentlemen : — In response to a petition from certain residents on
Baker's Hill, in the town of Saugus, the State Board of Health has
caused the locality to be examined and finds that there is no available
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOWNS. 113
water supply for a considerable number of houses on this hill at the
present time. The population of this region appears to be growing- and
It appears to the Board that the lack of a public water supply in this
section constitutes a serious danger to the public health which should
be relieved at the earliest possible time. It is practicable for the town
to provide a water supply in this section, without special difficulty, by
means of a suitable pumping station and pipe system, and the Board
recommends that an adequate system be provided there at the earliest
practicable time.
SCITUATE.
Aug. 7, 1913.
To the Board of Health, Scituaie, Mass., Dr. H. F. Cleverly, Chairman.
Gextlejiex : — In response to your request of July 31, 1913, the
State Board of Health has examined the results of a recent inspection
of the sources of water supply of the town of Scituate and of analyses
of samples of water from these sources of supply and from faucets in
various parts of the town.
It appears that at the time of this examination water was being sup-
plied to the town from three sources, two of which — the tubular'' wells
and the Beaver Dam Spring — have long been used as sources of water
supply for the town. The results of the recent examination show no
material change in the quality of the water of either of these sources for
several years. The water of the wells is quite hard and shows evidences
of the presence of population at no great distance from the wells, but the
water is thoroughly purified in its passage through the ground and the
quantity of organic matter present is very low. The water of the
Beaver Dam Spring is in all respects of very good quality for domestic
use.
A third source of supply has recently been developed in order to
provide for the great increase that has taken place in the consumption
of water in the town. This supply is drawn from a pond on First Her-
ring Brook near Greenbush and is delivered to the town after filtration
through a sand filter recently completed.
The population on the watershed of this brook is small and there are
no houses in the immediate neighborhood of the stream. The water is
naturally highly colored at this time of the year and contains a large
quantity of organic matter, due to contact of the water with vegetable
matter in the swamps and small ponds within the watershed. ^While
the high color of this water .gives it a somewhat objectionable appear-
ance as compared with the water of the driven wells and Beaver Dam
Spring, and it cannot be used with safety for domestic purposes before
114 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
filtration, it is probable that the quality of the water will improve after
the filter has been longer in use and the pumping system is completed,
A partial supply of water for the northern part of Scituate has been
obtained at times in the past from the works of the Cohasset Water
Company, but it does not appear that any water is being drawn from
that source at the present time.
From the results of the examination there does not appear to the
Board to be any reason to doubt that the quality of the water now being
supplied to the town is such that it may safely be used for domestic
purposes.
Shaeox.
June 5, 1913.
To the Board of Water Commissioners of the Town of Sharon, Mass.
Gextlemex : — The State Board of Health received from you on
May 27, 1913, through Edmund H. Talbot, Town Counsel, an application
under the provisions of section 1 of chapter 128 of the Acts of the year
1913 for the approval by the Board of the taking of certain lands and
underground sources of water supply necessary for the purpose of ex-
tending and increasing the water supply of the town of Sharon by means
of driven wells and for preserving the purity of the water. The appli-
cation is accompanied by a plan showing the location of the wells and
the area of land which it is proposed to acquire in connection therewith.
The Board' has caused the locality to be examined by its engineer and
has considered the plan presented and the records of tests made in this
locality for the purpose of obtaining an additional water supply for the
town of Sharon. The results of these tests having been favorable for
obtaining an adequate supply of water of good quality for the require-
ments of the town from the ground in this locality, the Board hereby
approves the taking of the area of land shown upon the plan presented,
and the taking of water from the ground by means of wells in this land,
subject to the recommendations contained in its letter of advice to the
Board of Water Commissioners of Sharon under date of Feb. 11, 1907.
The land, the taking of which is herein approved, is bounded, measured
and described as follows : —
A certain parcel of land situated in Sharon in the County of Norfolk and
Commonwealth of Massachusetts bounded and described as follows: Begin-
ning at a stone bound on the westerly side line of the i^roposed relocation
of the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad Company at land of
heirs of Patrick J. Carroll, thence running north 46° 16' west by said land
of said heirs of Patrick J. Carroll and by land formerly of Burkhardt 488.80
feet bv ditch to middle of brook; thence north 35° 30' west by land of owners
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOWNS. 115
unknown and by laud of heirs of Elianor Choate 654.07 feet to a stone
bound; thence north 50° 38' east by land of heii"S of Elianor Choate and
by land of heirs of John A. Bowman 711.60 feet to a stone bound; thence
south 64° 30' east 360.85 feet to a stone bound; thence north 8° east 150.15
feet to a stone bound: thence north 47° 15' east 383.92 feet hy Bowman
heirs and by George W. Field to Crossmoor Road; thence easterly 59.53
feet by Crossmoor Road by an arc to the left of which arc the radius is
979.92 feet; thence south 47'' 15' west 413.70 feet; thence south 8° west
148.50 feet, all by land of George "W. Field and land of heirs of John A.
Bowman; thence south 64° 30' east hy land of heirs of John A. Bowman
27.20 feet to a stone bound; thence on the same course by land of George
W. Field 205 feet to the middle of Beaver Hole Meadow Brook; thence up
stream by the thread of the stream of said brook bounded easterly by laud
of the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad Company about 540
feet; thence south 62° 33' east by said land of the New York, New Haven
& Hartford Railroad Company 113.50 feet to a stake in the westerly side
line of relocation of the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad Com-
pany; thence southwesterly by said side line 623.50 feet to a stone bound
by an arc to the left of which arc the radius is 5819.65 feet; thence south
19° 29' west by said side line 117.91 feet to a stone bound at the point of
beginning and containing 17.31 acres.
Shirley (Wells).
Dec. 5, 1913.
To the Board of Health, Shirley, Mass.
Gentlemex : — In response to a request from the State Inspector of
Health, the State Board of Health has caused a number of private wells
in the village of Shirley Center to be examined and samples of their
waters to be anal3'zed.
One of the most important of the wells is the town well, so called, and
the analysis of the water of this well shows that it is badly polluted and,
in the opinion of the Board, unsafe for drinking or other domestic pur-
poses. The water of a driven well in a barn on the Sweetser place near
by appears to have been used at times to prime the pump at the town
well. An examination of the Sweetser well shows that it is located in
the cellar of a barn containing much manure and other organic matter
and that there is another barn, also containing polluting matter, at no
great distance from the well. The analysis of the water of the well shows
that it is considerably polluted and, in the opinion of the Board, it is
unsafe for domestic use. The water from this well should not be used
for priming the town pump.
The second well examined is located in the yard of the unoccupied
house of John Faerrar. An analvsis of this water shows that it is very
116 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
badly polluted and unfit for domestic use. The same is true of the water
of a well located beneath the kitchen at the house of Mrs. Felton ; there
are sources of pollution very close to this well, and the condition of the
water as shown upon analysis is very objectionable.
An examination has also been made of a spring, located in a wood-
land about a mile west of the village, from which water is taken at times
for drinking. There are no sources of pollution in the neighborhood of
this spring, and the water is naturally of good quality for domestic pur-
poses. It is exposed to danger of surface pollution and could readily be
protected by walling and covering the spring, and if this were done the
spring would undoubtedly yield water of very good quality.
The conditions in this village are such that a suitable public water
supply is greatly needed, and the Board recommends that such a supply
be provided at the earliest possible time and the further use of the pol-
luted wells be discontinued.
Shrewsbury.
July 11, 1913.
To Mr. W. S. Knight, Worcester, Mass.
Dear Sir : — In response to your request for an examination of Har-
low's or Newton Pond, a tributary of Lake Quinsigamond, in the north-
western part of the town of Shrewsbury, the State Board of Health has
caused the pond and its watershed to be examined and a sample of the
water to be analyzed.
The results show that at the time of this examination the water had
considerable color and contained a larger quantity of organic matter than
is found in good pond waters. There was a considerable growth of water
plants in the pond, the bottom of much of which is evidently muddy, and
it is probable that this water if used for domestic purposes would be
affected at times by noticeable tastes and odors which would make it un-
pleasant for drinking. The watershed of the pond contains many farm-
houses, and the enforcement of sanitary regulations would be essential
in order to protect the water from pollution.
There are several localities on the banks of the pond and elsewhere in
the town in which it appears to be practicable to obtain an adequate sup-
ply of good ground water which would be by far more satisfactory for
domestic use than the water of Harlow's Pond, and such a source would
be far more appropriate and desirable for the supply of the lake district
in Shrewsbury, or for the village itself, than water from Harlow's Pond.
Moreover, a supply of ground water would be likely to be less expensive
than from the pond in question, and under the circumstances, in the
opinion of the Board, it is not advisable to consider the use of the water
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TO^^^s"S. 117
of Harlow's Pond for tlie supply of any part of Shrewsbury until the
possibility of securing a supply of ground water has been thoroughly
tested.
Sept. IS, 1913.
To the Committee on Water Supply, Shrewsbury, Mass., Mr. R. E. Allen, Chairman.
Gentlemen : — The State Board of Health has -considered your re-
quest of Sept. 13, 1913, for advice as to the advisability of making
certain tests with a view to obtaining a water supply for the town of
Shrewsbury from the valley of Hop Brook, near Temple Hill in South
Shrewsbury, and has considered the results of the analyses of samples of
water from test wells in this location.
According to the information submitted to the Board these test wells
penetrated a porous soil to a depth of about 18 feet, and at that level
water could be drawn freely from these wells with a hand pump. Below
that level fine material was encountered in each of the wells from which
no water could be obtained.
The results of analyses of samples of water from the test wells indi-
cate that the ground water in this locality is probably of good quality for
domestic purposes.
Regarding the quantity of water obtainable from the ground in this
locality, it is impracticable to give you a definite estimate without a
further test. The depth of porous material is not favorable to obtaining
a large supply of water from the ground in this region, but, in view of
the comparatively small quantity of water required for the supply of
the town, it is not unlikely that an adequate quantity could be obtained
from the ground in this location by means of suitable works.
Considering the circumstances, it appears to the Board advisable to
make a pumping test in this location by pumping continuously from a
number of wells for a period of as much as a week or ten days at a
rate as great as would be required for the supply of the village, ^^^len
the results of such a test are available it will be practicable to determine
definitely whether it is likely that enough water could be obtained from
the ground at this place for the requirements of the town in the matter
of a public water supply. The Board will assist in this test by making
the necessary analyses of water, and when the results are available will
give you further advice as to the practicability of obtaining a water
supply for the town at this place.
lis STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
Dec. 5, 1913.
To the Committee on Public Water Supply, Shrewsbury, Mass., Mr. R. E. Allen,
Chairman.
Gentlemen : — The State Board of Health has considered your ap-
plication for advice relative to a water supply for the town of Shrews-
bury, to be taken from the ground in the valley of Hop Brook about a
mile southeast of the village, and has examined the results of a pumping
test recently made by pumping from a group of five wells in this region
for a period of about eight days, from Nov. 3 to 11, 1913.
It appears that the porous material in this region extends only to a
depth of about IS feet below the surface of the ground and, while it
yields water freely, it was not practicable to pump at a higher rate than
170,000 gallons per day for the greater part of the test. This rate of
pujQping, however, was maintained without difficulty, and the water in
the wells quickly recovered its former height after pumping was dis-
continued. Considering the high rainfall immediately preceding and at
the time of this test, the results would have been more conclusive if a
higher rate of pumping could have been maintained.
Judging, however, from the results of this test and other information
as to the conditions affecting a ground-water supply from this region, it
appears to the Board probable that, with a system of tubular wells of
considerable extent in this valley, enough water can be obtained there
for the present requirements of the town after water has come into gen-
eral use. Since it appears that it is not intended to supply water from
this source to the growing population in the neighborhood of Lake Quin-
sigamond, it is probable that, unless an extraordinary demand for water,
not now foreseen, should arise, enough water can be obtained in the local-
ity in which this test was made to supply the town for a considerable
period of years in the future.
Analyses of the water collected from time to time during the pumping
test show that it is soft and in other respects of good quality for domestic
purposes.
Considering the results of this investigation, the Board is of the opin-
ion that the source is an appropriate one for the water supply of the
present village of Shrewsbury.
Somerset.
July 15, 1913.
To the Water Supply Committee, Somerset, Mass., Mr. Owen J. Eagan, Chairman.
Gentlemen: — In response to 5'our application of July 8, 1913, for
advice as to the practicability of obtaining a water supply from the
ground in the valley of the Labor in Vain Creek in the neighborhood of
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TO^^'NS. 119
the Pierce and Donovan farms, where tests have recently been made, the
State Board of Health has caused the locality to be examined and samples
of the water from two of the test wells to be analyzed.
The results of these analyses indicate that the ground water at the
Pierce farm is affected somewhat at present by the cultivation of the soil
in the immediate neighborhood, but in other respects — except for the
hardness — the waters of these wells are apparently of good quality for
domestic purposes, and the hardness is not materially greater than the
hardness of the waters used for domestic purposes in many of the towns
in the State. If the cultivation of the soil were discontinued it is not
unlikely that the hardness would diminish.
Pegarding the probable quantity of water obtainable from the ground
in this region, it is impracticable to advise you definitely with the informa-
tion at present available. Several of the test wells penetrated a porous
stratum from which water could be pumped very freely, and while there
are indications that the porous soil may extend over a considerable area,
its depth as shown by the test wells thus far driven was not great, and
the area which may drain toward them is somewhat limited. It does
not appear, however, from the investigations thus far made that the con-
ditions in other parts of the town are more favorable for obtaining a
supply of ground water sufficient for all requirements than in the locality
where these tests have been made.
On account of its location the source will be a favorable one from
which to supply the town economically in case an adequate supply can
be secured there, and considering all of the circumstances the Board is
of the opinion that it is advisable to make further tests in this locality
before making investigations elsewhere.
The Board recommends that you put in additional wells in the region
in which the recent tests were made and test them by pumping continu-
ously at a rate of at least 200,000 gallons per day, and preferably a some-
what higher rate, for a period of as much as two weeks. The water
pumped during this test should be discharged directly into the brook
at a point at least 100 feet below the wells, and if practicable at a greater
distance. In addition to the wells connected with the pump, three or
four observation wells should be put in — one in the immediate neigh-
borhood of the test wells and the others at a distance of 300 or 400 feet
from these wells — and observations made once each day of the height
of the ground water, beginning before the pumps are started and con-
tinuing for a period of at least ten days after the test is completed. The
Board will assist you in these investigations by making the necessary
analyses of water and advises that a sample of water be collected daily
while the test is in progress. In case the conditions for obtaining water
120 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
are unfavorable, it may not be necessary to continue the test for as long
a period as two weeks. Upon notice that the test is about to begin, the
Board will make the necessary further examinations and arrange for
the collection of samples.
Dec. 16, 1913.
To the Committee on Water Supply of the Town of Somerset, Mass., Mr. Owen J. Eagan,
Chairman.
Gextlemek' : — The State Board of Health has considered .your appli-
cation for advice as to a plan for obtaining a water supply for Somerset
from the ground in the vicinity of the reservoir north of Swansea village
and has caused the locality to be examined by its engineer and samples
of water from test wells in this region to be analyzed. The Board has
also considered carefully the results of the thorough investigation made
by the town of Somerset with a view to securing an adequate water sup-
ply /or its inhabitants within its corporate limits. These investigations
consisted of an examination of all of the valleys within the limits of the
town and the sinking of wells in all places where the conditions appeared
to indicate that it might be possible to obtain a considerable quantity of
water.
The results of these tests were in all cases very unfavorable except in
the valley of Lal)or in Vain Creek near its head waters in the northerly
part of the town. As a result of tests in various parts of this valley it
was found that the only apparently favorable location in which ground
water of good quality could be obtained was near Wilson's Lane on the
Pierce farm in the valley of this stream. In this location it was found
practicable to sink test wells to a depth of from 20 to 30 feet which would
yield water very freely when pumping with a hand pump. The water
upon examination was found to be of good quality, and in view of the
circumstances it was deemed essential to test more completely the prob-
able quantity and quality of water that could be obtained from the
ground in this locality.
A pumping test was accordingly made by pumping from eight wells,
averaging about 22 feet in depth, for a period of about nine days, begin-
ning on September 10. At the beginning of this test water was pumped
on the first day at an average rate of a little over 300,000 gallons per
day, but the level of the ground water lowered and the rate of pumping
steadily decreased in subsequent days until it fell to a rate of al^out
95,000 gallons per day. Upon stopping the pump and observing the
rise of the ground water, it was found to be many days before it returned
to the level at which it stood when pumping began, notwithstanding the
occurrence of a very considerable rainfall during this period.
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOWNS. 121
While the water furnished by these wells was found to be of good
quality for domestic purposes, the test showed very conclusively that it
would be impracticable to obtain an adequate quantity of water for the
supply of Somerset from the ground in this region, and the tests as a
whole fail to show any other location within the limits of Somerset
from which it would be practicable to obtain an adequate supply of good
water for all the requirements of the town.
Subsequent to these tests further investigations were made with a
view to obtaining a water supply at the nearest practicable point to the
boundaries of the town. The results of a general examination of the
territory in the region bordering the boundaries of the town of Somerset
indicate that the most favorable place, judging from surface indications,
in which it might be practicable to obtain an adequate quantity of good
ground water was in the lower part of the valley of Lewin Brook, a short
distance northwest of the village of Swansea, and test wells have been
sunk by your committee both on the easterly and westerly sides of
this brook near the reservoir in the lower part of its watershed. These
tests show that the ground on both sides of this reservoir is composed of
very coarse and porous material to a considerable depth, and the test
wells yielded water very freely while pumping with a hand pump.
Analyses of these waters indicate that the quality would probably be
satisfactory for domestic purposes.
While it has been impracticable for your committee with the funds
available to make a more thorough test at the present time as to the
probable quantity and quality of ground water obtainable in this location,
the tests thus far made arc sufficiently favorable to warrant the belief
that an adequate quantity of water for the requirements not only of
Somerset but also of the town of Swansea can be obtained from the
ground in that region. Moreover, this location is a favorable one from
which to supply water to all parts of Somerset, and water could also
be supplied very economically from works in this region to the thickly
settled portions of the town of Swansea.
In the opinion of the Board the investigations thus far made are
favorable for obtaining an adequate supply of water from the ground in
the valley of Lewin Brook, and this location appears to be the most appro-
priate and available source from which to obtain a water supply for the
to^\Ti of Somerset. It is likely that an ample quantity of water can be
obtained in this location for the to^^Ti of Swansea also, in case that to^^Ti
should desire to introduce a public water supply.
If the further tests that are desirable before the construction of works
is entered upon shall confirm the results of the tests thus far made, there
122 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
is no doubt that it would be more economical for Somerset and Swansea
to obtain their water supplies from joint works in this valley than by the
construction of separate systems.
Spencer (Isaac Prouty & Co.).
Jan. 13, 1913.
To the Board of Health, Spencer, Mass., Dr. J. C. Austin, Chairman.
Gentlemen : — In response to your request the State Board of Health
has caused the water supplies used in the factory of Isaac Prouty & Co.
to be examined and samples of these waters to be analyzed, and the Board
has also caused an investigation to be made of the typhoid cases which
have occurred recently in the town with a view to determining the prob-
able source of the disease.
The results of the investigation show that two cases of typhoid ap-
peared in a house near the banks of Cider Mill Pond in October and
]^ovember, and the Board is informed that an investigation of the prem-
ises shows that the sewage from this house is discharged directly into the
pond. Since that time eleven persons have been attacked by the disease,
all of whom are employees in the factory of Isaac Prouty & Co.
An examination of the sources of water supply in this factory shows
that the buildings are piped vnth. water from the public supply to be
used for drinking; that water is also supplied from a tubular well for
washing; and that, furthermore, there is a connection by which water
can be pumped from Cider Mill Pond to be used in the boilers. Faucets
connected with the drinking water supply and with the tubular well
supply are located at the sinks, and notices are posted to show which is
the drinking water ; but notices were not found at all of the faucets, and
there is opportunity for operatives to drink from either faucet in some
cases without notification as to the difference in the water. When water
is pumped from Cider Mill Pond it enters the system of pipes through
which wash water is supplied to the sinks.
The recent analyses show that the driven well water supplied to this
factory contains more bacteria than are found in good well waters, and
the chemical analysis also shows evidence that the water has been pol-
luted and subsequently not thoroughly purified before entering the well.
The bacterial analysis of Shaw Pond water supplied to the factory shows
that bacteria are practically absent from this water.
Considering the fact that Cider Mill Pond has evidently been polluted
by the discharges from typhoid patients, and that this water has been
supplied frequently to the wash-water pipes and thus can be and prob-
ably is used for drinking by operatives in the factory, the indications
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TO^A'NS. 123
point very strongly to this water as the source of the disease. The Board
recommends that you require that all pipes supplying water from Cider
Mill Pond or from the tubular well at any point on the premises of this
factory where it may be used for drinking be immediately cut off, and
that in the future no connections from which water may be taken for
drinking be allowed with any pipes except those which supply town
water.
The Board also recommends that a sewer be extended so as to inter-
cept the sewage from houses in the region along Cider Mill Pond, in-
cluding the ones in which the first cases of typhoid fever occurred.
Steklij^tg.
Dec. 23, 1913.
To the Sterling Advancement Association, Committee on Water Supply, Sterling, Moss.
Gentlemen : — In response to your request for advice as to a pro-
posed source of water supply for the village of Sterling, to be taken from
the ground in the valley of a brook a little over half a mile northeast
of the village, the State Board of Health has caused the locality to be
examined by one of its engineers and a sample of the water of a spring
in this locality to be analyzed.
The results of the analysis show that the water of the spring has at
some time been considerably polluted but subsequently quite well purified
in its passage through the ground, indicating that the ground water in
this region may be affected somewhat by the pollution in the valley above,
though it may possibly be due to local pollution.
The watershed available for a water supply in this locality is quite
limited, but, if a deep layer of porous soil of considerable extent exists
in this region, it is possible that an adequate quantity of water for the
present requirements of the village can be obtained from the ground in
this neighborhood. While the conditions appear to be more favorable
for obtaining ground water at either of the localities suggested by the
Board at the time of the previous examination in 1908, one being the
valley below Smith's Spring a half mile north of the village, and the
other being the valley of Lydes Brook west of the village, it is, never-
theless, possible that enough water for the requirements of the town may
be obtained in the neighborhood of the location now proposed, or farther
down the valley of this stream.
The Board is unable to give you more definite advice until tests have
been made which will show the character of the soil and the probable
quantity of water that can be ol^tained from wells in this region. The
Board recommends that further tests be made by means of tubular wells,
124 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
both at this place and in the other localities in which the conditions ap-
pear to be favorable for obtaining an adequate water supply for the town.
The Board will assist you in these investigations by making the neces-
saiT analyses of water, and when the results of tests are available will
give you further advice as to the sources of water supply for the village.
Stoughton.
Jan. 3, 1913.
To the Board of Health and the Water Board, Stoughton, Mass.
Gextlemex : — In connection with an investigation as to the causes
of the occurrence of cases of typhoid fever recently in the town of
Stoughton, an examination has been made of the condition of the water
supply of the town in accordance with your request.
It appears that the supply is taken from Muddy Pond Brook above
Leonard's Brook, and an examination of the watershed indicates that it
contains several dwelling houses and small areas of cultivated lands. The
water is drawn directly from the brook, and under the circumstances
the source cannot be regarded as a safe one from which to take water for
drinking.
The pipe line leading from the brook to the pumping station passes
beneath Steep -Hill Brook, which receives large quantities of sewage and
manufacturing waste from Stoughton and the waters of which are highly
polluted. Investigations of former years have indicated that this pipe
line is not tight, but in the course of the recent tests there was no evi-
dence of leakage from Steep Hill Brook directly into the pipe.
Prom the tests thus far made the Board finds no direct evidence that
the sickness is due to the water supply, but there is no doubt that the
source of supply now used is exposed to danger of pollution, as the town
has already been advised. The Board again recommends that measures
be taken by the town to secure a water supply which will be safe from
pollution. The indications are very favorable for obtaining an adequate
supply of excellent water at a reasonable cost from the ground in the
valley of Muddy Pond Brook, as the Board has advised at previous times,
and the Board again recommends that steps be taken to secure such a
supply as soon as possible. In the meantime the watershed should be
placed at once under thorough inspection to learn if any fecal matter is
entering the brook.
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOWNS. 125
Jan. 8, 1913.
To the Board of Health, Stoughton, Mass.
Gentle^^ien : — Your letter of Jan. 6, 1913, is received, with a re-
quest for information in answer to the following questions : —
In connection with investigations as to the causes of the occurrence of
cases of typhoid in other parts of the State, has the State Board found
"direct evidence" that the sickness was due to the water supply, i.e., in
large water supplies, not wells'? If such "direct evidence" has been found,
please cite a few particular instances. Briefly, what constitutes " direct
evidence " that a water supply is a cause of cases of typhoid fever?
On undertaking such an examination as was recently made of the Stough-
ton water supply, did the State Board anticipate that " direct evidence " of
the water supply being the cause of typhoid would be found even if the
cause of the sickness was in the water supply?
Did the State Board make an examination to determine whether or not
the specific germ which causes typhoid was actually present in the water
supply ?
Will the State Board snbmit a report of their chemical and bacteriological
findings in the recent examination'?
In answer to your first question, it may be said that for many years
there has been no occurrence in Massachusetts of typhoid fever attribut-
able to the larger water supplies, that is, none since the use of water from
running streams was discontinued many years ago. In places outside
the State epidemics directly traceable to large water supplies have oc-
curred, such as the epidemic at Butler, Pa., described in books and re-
ports relating to this subject.
In answer to your second questioA — " . . . did the State Board
anticipate that direct evidence of the water supply being the cause of
typhoid would be found even if the cause of the sickness was in the
water supply ? " — it may be said that it is often very difficult to obtain
satisfactory evidence as to the actual manner of infection of a water
supply by typhoid fever, even when the circimistances indicate clearly
that the water supply is the cause of the disease.
The difficulty of determining the source or manner of infection of
the water supply by typhoid fever will be more readily understood if the
circumstances under which the investigation must necessarily be made are
kept clearly in mind. In the present case, assuming that the infection
is due to the water supply, it appears from the records submitted by your
board that the first case was reported on December 21 ; other cases were
reported subsequently on December 23, 26, 31, and on January 1 and 3.
The investigations of your board as to the onset of the disease indicated
126 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
that the onset in two cases occurred on December 4 and 5, and in the
others, so far as known, between December 10 and 14, except one case,
which occurred on December 21. The cases of December 4 and 5 pre-
sumably received their infection about j^ovember 20, while in the bulk of
the cases infection presumably occurred between November 25 and the
first few days of December, so that there elapsed a period of three weeks
between the time when infection occurred and the first case was reported.
When such cases continued to come in, information was collected as to
the movements of patients before sickness, the sources of food, milk and
water supply, and the other data necessary to form a judgment as to the
probable source of the disease, the results in this case showing that the
only source of possible infection common to all or most of the cases was
the public water supply. The work of investigation was as prompt and
eflScient as practicable, yet by the time suspicion pointed to the water
supply as a possible source of infection as many as four weeks had
elapsed after the infection must have taken place. Assuming that the
disease was caused by the water supply, the fact that the bulk of the
cases developed between December 10 and 14 would indicate that what-
ever pollution may have occurred to cause this infection must have
affected the water supply only for a very limited period. Since the oc-
currence of cases had practically ceased by the time the question of the
agency of the water supply in producing the disease had arisen, it was
obvious that examinations of the water supply would not show its con-
dition at the time the infection occurred.
In answer to your third question, as to whether an examination was
made to determine whether or not the specific germ which causes typhoid
fever was actually present in the water supply, of course no such test
was made, nor is it practicable — ' except possibly in very rare instances —
to determine whether typhoid fever bacteria are present in water under
such circumstances as occurred in this case. The common bacterial test
to determine the presence of pollution in a water supply is the deter-
mination of the Colon bacillus, and this was found to be present in 90
per cent, of the samples of your water supply examined in the recent
test. Moreover, the numbers of bacteria present were high, and in other
respects the results of the bacterial examination were unfavorable.
While no direct evidence has been found of the infection of the water
of your water supply by discharges from typhoid fever patients, there is
ample evidence from the investigations of the Board that it has been and
is greatly exposed to pollution by visitors within the watershed, traces of
whose presence were found along the streams above your intake.
Most of the water of Leonard's Brook under ordinary conditions is
diverted away from the intake, but there is leakage through the diversion
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOWNS. ' 127
dam, and at times of higher flows in the brook the water overflows the
diversion dam and enters Muddy Brook from which your supply is
directly drawn. The watershed of Leonard's Brook contains a large
ice house at which there are no sanitary conveniences, and there are evi-
dences that not long ago work was carried on in the brook in repairing a
dam. It also appears that some time last fall, manure, into which
privy waste had been mixed, was spread upon the ground in the neigh-
borhood of Leonard's Brook, and there is evidence that a similar method
of disposal of privy waste has taken place in the watershed of Drake's
Brook. Hunters, woodchoppers and others were found to be present
within the watershed, for whom, of course, no sanitary conveniences
exist.
Under such conditions the water supply could easily be infected and
yet no trace of the manner of infection be found several weeks later
when the disease has made its appearance.
Cases of typhoid fever occur in which the patient, although capable of
spreading infection, is not confined to the house or prevented from going
about his usual occupations, and there are, besides, the cases of the
bacillus carriers, so called, who may be apparently in perfect health, yet
be capable of spreading the disease.
Under the conditions found in your watershed the danger of infection
of your water supply, taken as it is directly from a running stream, is
very serious.
The Board recommends that the town begin at once the work of se-
curing a good water supply adequately protected from danger of pollu-
tion. Such a supply can probably be obtained from your present water-
shed at a very reasonable expense. Until such a supply is secured, the
watershed should be rigidly inspected daily and all practicable measures
taken to prevent pollution. It will also be best that all water used for
drinking be boiled or that the supply be treated temporarily with hypo-
chlorite of lime under proper supervision until a safe supply has been
introduced.
Copies of the recent chemical and bacterial analyses of your water sup-
ply are appended.
TowNSEXD (Wells).
Dec. 5, 1913.
To the Board of Health, Townsend, Mass.
Gextlemex : — In response to the request of Dr. H. B. Boynton,
agent of your board, and Mr. H. C. Knight, Superintendent of Schools,
the State Board of Health has caused certain wells in Townsend to be
examined and samples of their waters to be analyzed.
128 ■ STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
The well at the Center School, at the junction of Pleasant and School
streets, is located near the center of the densely populated part of the
village but was not being used regularly at the time of this examination.
A sample was obtained, however, and the results of the analysis show that
the water has at some time been considerably polluted and not subse-
quently well purified in its passage through the ground before entering
the well. Considering this result in connection with previous analyses
of this water, it appears that its quality is very variable, showing at times
when it has been in use a greater amount of pollution than at the present
time. In the opinion of the Board the well is an unsafe source from
which to take water for drinking.
The well of W. A. Russell, School Street, is located in the cellar of the
house, which is in a thickly populated part of the village. The results
of the analysis show that the water entering this well has at some time
been seriously polluted and not subsequently completely purified in its
passage through the ground before entering the well. Under the circum-
stances, the source cannot be regarded as a safe one from which to take
water for drinking.
An examination of the well of W. G. Domina, Smith Street, shows
that it is well protected from pollution at the surface, but the results of
the analysis show that the water has at some time been very badly pol-
luted and not subsequently completely purified in its passage through
the ground before entering the well. In the opinion of the Board the
well is an unsafe source from which to take water for drinking.
The well at the school on Main Street in West Townsend is not pro-
vided with a pump, the water being drawn by lowering a pail. There
are sources of pollution in the immediate neighborhood of the well, as
in the case of the other wells examined, and the results of an analysis of
water show that it receives considerable pollution. In the opinion of the
Board the source is not a safe one from which to take water for drinking.
A public water supply is greatly needed in the thickly settled portions
of Townsend, and a supply of good water adequate for the requirements
of the town can be obtained at a comparatively small cost. In view of
the great danger to the public health from the continued use of the pol-
luted wells in the thickly settled parts of the town, the Board recom-
mends the introduction of a public water supply a.t the earliest prac-
ticable time.
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOWNS. 129
"West Brookfield.
Jan. 2, 1913.
To the Board of Water Commissioners, West Brookfield, Mass.
Gentlemen : — The State Board of Health has considered your appli-
cation for the approval, under the provisions of chapter 373 of the Acts
of the year 1911, of the taking of water for the supply of the town of
West Brookfield from a system of tubular wells to be located on the
southwesterly shore of Wickaboag Pond, and has caused the locality to
be examined by its engineer and considered the results of a pumping
test made by pumping from a group of wells in this locality from
November 29 to December 7, inclusive.
The results of analyses of samples of water collected at frequent in-
tervals during the test show that it is soft and in all other respects of
good quality for the purposes of a public water supply.
The quantity of water pumped during the test was considerably in
excess of the quantity likely to be required for the supply of West Brook-
field at the present time, and the results of observations of the height of
the ground water in the neighborhood during the test, together with
other information affecting the wells, indicate that the yield is likely to
be adequate for the requirements of the village at all times, unless the
quantity of water used shall become much greater than is required at the
present time.
The Board approves the taking of water for the supply of West
Brookfield from the ground at the location at which the test was made
and approves the general location of the wells used in this test. There
are small areas near the wells which are flooded at times of high water
in the pond, which it is understood you propose to improve by removing
the organic matter and filling to the level of high water. These im-
provements are very desirable in order to preserve the quality of the well
water.
An adequate area of land should be acquired to prevent the location of
buildings or other structures at any point in the neighborhood of the
wells from which polluting matter might enter them by passing over or
through the ground.
If you desire more definite advice concerning the acquirement of lands
for the protection of the water supply the Board will, upon the sub-
mission of a plan showing the area which you propose to acquire, advise
vou concerning it.
130 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
West Stockbridge.
Oct. 2, 1913.
To the Committee on Water Supply, West Stockbridge, Mass., Mr. W. W. Bartlett,
Chairman.
Gentlemen : — In response to your request for an examination of
the Cheever Ore Pit, so called, located about two miles north of the
village of West Stockbridge, and advice as to the use of water from this
locality for the supply of the village, the State Board of Health has
caused the source indicated to be examined by one of its engineers and
a sample of the water to be analyzed.
The results of the examination show that the Cheever Ore Pit is an
abandoned iron mine which has become filled with ground water. N"o
tests have been made to determine the quantity of water that can be
obtained from this source, but the area of the watershed appears to be
extremely limited and it is improbable that it will supply by gravity
enough water for the requirements of the village at all times.
Considering the conditions, the source does not appear to the Board
to be a desirable one from which to attempt to obtain a water supply
for West Stockbridge.
An examination has also been made of Pauls Brook in the neighbor-
hood of Stevens Glen, where this stream has a drainage area of about
one square mile. The brook would probably supply an adequate quantity
of water for the requirements of the village, but the brook is exposed
to considerable danger of pollution, especially from visitors to Stevens
Glen, and — considering the circumstances — the source is not a de-
sirable one in the opinion of the Board from which to take water for
domestic use.
The Board recommends that you have a careful investigation made,
with the assistance of an engineer of experience in water supply investi-
gations, to determine the most available source or sources for the supply
of the town. The Board will, upon request, assist you in these investi-
gations by making the necessary analyses of water and will advise you
as to the most appropriate source of supply for the town when the re-
sults of further investigations are available.
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOWNS. 131
Williamsburg.
Sept. 4, 1913.
To the Board of Water Commissioners, Williamsburg, Mass.
Gentlemen : — In response to your request for advice as to taking
an additional water supply for the town of Williamsburg temporarily
from Mill Eiver at a point about half a mile north of the village, the
State Board of Health has caused the Mill Eiver and its watershed to
be examined and a sample of water to be analyzed.
At the time of this examination the water was turbid and had an
unpleasant odor, caused possibly by a recent rain.
The watershed of this stream is extensive and contains numerous
dwelling houses, some of which are near the stream or its tributaries.
While it does not appear that the stream was being directly polluted at
the time this examination was made, the water is exposed to such
danger of pollution that, in the opinion of the Board, it is not advisable
to use it for domestic purposes unless it is boiled or, if practicable,
effectually treated with disinfectant; and if it is necessary to introduce
this water immediately into the supply pipes of the town, all of the
water takers should be warned to boil the water before using it for
drinking.
The supply main of the city of Northampton, leading from Mountain
Street Eeservoir, passes through the valley of Beaver Brook apparently
at no great distance from the supply mains in Haydenville, and if prac-
ticable it would be best to secure an auxiliary supply from that source
so as to avoid the use of Mill Eiver in the future.
The Board recommends that investigations be made without delay
for the purpose of securing a permanent additional supply for the town
of Williamsburg, so that the necessity of taking water from temporary
sources may be avoided.
Dec. 15, 1913.
To the Board of Water Commissioners, Williamsburg, Mass.
Gentlemen: — In response to your request of Nov. 25, 1913, for
the establishment of sanitary rules and regulations for the protection of
the purity of the water of Unquomonk Brook, the source of water supply
of Williamsburg, the State Board of Health has caused an examination
of the watershed to be made by one of its engineers and has considered
the information presented as to the conditions now existing there.
From this examination it appears that a hospital for tuberculosis
patients is now being constructed within this watershed, and it is evi-
dent that the sewage therefrom must be disposed of at some point within
132 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
the watershed, while the drainage of all the grounds around the build-
ings will flow to the reservoir. It appears to the Board that the opera-
tion of a tuberculosis hospital within this watershed, under the condi-
tions existing there, would be a serious menace to the purity of the
water, and considering its location it appears to the Board impracticable
to protect adequately the purity of your source of water supply by any
rules and regulations which might now be made.
The Board recommends that the town acquire at once the hospital
property, which if necessary can be taken under existing laws, and that
the use of these buildings for hospital purposes in the future be pre-
vented. When this property has been acquired and the location of a hos-
pital there prevented, it will be practicable, in the opinion of the Board,
by the adoption of sanitary rules and regulations, to protect adequately
the purity of your water supply.
WOECESTER.
Under the authority of section 113 of chapter 75 of the Eevised Laws,
rules and regulations were made by the Board on May 1, 1913, for pre-
venting the pollution and securing the sanitary protection of the waters
of Asnebumskit Brook and its tributaries, used by the city of Worcester
as a source of water supply.
In addition to the foregoing, the Board has advised the following
cities, towns and persons relative to spring waters, waters used for the
supply of factories, public wells or wells used by a number of families;
but as these matters are for the most part of minor public importance,
the communications of the Board in these cases have not been printed.
Copies of them are on file in the office of the Board : —
Andover, well at North School.
Blackstone, wells of Woonsocket Rubber Company, Millville.
Boston, well of Boston Belting Company.
Bridgewater, wells (two).
Brookfiekl, well of Foster-Monlton Shoe Company.
Canton, well of Plymouth Rubber Company.
Chelmsford, wells (two).
Chelmsford, well of Silesia Worsted Mills.
Dedham, wells.
Douglas, spring at Douglas Camp Ground.
Draeut, spring.
Fall River, wells of Enterprise Brewing Company.
Fitchburg, spring in Boston & Maine Railroad yard.
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOWNS. 133
Frainingham, water supply of Society of St. Vineeut de Paul,
Gardner, spring.
Great Barringlon, well in Housatonie.
Hanson, well.
Haverhill, spring.
Holbrook, springs (two).
Holden, spring.
Holyoke, wells of Deane Steam Pump Company.
Lawrence, wells (two).
Lawrence, spring.
Lawrence, well of Arlington Mills.
Lawrence, well of Hartig & Miller.
Lawrence, well at Bay State Building.
Lexington, well.
Lynn, well.
Lynnfield, well at school.
Marshfield, well at Sea View.
Medford, well on Boulevard Heights.
Medway, well.
Methuen, spring.
Milton, well.
Nantucket, Sachem Spring.
New Bedford, well.
North Attleborough, well of Riley & French.
Northbridge. wells (two).
North Eeading, water supply of school.
Norwood, well of F. W. Bird & Son.
Norwood, well.
Palmer, water supply at Forest Lake Park.
Palmer, spring.
Pelham, wells.
Plainville, wells of Whiting & Davis Company.
PljTnouth, spring at Manomet Bluffs.
Princeton, wells.
Reading, Massasoit Spring.
Saugus, town pump.
Shelburne Falls, well.
Shutesbun;, springs.
Sterling, wells (two).
Sturbridge, wells at schoolhouses.
Swansea, wells.
Walpole. spring of F. W. Bird & Son.
Watertown, wells of ^tna Mills.
Westfield. well in Pequot Park.
Weston, well on Siblev Road.
134 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
Weston, well at Hastings Organ Factory.
Westport, wells (two).
Westwood, well at Colburn School.
Westwood, well of H. F. Mylod.
Winchester, well.
Woburn, well.
Ice Supplies.
The following is the substance of the action of the Board during the
year in reply to applications for advice relative to ice supplies : —
Amherst.
Feb. 24, 1913.
To the Board of Health, Amherst, Alass.
Gentlemen : — In response to your request for an examination of
an ice pond on Amethyst Brook in the easterly part of Amherst, from
which ice is harvested for general purposes, the State Board of Health
has caused the pond and its surroundings to be examined and samples
of the water and ice to be analyzed.
The results of the examination show that the pond is an artificial one
of no great depth and that the brook which flows into the pond is pol-
luted by the discharge of sewage from a factory and dwelling house about
half a mile above the pond. The analyses of samples of ice from this
pond show that it contains a larger quantity of organic matter than is
found in good ice, but the number of bacteria in the samples examined
was very small.
Under the existing circumstances the only way in which ice taken
from this pond can be used with safety is by removing from the ice, after
cutting, all snow ice, including .the first inch of clear ice that formed
upon the pond, and rejecting all ice containing particles of foreign mat-
ter. If this plan is strictly followed it is probable that the clear ice cut
from this pond may safely be used for domestic purposes. The discharge
of sewage into tlie brook above the pond should be prevented if the use
of the pond as a source of ice supply is to be continued.
Auburn.
Feb. 6, 1913.
To the Board of Health, Auburn, Mass., Mr. John J. Allen, Secretary.
Gentlemen : — In response to your request for an examination of
Pondville mill pond and advice as to its use as a source of ice supply,
the State Board of Health has caused the pond and its surroundings to
be examined and a sample of the water to be analyzed.
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOWNS. 135
From the information presented to the Board it appears that it is
proposed to cut ice from the lower part of the pond at a point about
0.3 of a mile above the dam at Pondville. The pond is apparently a
little over a mile in length and has a maximum depth of about 20 feet.
The location from which the ice is to be cut is in the deeper and wider
section of the pond. An examination of the watershed shows that the
water receives little direct pollution, but sewage is apparently discharged
into one of the tributaries of the pond from a factory in West Millbury,
where from 30 to 40 persons are employed. This pollution should be
discontinued immediately and the sewage disposed of in some suitable
place where it will not pollute the pond.
In the opinion of the Board ice may safely be taken for domestic
purposes from the mill pond at Pondville, providing that all snow ice,
including the first inch of clear ice that forms upon the pond, is removed
before the ice is used, and that all ice containing particles of foreign
matter is rejected.
Canton.
Dec. 4, 1913.
To the Board of Health, Canton, Mass., Mr. W. A. Bense, Secretary.
Gentlemen: — In response to your request for a further examina-
tion of Dean's Pond and advice as to its use as a source of ice supply,
the State Board of Health has caused the pond and its surroundings to
be examined and samples of the water to be analyzed.
The results of the examination show that the brook which enters the
pond drains a territory containing a considerable population and that
it receives considerable pollution, but it does not appear to be directly
polluted from the houses mentioned in your communication. It also
receives considerable soot and ashes from the railroads.
The results of the examination do not show that the conditions differ
materially from those found at the time of the examination in 1912,
when the results of the analysis of a sample of the ice indicated that it
could be used with safety for domestic purposes.
The circumstances affecting this pond are such, however, that it is of
the greatest importance that the ice shall be carefully inspected when
harvested to insure the carrying out of the requirements recommended
last year ; these were that the first inch of ice that forms upon the pond,
including all snow ice or ice which may have formed above it, shall be
removed, and that all ice which contains particles of foreign matter shall
be rejected.
When ice of sufficient thickness again forms upon this pond the Board
will, if you so request, make an examination of it and advise you further
as to the continued use of this source.
136 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
Chicopee.
Dec. 22, 1913.
To the Board of Health, Chicopee, Mass., Mr. Charles J. O'Brien, Secretanj.
Gentlemex : — In response to your request of Dec. 4, 1913, for an
examination of the water of a pond from which it is proposed to harvest
ice to sell for domestic purposes in Chicopee, the State Board of Health
has caused the pond and its surroundings to be examined and a sample
of the water to be analyzed.
The results of the examination show that the watershed of the pond is
uninhabited, that the pond itself is fed mainly by springs, and that its
waters are not exposed to pollution.
In the opinion of the Board the source is a safe one from which to
take ice for domestic purposes.
Fall Eiver (Arctic Ice Company).
Dec. 5, 1913.
To the Board of Health, Fall River, Mass., Mr. Samuel B. Morriss, Agent.
Gentlemen : — In response to your request for an examination of the
ice stored in the houses of the Arctic Ice Company on South Watuppa
Pond and advice as to its quality, the State Board of Health has caused
the locality to be examined and samples of the ice to be analyzed.
The results of the examination show that the ice found in these
houses consists in part of snow ice and in part of clear ice, and the analy-
ses show that the clear ice beneath the snow ice may safely be used for
domestic purposes, but the Board recommends that all snow ice, includ-
ing the first inch of clear ice, be removed before using.
There appears to be no doubt that ice of good quality for domestic
purposes can be obtained from South Watuppa Pond, but it is advisable
that this recommendation be carried out with all ice used from that
source.
Georgetown.
June 5, 1913.
To Mr. George O. Putnam, Danvers, Mass.
Dear Sir : — In response to your request for an examination of Eock
Pond in Georgetown and advice as to its use as a source of ice supply,
the State Board of Health has caused the pond and its surroundings to
be examined and samples of the water and ice to be analyzed.
The results of the examination show that the ice found in the ice
house on the shore of the pond is of good quality for domestic purposes.
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOWNS. 137
Greenfield.
April 28, 1913.
To the Greenfield Ice and Trucking Company, Greenfield, Mass.
Gextlemex : — In response to your request for an examination of
three ponds from which you are proposing to supply ice for domestic pur-
poses in Greenfield, the State Board of Health has caused the ponds and
their surroundings to be examined and samples of the water and ice to
be analyzed.
The results of the examination show that the ponds are not exposed
to danger of serious pollution, and the ice from each of these ponds
appears to be of good quality. The Board recommends that all snow
ice, including the first inch of clear ice that forms upon the ponds, be
removed before using, and all ice containing particles of foreign matter
be rejected. With these precautions ice from these three ponds can con-
tinue to be used with safety while the conditions affecting them remain
as at present.
Hyde Park.
Dec. 5, 1913.
To Mr. Ernest W. Flagg, Hyde Park, Mass.
Dear Sir : — In reply to your request for an examination of Sprague
Pond in Hyde Park and advice as to its use as a source of ice supply,
the State Board of Health has caused an examination of the pond to be
made and a sample of ice from an ice house on the shore to be analyzed.
The results of the examination show that the pond receives consider-
able pollution from surface drainage of a rather densely populated area
near the pond and is exposed to wash from the railroad tracks near its
southerly shore. Much fioating matter was observed on the water at the
time of the examination, due, no doubt, largely to cinders and ashes
from the railroad.
The analysis of the ice from one of the ice houses on the shore of the
pond shows that it contains a larger quantity of organic matter than is
found in good ice, but the number of bacteria in this sample was low
and this ice was probably safe for domestic use.
In order to obtain ice from this pond that would be safe for domestic
purposes it would be essential to remove from the ice, before using, all
snow ice, including the first inch of clear ice that forms upon the pond,
and to reject all ice containing particles of foreign matter. With careful
inspection, to see that these requirements are carried out, it is probable
that the clear ice obtained from this source would be safe for domestic
purposes while the conditions affecting the pollution of the pond are no
more objectionable than at the present time.
138 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
La WHENCE.
May 1, 1913.
To the Lawrence Ice Company, Lawrence, Mass.
Gentlemen : — In response to your request for advice as to the use
of ice from Great Pond, or Lake Cochickewick, in North Andover, and
Mystic Pond in Methuen, the State Board of Health has examined the
sources and finds that both are satisfactory as sources of domestic ice
supply. Analyses of samples of the ice show that it is of good quality.
Lynn.
June 11, 1913.
To Mr. Walter Creamer and Others, Lynn, Mass.
Gentlemen : — The State Board of Health received from you on May
6, 1913, the following petition relative to the sale of certain ice cut from
Flax Pond in the city of Lynn: —
We, the undersigned citizens of Lynn, Mass., being consumers of ice cut
from Flax Pond which is located in said Lynn hereby make complaint to
the State Board of Health and allege that said ice is impure and injurious
to the health of those who use said ice.
This complaint is made under section 59 of chapter 75 of the Revised
Laws of Massachusetts, and such other chapters and sections as are appli-
cable thereto. . . .
In accordance with the requirements of chapter 75 of the Bevised
Laws, section 59, the State Board of Health has held a hearing after
notice to the parties interested, and after repeated examinations of speci-
mens of the ice obtained from this pond, and investigations of the sur-
roundings of the pond, has issued the following order : —
An Order relative to the Sale of Ice taken from Flax Pond in the City of
Lynn.
At a meeting of the State Board of Health held on the fifth day of June,
1913, upon the complaint in writing of not less than twenty-five consumers
of ice cut from Flax Pond in the city of Lynn and sold or held for sale,
alleging that said ice is impure and injurious to health, after notice to the
parties interested of the time appointed for the hearing and after hearing
said parties it is the judgiaent of said Board that the public health requires
that the State Board of Health, acting under Revised Laws, chapter 75,
section 59, make the following order, which is hereby made : —
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOWNS. 139
Ice cut from Flax Pond in the city of Lynn during the winter of 1912-1913 shall
not be sold or held for sale for domestic pin-poses. It may, however, be used for cool-
ing where it will not come in contact with food or drinking water.
The Board will consider the results of any investigations which may
be made by the ice companies relative to the use of ice cut in future from
this pond.
Marshfield.
Dec. 5, 1913.
To the Board of Health, Marshfield, Mass.
Gentlemen : — In response to a request for an examination of a pond
near Highland Street, Marshfield Hills, and advice as to its use as a
source of ice supply, the State Board of Health has caused the pond and
its surroundings to be examined and a sample of the water of the pond
and of the ice from an ice house near the shore of the pond to be
analyzed.
The results of this examination show that the pond is not at the pres-
ent time exposed to any notable danger of pollution from the buildings
on its shore or within its watershed which would affect materially its
use As a source of ice supply. A considerable amount of salt water, re-
sulting from the freezing of ice cream at a shop near the shore of the
pond, flows into the pond, but it was not especially harmful at the time
this examination was made. This waste water could easily be diverted
to advantage into the stream below the pond.
An analysis of the water of the pond shows that it contains a con-
siderable quantity of vegetable matter, and the ice contains more organic
matter than is ordinarily found in good ice. The number of bacteria in
the ice was low, however, and in the opinion of the Board it may safely
be used for domestic purposes. It is advisable, in the use of ice from
this pond, to reject the ice containing particles of foreign matter and to
remove, before using, all snow ice, including the first inch of clear ice
that forms upon the pond.
Milton.
March 25, 1913.
To the Board of Health, Milton, Mass., Mr. A. W. Draper, Secretary.
Gentlemen : — In response to your request of February 6 for an ex-
amination of the water and -ice of the ponds of Pope and Turner, situated
near Blue Hill Parkway and Central Avenue, respectively, and the water
of Pine Tree Brook, the Board has caused the sources of supply to be
140 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
examined and samples of water and ice from the brook and ice ponds to
be analyzed.
The results of the examination show that the brook receives consider-
able pollution, especially from the portion of its watershed between
Pope's Pond and Turner's Pond. There has been very little change in
the quality of the water as compared with former years.
The results of the analyses of samples of ice from these ponds differ
but little from those of former years. They show that ice from these
ponds contains a rather larger quantity of organic matter than is found
in good ice, but the clear ice from both ponds at the time of the recent
examination was practically free from bacteria. In the opinion of the
Board, ice harvested from these ponds may safely be used for domestic
purposes, provided the snow ice and the first inch of clear ice which
forms upon the pond are removed before using and all ice containing
particles of foreign matter is rejected.
NOETHAMPTON.
May 21, 1913.
To Mr. George R. Turner, Agent Board of Health, Northampton, Mass.
Dear Sir : — In response to your application of April 22 for an ex-
amination of the ice from certain ponds in Northampton and advice as
to its quality, the State Board of Health has caused the ponds to be ex-
amined and samples of the water and ice to be analyzed.
The ponds in question are known as Norwood Pond, located near the
highway between Northampton and Easthampton, Eocky Hill Pond, lo-
cated about half a mile northwest of Norwood Pond, and Pice Pond,
located about a mile south of the village of Leeds.
The watershed of Rice Pond is uninhabited, and the watershed of
Eocky Hill Pond is very sparsely populated and that pond does not ap-
pear to be exposed to serious danger of pollution. Norwood Pond also
appears to be adequately protected from danger of pollution at the
present time.
Samples of ice harvested during the past year from all of these sources
have been found upon analysis to be of good quality, and in the opinion
of the Board these ponds can continue to be used with safety as sources of
ice supply. The Board renews its recommendations as to the treatment
of ice from these sources as contained in its communication to your
board dated Oct. 4, 1906, a copy of which is appended.
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOWNS. 141
Palmer.
Sept. 18, 1913.
To the Board of Health, Palmer, Mass.
Gextlemen : — In response to a request the State Board of Health
has caused an examination to be made of the ice found in an ice house
near a small meadow on Park Street, about half a mile southeast of the
village. The Board is informed that this ice was obtained from an area
of meadow which is flowed in the winter season to a depth of about four
feet.
The results of an analysis of a sample of ice from this ice house does
not show that this ice is objectionable for domestic purposes. The pond
is located very close to the village, however, and there appear to be
dwelling houses on the watershed of the pond, polluting matters from
which may be carried into the pond at times of heavy rain.
Under the circumstances, in the opinion of the Board, it is important,
if ice is to continue to be used in future from this pond for domestic
purposes, to remove from the ice, before using, all snow ice, including
the first inch of ice that forms upon the pond, and to reject all ice con-
taining particles of foreign matter. It is important that these recom-
mendations be carefully followed in case ice from this source is to be
used for domestic purposes.
PiTTSFIELD.
March 25, 1913.
To Mr. W. H. Eaton, Secretary, Pittsfield Country Club, Pittsfield, Mass.
Dear Sir : — In response to your request for a further examination of
Morewood Lake and advice as to its use as a source of ice supply, the
Board has caused the lake and its surroundings to be examined and a
sample of the ice to be analyzed.
The results of the examination show that the conditions are much the
same as at the time of the previous examination in 1901.
It is probable that a small quantity of water from Wanpenum Brook,
which is exposed somewhat to pollution, finds its way into the lake at
times, but the results of the recent examination of a sample of the ice
show that it is of good quality and suitable for domestic purposes. It is
advisable that provision be made for preventing the water of Wanpenum
Brook from entering the lake at any time so long as the lake is used
as a source of ice supply.
The Board further recommends that all snow ice, including the first
inch of ice that forms upon the lake, be removed before using and all
ice containing particles of foreign matter be rejected.
142 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
Rockland.
March 6, 1913.
To the Board of Health, Rockland, Mass., Dr. Joseph Frame, Secretary.
Gentlemen: — In response to your request of Feb. 17, 1913, for an
examination of the ice recently harvested from Cushing's Pond in Eock-
land and advice as to its qualit}^, the Board has caused the pond and its
surroundings to be examined and a sample of the water and ice to be
analyzed.
The results of the examination show that the conditions affecting the
quality of the water of this pond are much the same as were found at
the time of the previous examination in 1909. The pond is very badly
polluted by sewage from many sources, especially by the overflow from
large cesspools located near the stream a short distance above the pond.
A sample of the ice, consisting of about 6 inches of clear ice and
2 inches of snow ice, taken from an ice house near the shore of the pond
has been analyzed, and the results show that the snow ice contained an
excessive quantity of organic matter and a very large number of bacteria
and would be unsafe for domestic use. The clear ice contained more
organic matter than is found in good ice, but the number of bacteria
was low.
In the opinion of the Board this ice is unsafe for domestic purposes.
SOUTHWICK.
Jan. 6, 1913.
To the Board of Health of the Town of Southwick.
Gentlemen: — The State Board of Health has considered your re-
quest for advice as to the use of the Congamond Ponds in Southwick as
a source of ice supply and as to preventing the pollution of these waters,
and has caused the ponds and their surroundings to be examined by one
of its engineers and samples of the water to be analyzed.
The ponds were examined in 1905 relative to their use as a source of
ice supply, at the request of the authorities of the city of Holyoke, and
the Board recommended at that time that the clear ice harvested from
these sources might safely be used for domestic purposes. The recent
examination shows that, while a few additional summer cottages have
been built in the neighborhood of the ponds, very little change has taken
place in their surroundings since the time of the previous examination.
Most of the dwellings about the ponds are summer cottages, rarely occu-
pied later than the middle of November, and, considering the location of
the houses about the ponds and the porous character of the soil, there
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOWNS. 143
is little probability that the ponds are seriously polluted from these
buildings.
The only source from which pollution appears to be finding its way
into the ponds at the present time is a cesspool at the Lake House, and
it is probable that by the construction of suitable cesspools in the rear of
this hotel, so arranged that one will overflow into another, this nuisance
can be prevented if the cesspools are cleaned when necessary. It is also
advisable that sanitary conveniences be provided for the laborers about
the ice houses, and the enforcement of these provisions comes within the
powers of your board under existing laws.
It has not been practicable to obtain from these ponds a suitable sample
of ice during the present season, but in the opinion of the Board ice of
good quality can be obtained from these ponds, provided that all snow
ice and the first inch of clear ice which forms upon the pond be removed
before using and that all ice containing particles of foreign matter be
rejected.
The Board has also examined, in accordance with your request, the
water supply of the railroad station and dwelling houses in its neighbor-
hood, which the Board is informed is taken from Great Brook.
An examination of this brook shows that it is exposed to such danger
of pollution from the inhabitants on the watershed that it cannot be
regarded as a safe source from which to take water for drinking, and the
Board recommends that its use for that purpose be discontinued and a
water of good quality provided from an unpolluted source.
Westfoed.
July 3, 1913.
To Miss M. A. Gage, Lowell, Mass.
Dear Madam : — In response to your request for an examination of ice
cut from Forge Pond and advice as to its quality, the State Board of
Health has caused the pond to be examined and a sample of ice from an
ice house at Forge Village near the outlet of the pond to be analyzed.
The results show that this ice, while containing a rather greater amount
of organic matter than is found in good ice, contains a low number of
bacteria and is, in the opinion of the Board, safe for domestic purposes.
Westport.
Sept. 4, 1913.
To the Board of Health, Fall River, Mass.
Gentlemen" : — In response to your request of Aug. 12, 1913, for an
examination of the ice in an ice house near the cranberry bog of David
Ouellette, lying between the Fall Eiver & New Bedford Eailroad and
144 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
the New Bedford highway a short distance from Davis Eoad in the town
of Westport, the State Board of Health has caused the cranberry bog
from which ice is cut to be examined and a sample of the ice in the ice
house to be analyzed.
The results of the analysis show that the snow ice in the sample ex-
amined was of very poor quality and should not be used in contact with
food or drinking water, but that the clear ice beneath the snow ice, while
containing a somewhat larger quantity of organic matter than is usually
found in good ice, is probably safe for domestic purposes.
It appears that it is the custom to flow the cranberry bog to a depth of
about 3 1/2 feet in the winter with water from the brook draining through
the cranberry bog from the northwest, and an examination of the sur-
roundings of the cranberry bog and the watershed of the brook does not
show that they are exposed at the present time to very serious danger of
pollution, and while the conditions affecting the cranberry bog remain as
at the present time it is probable that ice may be harvested from it with
safety, provided it is subject to careful inspection to insure the removal
of all snow ice, including the first inch of clear ice that forms upon the
pond, and to secure the exclusion of all ice containing particles of foreign
matter. If these restrictions are carried out in future, ice from this
source can probably continue to be used with safety for domestic pur-
poses while the conditions remain as at the present time.
WiNCHEXDON.
May 1, 1913.
To the Board of Health, Winchetidon, Mass.
Gentlemen : — In response to your request for an examination of the
ice taken from Bullardville Pond, Pequoig Pond and Whitney's Pond, in
Winchendon, and advice as to its quality, the State Board of Health has
caused the sources indicated to be examined and samples of the water
and ice to be analyzed.
Neither Bullardville Pond nor Pequoig Pond is exposed to serious
danger of pollution, and both ponds are suitable sources of ice supply.
The ice harvested from these sources during the past winter apparently
consisted largely of clear ice with very little snow ice on top, and the re-
sults of the analyses show that the ice contains a somewhat greater quan-
tity of organic matter than is found in good ice. It would be best to
remove from the ice, before using, all snow ice, including the first inch of
clear ice that forms upon the ponds, and it is advisable, also, to reject
all ice containing particles of foreign matter.
The conditions affecting Whitney's Pond do not appear to have
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOWNS. 145
changed materially since 1909, when the last examination was made.
At that time the Board made the following recommendations : —
The conditions aft'ecting this source of supply do not appear to have
changed very materially since the time of the previous examination in 1906,
when the Board advised you as follows concerning the use of ice from this
jiond : —
. . . The mill pond is large and quite deep, but it receives considerable pollution
from mills on the stream which enters it. In order to obtain ice from this pond
which may safely be used for domestic purposes it will be necessary to remove from
the ice, when harvesting, the first inch that formed upon the pond, including all
snow ice and ice formed by flooding, and retain for use only the clear ice forming
beneath the first inch. It is also important that all ice containing particles of foreign
matter be rejected.
It appears that these recommendations have been carefully followed in
harvesting the ice cut from this pond during the past winter. The results
of the analysis of a sample of ice taken recently from one of the ice houses
on the shore of this pond show that it is of good quality, and, in the opinion
of the Board, this ice may safely be used for domestic purposes. The recom-
mendations contained in the previous communication of the Board should
still be followed while ice is taken from this source for domestic purposes.
If the recommendations made by the Board continue to be carried out,
it is probable that ice harvested from this source can be used for domestic
purposes with safety.
May 1, 1913.
To the Board of Health, Winchendon, Mass.
Gentlemen : — In the course of the examination of Whitney's Pond,
used as a source of ice supply, it has been found that considerable waste,
including sewage, is discharged into the streams which feed the pond,
especially at two mills located above the pond.
It is not difficult to dispose of the sewage and wastes from these mills
satisfactorily in such a way that they will not pollute the streams feeding
Wliitney's Pond, and the Board recommends that the further pollution
of the pond by sewage from these mills be prevented.
Worcester.
March 27, 1913.
To the Board of Trustees of the Worcester State Hospital, Worcester, Mass.
Gentlemen : — In accordance with a request for an examination of
the ice taken from Lake Quinsigamond for use in the hospital and advice
as to its quality, the State Board of Health has caused the locality from
146 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
which the ice is taken to be examined and a samj^le of the ice harvested
during the present year to be analyzed.
The sample of ice analyzed in the course of the recent examination
was 7 inches in thickness and consisted only of clear ice. The results of
this analysis show that this sample contained rather more organic matter
than is found in good ice, but the number of bacteria was low, and the
ice in the opinion of the Board is probably safe for domestic purposes.
Lake Quinsigamond receives considerable pollution from many sources,
though the pollution is probably less in the winter season when ice is
harvested than at other times. It is probable that the use of ice from
this source can be continued with safety, provided that all snow ice, in-
cluding the first inch of clear ice that forms upon the lake, be removed
before using and all ice containing particles of foreign matter be re-
jected.
Sewerage axd Sewage Disposal.
The following is the substance of the action of the Board during the
year in reply to applications for advice relative to sewerage and sewage
disposal : —
Amherst.
Oct. 22, 1913.
To the Board of Sewer Commissioners, Amherst, Mass.
Gextle:hex : — In response to the request of your engineer, the
State Board of Health has caused an examination to be made of the East
Street sewage disposal, area of the town of Amherst and has considered
the results of the operation of the filters and the measurements of the flow
of sewage discharged upon them.
The aggregate area of filters now available for use amounts to about 2
acres, and the average flow of sewage as measured at various times during
the past three years has been found to range from 14:0,000 gallons per
day to more than 600,000 gallons. The present area of filters is prob-
ably capable of purifying satisfactorily the entire flow of sewage when
the quantity does not exceed the smaller figure mentioned above, but
for the disposal of the sewage when the flow amounts to as much as in-
dicated by the higher figure, the area of filters required would be l)etween
8 and 10 acres.
It is obvious that these wide variations in the. flow of sewage are due
to leakage into the sewerage system, and it will probably be less expensive
for the town to reconstruct such portions of the sewers as may be neces-
sary to prevent excessive leakage than to attempt to build and maintain
a filtration area of adequate capacity to purify the sewage at all times.
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOWNS. 147
The Board recommends that a careful study of the sewerage system
be made without further delay to determine its condition and the prac-
ticability of preventing excessive leakage into the sewers. When the re-
sults of this investigation are available, it will be practicable for the
Board to give you more definite advice as to the disposal of the sewage
of the portion of the town served by this system. It is very important,
in the opinion of the Board, that the investigations necessary for the de-
termination of this question be made without delay in order that the
work of improving the sewage disposal system of the town may be en-
tered upon as soon as practicable.
AXDOVER.
Feb. 6, 1913.
To the Board of Public Works, Andover, Mass.
Gentle:sien" : — The results of the examinations of the Andover sew-
age disposal works made by the State Board of Health show that the
efficiency of the purification of the sewage of the town by the filter beds
has been diminishing for several years and has now become quite unsatis-
factory. Moreover, the examination of the works shows that a consider-
able quantity of sewage is discharged untreated directly into the Shaw-
sheen Eiver.
It is probable that, unless the condition of your filtration works is
greatly improved, the character of the effluent will grow rapidly worse
and result in a continued and increasing pollution of the Shawsheen
Eiver.
The filters at the present time are seriously clogged, and large parts
of the area remain covered with sewage for long periods, a condition
which is unfavorable for the proper operation of the filters. An exami-
nation of the filter beds shows that the underdrains in some of them at
least are not in a proper condition to drain the filters satisfactorily, and
lack of efficient underdrainage is one of the chief causes of the unsatis-
factory operation of these filters. The filters in which the underdrains
have been recently relaid by your department are operating more satis-
factorily than the others.
The quantity of sewage discharged upon these filters is such that the
average rate of operation amounts to about 70,000 gallons per acre per
day. This quantity is greater than filters containing material of the
character found in this area are capable of purifying satisfactorily. As
already stated the filters, moreover, do not treat all of the sewage, a con-
siderable quantity of which is discharged untreated into the Shawsheen
Eiver, and it is understood that you propose to extend the sewerage
148 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
system in the near future, thus increasing the quantity of sewage to be
cared for. It is essential under the circumstances that the condition of
the filter beds shall not only be improved, but that the area shall be
enlarged.
The Board recommends that the underdrains in all of the filters which
have become seriously clogged be relaid under proper inspection and
that the filters be subsequently carefully leveled and adequate provision
made for distributing the sewage evenly to all parts of the area of each
filter. It is further recommended that the gates upon the distributing
pipes from which sewage is discharged upon the filters be repaired or
renewed so as to prevent leakage and the constant discharge of small
quantities of sewage upon the filters, as is the case at the present time.
The Board further recommends that the filtration area be enlarged
and that all of the sewage of the town be conveyed to the area and
purified. The discharge of crude sewage directly into the Shawsheen
Eiver should be discontinued as soon as the improvements at the filtra-
tion area are completed.
Barxstable.
May 27, 1913.
To Alfred Crocker, Jr., Barnstable, Mass.
Dear Sir : — The State Board of Health has considered your request
of ^lay 10, 1913, for advice as to the probable need of sewerage in the
village of Barnstable in case a water supply should be introduced there
and has caused the conditions existing in the village to be examined by
one of its engineers.
The questions which you have submitted are the following : —
1. On the above facts if water is installed, in the opinion of the State
Board of Health, will it be necessary to have a sewerage system for the
village ?
2. In the opinion of the State Board of Health would not a sewerage sys-
tem with a cesspool for each house which has a water supply be sufficient^
3. Are there any records which show what proportion of the towns that
have water supply do not have sewerage systems'? If so what is the propor-
tion of towns? Are you willing to state what are some of the towns some-
what similar in conditions to what I have described that have water supply
and do not have sewerage system"?
An examination of the conditions existing in the portions of Barnstable
ir. which it is proposed to introduce a water supply indicates that there
are about 220 houses scattered along about 71/2 miles of streets in which
the water pipes may eventually be laid. The houses for the most part
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOWNS. 149
are on large lots in which wells are located from which the domestic
water supply is now ohtained, and the surplus water is disposed of by
cesspools located on each lot. Throughout the thickly settled portions
of the town the soil appears to be porous and well adapted for the disposal
of sewage by the methods now in use.
The conditions are favorable for the continued disposal of the sewage
after a public water supply has been introduced, in accordance with the
practice at the present time, and, unless great quantities of water are
allowed to run to waste, there is little doubt but that the present methods
of sewage disposal can be continued in the future until the village be-
comes more densely populated than at the present time. Moreover, if a
sewerage system should be put in there is no necessity for discharging
the sewage into any of the waters about the town in such a way as to
cause their pollution. A large number of the inland cities and towns at
the present time purify their sewage upon land, and the conditions for
such disposal in Barnstable are much more favorable than ordinarily
found elsewhere for the purification and satisfactory disposal of sewage.
Eegarding the information asked for in your cjuestion Ko. 3, as to
vrhat proportion of towns that have water supplies are also provided with
sewerage systems, the Board finds that there were in 1912 approximately
195 of the cities and towns in the State provided with public water sup-
plies and that of these, 104, or 53 per cent., have sewerage systems, A
list of the towns having and not having sewerage systems will be found
in the annual report of the Board for 1911 (pages 384-394), and a list
of the towns having and not having public water supplies will be found
in the annual report for 1910 (pages 209-219). Extracts from the re-
ports mentioned giving these pages are sent you herewith. You will find
from these tables that there are 26 towns in the State having a popula-
tion in excess of that of Barnstable, by the census of 1910, which are
not provided with sewerage systems, though most of them have had pub-
lic water supplies for many years.
Chelmsford (Middlesex Couxty Training School).
Dec. 22, 1913.
To the Middlesex County Commissioners, East Cambridge, Mass., Mr. Levi S. Gould,
Chairman.
Gentlemen: — The State Board of Health has considered your appli-
cation for advice as to the disposal of the sewage from the Middlesex
County Training School at North Chelmsford, and the report of your
engineers submitted therewith, and has caused the locality to be examined
by one of its engineers.
150 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
In the report of your engineers two plans are considered, one pro-
viding for the disposal of the sewage by discharging it into one of the
sewers of the city of Lowell, and the other for discharging it into tanks
or cesspools at each building and disposing of it by subsurface filtration.
Estimates of the cost of the two plans of disposal indicate that the dis-
charge of the sewage into the sewerage system of the city of Lowell would
cost somewhat more in the beginning than its disposal upon the grounds
of the school. If the plan of disposal upon the grounds of the school
should be adopted, it would be necessary to clean the receiving tanks for
the sewage at frequent intervals, and this offensive sludge would doubt-
less have to be disposed of within the school grounds. Moreover, ex-
perience with subsurface filtration shows that it is necessary to dig up,
clean and relay the distribution pipes from time to time in order to keep
the filters in successful operation.
Under the circumstances, while the first cost of connecting with the
Lowell sewers would be greater than the cost of disposal of the sewage
of each building separately, there is very little doubt that in the end dis-
posal into the Lowell sewers would be the less expensive plan to adopt.
An examination has also been made of the practicability of collecting
the sewage from all of the buildings and disposing of it at some point
within the grounds of the institution, but the soil of the areas which
might be used for that purpose is not suitable for such use and such a
method of disposing of the sewage does not appear to be practicable in
this case.
Considering all of the circumstances, the best plan of disposing of the
sewage of this school, in the opinion of the Board, is to discharge it into
the sewers of the city of Lowell, provided that a satisfactory arrangement
for that method of disposal can be made.
Chicopee (Fairview).
June 16, 1913.
To Hon. Frank A. Rivers, Mayor of Chicopee, Mass.
Dear Sir : — Complaint has been made to this Board of the unsani-
tary conditions existing in parts of the village of Fairview in the ex-
treme northwesterly part of the city of Chicopee, and in response to this
complaint the State Board of Health has caused the locality to be ex-
amined by one of its engineers.
It appears from this examination that, while the surface soil in the
village is largely composed of sand, the subsoil is composed of very fine
material and the ground-water level in many places is quite close to the
surface. In consequence, it is extremely difficult to construct suitable
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND' TOWNS. 151
cesspools which will dispose of household waste without overflowing,
especially in the spring when the ground water is highest. The condi-
tions in parts of the village are very objectionable, and in the wetter
parts of the year it is necessary to clean out the cesspools frequently.
As no night-soil carts are available, it appears that the contents of the
cesspools are pumped upon the surface of the ground, thus increasing
the objectionable odors caused by the present method of disposing of the
sewage.
In view of these conditions it is necessary, in the opinion of the Board,
for the protection of the public health in this village, to provide as soon
as practicable adequate means for the proper disposal of the sewage. It
appears to be practicable to convey sewage by gravity to an outlet into
the Connecticut Eiver, and it may be possible to make an arrangement
with the town of South Hadley for the disposal of the sewage into one
of the sewers in that town which has an outlet into the Connecticut Eiver
near the Chicopee boundary at a point where the conditions do not appear
to be objectionable.
The conditions in Fairview can be improved materially by providing
night-soil carts for the cleaning out of cesspools, and the material re-
moved from the cesspools can be disposed of in this way at some point
sufficiently remote from the village where it will not create a nuisance.
The Board recommends that the city of Chicopee cause an investigation
to be made as soon as practicable to determine the best available plan of
collecting and disposing of the sewage of the village of Fairview, and
that in connection with this plan the question of providing drainage for
lowering the ground water in the village be also considered. In the
meantime it is advisable to provide suitable night-soil carts for cleaning
out and removing the contents of the cesspools in the village at such
intervals as may be necessary to prevent overflow.
\Alien you have prepared plans for the sewerage and drainage of the
village of Fairview, the Board will, upon request, give you further advice
as to the improvement of the sanitary conditions in the village.
Chicopee (Chicopee Falls).
July 28, 1913.
To the Board of Health, Chicopee, Mass.
Gentlemen: — The State Board of Health has considered your re-
quest of July 16, 1913, for advice as to a plan for removing the objec-
tionable conditions along the bank of the Chicopee River in the rear of
the works of the Fisk Rubber Company at Chicopee Falls, due to the
discharge of crude sewage directly into the river at points above, and has
caused the locality to be examined by one of its engineers.
152 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
The results of the examination show that the discharge of sewage at
the principal sewer outlets in that section of the city pollutes badly the
banks of the river for a considerable distance below the outlets, and with
the growth of the district and the occupation of the banks of the river
below the sewer outlet for manufacturing purposes, the effect of the pol-
lution has become seriously objectionable.
The scheme for improvement suggested is to construct an intercepting
sewer along the southeasterly bank of the river to remove the dry-
weather flow of sewage from the present sewer outlets, together with the
sewage from other small sewers discliarging into the river farther down-
stream, and to discharge this sewage into the river at a point about a
third of a mile below the present main sewer outlets. The point chosen
for the new outlet is about opposite an area which it will be practicable
to utilize in the future for the treatment of the sewage in case it shall
be decided to subject it to some form of treatment before discharging it
into the stream in this neighborhood.
It appears to the Board necessary, for the protection of the public
health, that the discharge of sewage at the present sewer outlets in
Chicopee Falls, except such as may overflow at times of storm, should
be discontinued, and it is also desirable that this sewage should either be
purified or conveyed to some suitable outlet into the Connecticut Eiver.
In either case it will be necessary to convey the sewage farther down-
stream, and the plan of discharging it temporarily at the point suggested,
about a third of a mile below the present outlets, appears to be a reason-
able one to adopt at the present time. AATiile this outlet should be re-
garded as a temporary one, to be discontinued as soon as it is practicable
for the city to provide a more satisfactory means of disposal of the
sewage, the Board recommends that the outlet be carried out into the
river at least 50 feet from the shore to a point where it will be covered
with water at all times.
The Board recommends that at the time of making this extension an
investigation be made by the city to determine the best practicable plan
for the ultimate disposal of this sewage, in order that the works now
constructed may conform as nearly as may be to plans for the final
disposal of the sewage.
As soon as plans have been prepared for the proposed extension the
Board will, if you so request, advise you concerning them.
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOWNS. 153
Dartmouth.
June 5, 1913.
To the Board of Selectmen, Dartmouth, Mass.
Gextlemex : — The State Board of Health has considered your appli-
cation for advice as to the construction of a sewer or main drain to be
laid in Eogers Street from the Eussell Mills Eoad to an outlet into
Clark's Cove, as shown upon a plan submitted with the application.
Subsequent to submitting this application you verbally informed the en-
gineer of the Board that, in view of the objection to the discharge of
sewage into Clark's Cove at the point proposed, you desire the advice of
the Board simply as to the construction of the proposed main drain for
the purposes of the removal of surface water and ground drainage only,
leaving the question of the disposal of sewage for this region to be con-
sidered at a future time.
The Board has caused the locality to be examined by one of its en-
gineers and has considered the plan presented. In the opinion of the
Board the proposed plan is an appropriate method of providing for the
collection and disposal of the surface water and ground drainage of the
district which it is designed to serve, provided sewage, sink drainage
and other objectionable matters be excluded from the drain.
The outlet of the drain may under the circumstances, if desired, be
located nearer tlie high-water line than shown on the plan presented.
DUXBURY.
Aug. 13, 1913.
To the Board of Health, Duxbury, Mass.
Gentle:mex : — In response to your request for an examination of a
sewer outlet in Duxbury and advice as to a plan for disposing of the
sewage of the Powder Point School, the State Board of Health has
caused the locality to be examined hy one of its engineers and has con-
sidered the information presented.
It does not appear that the recommendations of this Board made
several years ago relative to the disposal of sewage in this locality have
been carried out, and an examination shows that the sewage from the
buildings formerly used for the school, together with that from adjacent
buildings, is discharged into a sewer running toward the bay, and that
sewage leaks quite freely upon the flats from openings in the sewer.
It further appears that your board has required the discontinuance of
this nuisance and the proper disposal of the sewage.
The soil in the neighborhood of tlie Powder Point School is not well
154 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
adapted to the disposal of sewage in cesspools, and considering the prob-
able number of persons that will occupy the buildings and the adja-
cent houses used in connection there it is not practicable, in the opinion
of the Board, to dispose of the sewage satisfactorily by that method.
The best plan to adopt in the existing circumstances would probably be
to construct a subsurface filter bed, which could be located in a small
area of low land about 400 feet south of the old school building and
east of the houses connected with the school. It will be necessary to re-
move the soil at this location and replace it with sand of suitable quality
for sewage purification which can be obtained at no great distance. The
filter should have an area of at least 3,000 square feet for a population of
75 to 100 persons, assuming that the quantity of sewage will be kept as
small as possible by preventing the unnecessary use and waste of water
at fixtures discharging into the sewer.
The sewage, after first passing through a settling tank, should be dis-
charged into the filter through pipes laid with open joints, with their
bottoms at least one foot below the surface of the sand, and the filter
should be thoroughly underdrained by tile pipes which may be connected
with the present sewer pipe. Distributing systems and subsurface filters
such as this become clogged aft^r a longer or shorter period of use, and
the distributing pipes must be cleaned and relaid under such conditions
as here proposed at least as often as once in two years. The settling
tank will require cleaning from time to time, and the contents would
probably require removal in a suitable cart. They should be disposed of
at some place where they will not be objectionable. The design of the
settling tank and filter and the construction of the works should be car-
ried out under the direction of an engineer of experience in matters re-
lating to sewage disposal.
In the opinion of the Board it will be increasingly difficult to prevent
the pollution of the fiats along this coast by sewage, unless a system of
sewers is constructed for the densely populated portions of the town and
a suitable system of disposal provided. The disposal of sewage in these
thickly settled areas by the ordinary methods of vaults and cesspools is
already causing the serious pollution of the wells in these areas, and
for the purpose of ascertaining the condition of these wells the Board
has caused a number of them to be examined and samples of their waters
to be analyzed. The results show that several of the wells examined are
polluted, some of them seriously. There are certain of these wells that
should not longer be used for domestic purposes; these are the fol-
lowing : —
Well of E. H. Ellison, well at the Powder Point School, well of E. E.
Chandler, well of Miss E. Ellison — all in the neighborhood of Powder
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOWNS. 155
Point — well of Harry Gushing, South Duxbury, well at E. Sweetser's
store, well of Dr. N. K. Noyes, Duxbury.
The results of the examination as a whole show that this town is
greatly in need of a good public water supply. It is probable that an
adequate supply of good water for the requirements of the thickly settled
portion of the town could be secured at a cost which would not be a
serious financial burden upon the inhabitants.
The Board recommends that the question ^ of introducing a public
water supply be taken up and considered by the town at the earliest pos-
sible time and that the necessary investigations be made and plans pre-
pared to determine the most appropriate source of supply and the
probable cost of the works. It is practicable at a small expense to de-
termine definitely the feasibility of securing an adequate supply of good
water within a reasonable distance of the thickly settled portion of the
town and to estimate very definitely the cost of the works.
Should the town decide to make investigations for a water supply, the
Board will assist in making the necessary analyses of water and will
advise as to any plan that the town may present for consideration.
Easthamptox.
Oct. 31, 1913.
To the Board of Public Works, Easthampton, Mass., W. C. Tannatt, Jr., Town
Engineer.
CtExtlemen : — The State Board of Health has considered your appli-
cation for advice as to the discharge of sewage from a proposed sewer
near the Mt. Tom Junction Station of the Boston & Maine Eailroad into
the Connecticut Eiver opposite the said station and has caused the local-
ity to be examined by one of its engineers.
The plans presented provide for the disposal of the sewage of a small
but somewhat thickly settled area in the neighborhood of Mt. Tom Junc-
tion, containing at the present time approximately 125 inhabitants. In
constructing the outlet, however, it is proposed to use larger pipe than is
necessary for the disposal of the sewage of the Mt. Tom district alone,
with the idea eventually, it is understood, of conveying the sewage from
the main sewer system of the town of Easthampton to an outlet into the
Connecticut Eiver in this neighborhood.
The proposed sewer outlet in the Connecticut Eiver as shown upon the
plans is about 40 feet out from the bank of the river at the summer water
level and is to be located at such an elevation that it will ordinarily be
completely submerged, though possibly exposed at times of extreme low
water.
156 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
After a careful consideration of all of the circumstances the Board
concludes that the best practicable plan of disposing of the sewage from
the proposed sewers in the vicinity of Mt. Tom Junction is to discharge
it into the Connecticut Eiver. The discharge of sewage from this dis-
trict into the river can prol^ably be allowed to continue for several years,
but the adoption of this outlet is subject to the condition that it shall
be extended such further distance into the river as may be necessary in
case objectionable conditions arise and that the sewage shall be removed
from the river and purified whenever such treatment shall become
necessary.
For the disposal of the entire sewage of the town of Easthampton the
outlet proposed would, in the opinion of the Board, l^e very objectionaljle
under the existing circumstances. It is possible, however, that an outlet
might be selected at some point in this part of the river at which the
sewage of Easthampton might be discharged without objection for a
period of several years, provided it were subjected to eflficient sedimenta-
tion and screening before final disposal. The necessary sedimentation
and screening could very likely be carried on at the present disposal area,
using the present works so far as they are suitable. It is probal^le, how-
ever, that further treatment woidd become necessary in case the sewage
of the town is discharged into the Connecticut Eiver, and the likelihood
of such necessity arising in the future should be taken into account in
considering any change in the present plan of disposing of the sewage.
Before deciding upon the disposal of the sewage of the town by dis-
charge into the Connecticut Eiver, the Board recommends that the whole
question be carefully investigated and comparative plans prepared show-
ing the cost of the disposal of the sewage into the Connecticut Eiver by
some satisfactory plan as compared with the cost of purification of the
sewage and the discharge of the effluent into the Manhan Eiver, as at
present. The present disposal area is inadequate for the treatment of the
sewage of the town, and it is important that further means for the treat-
ment of the sewage shall be provided at the earliest practicable time. As
soon as the results of the suggested investigations are presented, the Board
will advise you as to the best available plan for the disposal of the sewage
of the town.
FoXBOROrGII.
May 1, 1913.
To the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Foxborouqh.
GENTLE:iiEX : — Tlie State Board of Health received from you on
April 21, 1913, a petition for the approval by the Board, under the pro-
visions of chapter 49, section 1. of the Eevised Laws, of the purchase or
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOWNS. 157
taking of certain lands in the town of Foxborougli for the purification
and disposal of sewage, accompanied by a plan and a description of the
lands which it is proposed to acquire, which are situated in the town of
Foxborough al)Out three-quarters of a mile south of the Foxborough rail-
road station on the easterly side of the New York, New Haven & Hart-
ford Railroad and south of Leonard Street.
In response to this petition the Board, after having caused an exami-
nation of the lands to be made by one of its engineers, gave a public
hearing, as required by law, at its office, Eoom 143, State House, on
Thursday, May 1, 1913, at 11.30 a.m., due notice of said hearing having
been given by publication in the Foxborough " Eeporter." After the
hearing, at which no one appeared to oppose the taking of the lands in
question by said town, the Board upon consideration voted to approve
the purchase or taking of the lands indicated upon the plan submitted
for the purification and disposal of sewage, said lands, which are in four
parcels having an aggregate area of about 49 acres, being bounded, meas-
ured and described as follows : —
The 1st parcel which belongs to the W. T, Cook Pleirs is situated on
the southerly side of Leonard Street and is bounded and described as fol-
lows : —
Beginning at the intersection of the easterly location line of the N. Y. N. H.
& H. K.R. with the southerly Hne of Leonard street thence N 64° — 01' E
on the line last mentioned one hundred and twenty two (122) feet to
a point at land of U. W. Boyden; thence S 26° — 09' E on the westerly
line of land of said Boyden four hnndred forty seven and five tenths
(447.5) feet to a point in the wall at land of Timothy F. Lynch; thence
S 49° — 41' "W" on the northerly Ime of land of said Lynch one hundred
and seventy five (175) feet to a point on the easterly location line of the
N. Y. N. H. & H. R.R.; thence N 20° — 04' W on said location line four
hundred ninety one and forty eight one hundredtlis (491.48) feet to the
point of beginning. This parcel contains one and fifty four one hundredths
(1.54) acres.
The 2nd parcel which belongs to Timothy F. Lynch is situated on the south-
erly side of the parcel above described and is bounded and described as
follows : —
Beginning at the intersection of the easterly location line of the N. Y.
N. H. & H. R.R. with the southerly line of the parcel above described, thence
N 49° — 41' E on the said southerly line one hundred and seventy five (175)
feet to a point in the wall at land of U. W. Boyden; thence S 26° — 09' E
on land of said Lynch two hundred sixty and five tenths (260.5) feet to a
point in the wall at land of W. T. Cook Heirs; thence S 29°— 29' W on
the northerly line of land of said Cook Heirs thirty four (34) feet to a
point; thence S 36° — 56' W one hundred ninety five and five tenths (195.5)
158 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
feet to a point on the easterly location line of the N. Y. X. H. & H. R.R.;
thence N 20° — 04' W on said location line three hundred thirty two and
six tenths (332.6) feet to the point of beginning. This parcel contains one
and two hundred and sixty three one thousands (1.263) acres.
The 3rd parcel which belongs to the W. T. Cook Heirs is situated on the
northerly side of Elm Street and is bounded and described as follows : —
Beginning at the intersection of the northerly line of Elm street with the
easterly location line of the N. Y. N. H. & H. R.R. thence N 20° — 04' W
on the said location line thirteen hundred thirteen and nineteen one hun-
dredths (1313.19) feet to a point in the wall on land of Timothy F. Lynch;
thence N 36°— 56' E ou the southerly line of land of said Lynch "one hun-
dred ninety five and five tenths (195.5) feet to a point; thence N29° — 39'E
thirty four (34) feet to a point; thence N 25° — 30' E one hundred seventy
two and three tenths (172.3) feet to a point; thence N 50° — 38' E three
hundred seventy and seventy five one hundredths (370.75) feet to stub at
land of the Town of Foxborough; thence S 28°— 13' E on said Town land
one hundred six and eight tenths (106.8) feet to a stake and stones; thence
S 27° — 06' E three hundred fifty seven and six tenths (357.6) feet to a
point at the end of a wall at land of R. S. Carpenter; thence S 25° — 05' W
on the westerly line of land of said Carpenter four hundred twenty two
and eight tenths (422.8) feet to the end of a stone wall; thence S25° — 21'E
on said wall one hundi'ed and twenty six (126) feet to a point; thence
S 23° — 59' E on said wall one hundred ninety five and seven tenths (195.7)
feet ; thence S 24° — 07' E on said wall two hundred eighty and six tenths
(280.6) feet to a point in the wall on the northerly line of Elm Street;
thence S 55° — 36' W on said northerly line eight hundred nineteen and
forty two one hundredths (819.42) feet to the point of beginning. This
parcel contains twenty four and fifty five one hundredths (24.55) acres.
The 4th parcel which belongs to the W. T, Cook Heirs is situated on the
southerly line of Elm Street and is bounded and described as follows: —
Beginning at the intersection of the easterly location line of the N. Y.
N. H. & H. R.R. with the southerly line of Ehm Street thence N 55° — 30' E
on the line last mentioned eight hundred and thirty (830) feet to the inter-
section of walls at land of Charles G. Wilbur; thence S 80°— 20' E on
the southerly line of land of said Wilbur seventy seven (77) feet to a point
in the wall; thence S 29° — 45' E on said wall one hundred and ninety
eight (198) feet to a point; thence S 31° — 00' E on said wall one hundred
and five (105) feet to a point; thence S 29° —45' E on said wall sixty two
(62) feet to a point; thence S 7° — 30' E on said wall thirty one (31) feet
to a point; thence S 29°— 15' E on said wall eighty one (81) feet to a
point; thence S 21°— 45' E on said wall fifty six (56) feet to a point at
the intersection of two walls at land of E. V. Rosenbuseh; thence
S 61° — 15' W on the northerly line of land of said Rosenbuseh three hun-
dred and ninety (390) feet to a point at the intersection of two walls;
thence S 22° — 39' E on the westerty line of land of said Rosenbuseh three
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOWNS. 159
hundred sixty three and sixty five one hundredths (363.65) feet to a point;
thence S 0° — 44' E eighty one and t\Yo tenths (81.2) feet to a point;
thence S 5° — 34' E one hundred twenty nine and seven tenths (129.7)
feet to a point; thence S 15'— 07' W thirty six and five tenths (36.5)
feet to a point; thence S 12° —43' W fifty nine and three tenths (59.3) feet
to a point; thence S 9° — 02' W sixty two and five tenths (62.5) feet to a
point; thence S 17° — 18' W six:ty nine and six tenths (69.6) feet to a
point; thence S 9°— 19' W ninety two and eight tenths (92.8) feet to
a point; thence S 1° — 47' W one hundred fifty four and nine tenths (154.9)
feet to a point; thence S 7° — 24' E fifty nine and six tenths (59.6) feet
to a point in a wall at land of S. S. Wilbur Heirs; thence S 73° —16' W
on the northerly line of land of said Wilbur Heirs thirty five (35) feet to
a point; thence S 85°— 56' W fifty three and five tenths (53.5) feet to a
point; thence N 89° — 46' W one hundred ninety five and five tenths (195.5)
feet to a point on the easterly location line of the N. Y. N, H. & H. R.R.
thence N 20° — 04' W on said location line thirteen hundred sixty seven and
forty nine one hundredths (1367.49) feet to the point of beginning. This
parcel contains twenty one and seventy two one hundredths (21.72) acres.
Your petition also requests the advice of the Board relative to the
construction of certain sewage disposal works upon the lands described
above, but in accordance with your suggestion the Board postponed action
upon this part of your application until further details of your plan have
been presented.
Franklin.
April 12, 1913.
To the Board oj Water and Sewer Commissioners of the Town of Franklin, Mass.
Gextlemen : — The State Board of Health received from you on
March 25, 1913, an application under the provisions of chapter 613 of
the Acts of the year 1912, for the approval by the Board of plans of a
proposed system of sewerage and sewage disposal for the town of Frank-
lin, which in general provide for the collection of the sewage from the
westerly or larger portion of the main village and the objectionable por-
tions of the manufacturing wastes, which are now discharged into and
seriously pollute Mine Brook, and conveying them to disposal works to
be located on the easterly bank of Mine Brook, about one and three-
quarters miles northwest of the center of the village, where it is to be
purified by intermittent filtration and the effluent discharged into the
brook.
In accordance with the provisions of said chapter 613 of the Acts of
the year 1912, the State Board of Health gave a hearing on the proposed
plans at its office, Eoom 143, State House, Boston, on April 3, 1913, after
160 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
notice of the hearing had been given by the Board by publication in the
Franklin " Sentinel." At the hearing no person appeared to object to
the approval of the plans presented.
After the hearing the Board voted to approve the proposed system of
sewerage and sewage disposal as shown upon the five plans submitted
with the application and bearing the following titles : —
1. Franklin Sewerage. Plan Showing Location of Sewers. Franklin. Mass.
January, 1913. J. J. VanValkenburgh, C.E. Scale — 1 inch = 200 Feet.
2. Franklin Sewerage. Plan Showing Location of Trunk Sewer and Fil-
tration Field. Franklin, Mass. January, 1913. J. J. VanValkenburgh,
C.E. Scale — 1 inch = 200 Feet.
3. Franklin Sewerage. Topogi'aphical Plan of Filtration Field Showing
Location of Proposed Filters and Trunk Sewer. Franklin, Mass. January,
1913. J. J. VanValkenburgh, C.E. Scale — 1 inch = 60 Feet.
4. Franklin Sewerage. Plan of Filtration Areas Showing Sj'stems of Dis-
tribution and Underdrainage. Franklin, Mass. January, 1913. J. J. Van-
Valkenburgh, C.E. Scale — 1 inch = 40 Feet.
5. Franklin Sewerage. Plan Showing Details of Reservoir. Franklin,
Mass. January, 1913. J. J. VanValkenburgh, C.E. Scale — 1 inch = 4
Feet.
It is proposed to construct the sewers upon the separate plan excluding
storm water and ground drainage so far as practicable. It is very im-
portant, in the opinion of the Board, that this plan be strictly adhered
to in order that the full capacity of the sewers may be available for the
removal of sewage and manufacturing wastes, and also to limit the area
necessary for the purification of the sewage and wastes, and consequently
the cost of constructing and maintaining the works.
The area of filters which it is proposed to construct is likely to be
sufficient for the requirements of the town in the beginning, and it ap-
pears to be possible to provide additional filtering area north of the filter
beds now proposed, either by the construction of trickling filters or addi-
tional filter beds. With settling tanks of the capacity proposed it would
be advisable in the beginning, and until the sewers have come into
general use, to use only half of the tanks at a time and clean them
frequently to avoid putrefaction of the sewage and objectionable results
therefrom.
The Board has already advised you relative to the disposal of the
manufacturing wastes into the proposed sewers in a communication under
date of Nov. 23, 1912, and it is important that the suggestions made in
that communication be closely followed in the admission of these wastes
to the public sewers.
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOWNS. 161
Hull.
Oct. 22, 1913.
To the Board of Selectmen, Hull, Mass., jMr. James Jeffrey, Clerk.
Gextlemex : — The State Board of Health has considered your re-
quest for advice as to a suitable place of disposal for the sewage of
Sagamore and Hampton hills, Hull, and has caused the locality to be
examined by one of its engineers.
The district in which it is proposed to construct sewers has an area of
approximately 50 acres and is stated to contain at the present time
upwards of 230 houses. The population is already quite dense, and, as
the soil of the hills is fine and will absorb but little water, the cesspools
overflow upon the ground and create very objectionable conditions. It
has evidently become impracticable to dispose of the sewage of the higher
parts of this district satisfactorily by means of cesspools, and a sewerage
system should be provided at the earliest possible time.
Considerable sections of the town are already provided with sewers
discharging through as many as six outlets, three of which are in the
northerly part of the town and three toward the southerly end. The
northerly outlets, one at Windmill Point, another about a third of a mile
northeast of Telegraph Hill, and the third about one-quarter of a mile
west of Point Allerton, appear to be unobjectionable with the quantity
of sewage now discharging there. No serious complaint appears to have
arisen from two outlets in the extreme southeasterly part of the town,
which discharge directly into the sea, but the sewage of Nantasket, which
is discharged into the head of the channel near the steamboat landing,
is the probable cause of objectionable odors noted in this locality at
times, and it is unlikely that the discharge of sewage can be long con-
tinued at this point without creating objectionable conditions.
The outlet suggested for the sewage of Sagamore and Hampton hills
is located in the Weir Eiver at a point about 1,900 feet west of the shore
at the lowland lying between the hills. At this point the depth of water
at low tide — according to the coast survey charts — is about 8 feet, and
in the neighborhood of this outlet extensive flats are exposed at times
of low tide. An alternative outlet is suggested off Sunset Point, where
the water at low tide is about 17 feet in depth, and in the neighborhood
of this location, also, there are large areas of flats which are exposed
at low tide.
The quantity of sewage to be discharged at the proposed outlet in the
beginuing will probably not exceed 100,000 gallons per day, but the
region is growing rapidly and the quantity of sewage will doubtless in-
crease in the near future. The shores of Sunset Point and World's End
162 STATE EOAPJ) OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc
are used already for bathing, and are likely to be used to an increasing
extent for this purpose in the not distant future, and the waters about
the suggested outlets are used considerably for boating. Under the
circumstances, it is not desirable, in the opinion of the Board, to .dis-
charge the sewage from Sagamore and Hampton hills at either of the
outlets suggested.
It appears to the Board very important that before an outlet is selected
for the sewage of the areas in question, the whole question of the collec-
tion and disposal of the sewage of these portions of Hull and of other
sections which seem likely to require sewerage in the near future, includ-
ing the section from which sewage is now discharged near the steamboat
wharf, be thoroughly investigated and a place of disposal selected which
is likely to be unobjectionable. So far as now appears, such an outlet
can probably be found north of Point Allerton where, if the sewage is
discharged into deep water, the danger of creating objectionable condi-
tions will probably be avoided.
^Mien a definite plan for the sewerage of the districts in the town
likely to require sewerage at no distant time in the future has been
selected, it may be practicable to build portions of the system from time
to time and to utilize temporary outlets at some point or points into
Hingham Bay. or some of its arms, without creating objectionable con-
ditions.
The Board recommends that the investigations suggested be made at
the earliest practicable time, and when the results are available the Board
will, upon request, advise you as to the plans in general and as to the
disposal of the sewage of Sagamore and Hampton hills or other areas at
temporary outlets, if such outlets are found necessary or desirable.
Maldex (Bostox Eubber Shoe Compaxy).
Aug. 8, 1913.
To the Boston Rubber Shoe Company, Maiden, Mass.
Gextlemex: — In response to your request of July 16, 1913, for an
examination of the industrial wastes of your factory to determine
whether these wastes are of such a quality that they may be discharged
into the Maiden Eiver or should be disposed of into the sewers, the State
Board of Health has caused the locality to be examined and samples of
the wastes to be analyzed.
The results of the examination show that the waste water from the
boiling, washing and grinding of rubber contains a large quantity of
organic matter which should be disposed of into the sewers, as should
also the wastes from the carboni.^ing of old rubber. These wastes, how-
Xo. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOWNS. 163
ever, coutain large quantities of matter in suspension vvliicli can easily
be removed by sedimentation, and the wastes should not be discharged
into the sewer until after they are passed through properly designed set-
tling tanks for the removal of such heavy matters as will settle out on
standing. The period of sedimentation required, judging from the re-
cent examination, should be at least two hours. The tanks should be
designed by an engineer of experience in the construction of such works,
and will require cleaning at sufficiently frequent intervals to maintain
them in proper operation. The tanks should be so designed that the
settled sludge can be discharged upon strainers of sand, cinders or coke,
with proper drains leading to the sewer. After draining, the solid mat-
ter should be removed to some unobjectionable place of disposal.
The dye wastes also contain large quantities of organic matter, part of
which is in suspension. These wastes if discharged into the Maiden
River would cause serious discoloration of the water, besides polluting it
considerably, and in the opinion of the Board it is advisable that they
be disposed of by discharging them into the sewers. These wastes are
ordinarily discharged at a high temperature and would be objectionable
if admitted to the sewers in that condition, and they should also be
passed through tanks for cooling, including the removal of such sus-
pended matters as can be removed by sedimentation.
The wastes from the rinsing after dyeing contain very little organic
matter and may be discharged into drains leading direct to the Maiden
River. These wastes and other waters used for cooling or any other
purpose where they are not contaminated should be kept out of the
sewers and dischara:ed into the river.
Maxchester.
April 3, 1913.
To the Committee on Sewerage of the Town of Manchester, Mass.
Gentlemen : — The State Board of Health received from you on
Feb. 26, 1913, an aj^plication for advice as to a proposed system of
sewerage for the town of Manchester as described in the report and
shown upon the plans of your engineer presented therewith.
These plans provide for the collection of the sewage of the more
thickly settled portions of the town into a receiving basin, to be located
on the northerly side of the Gloucester Branch of the Boston & Maine
Railroad, between Church and Beach streets, whence it is proposed to
pump the sewage through a cast-iron force main 14 inches in diameter
and about 9,500 feet in length to a settling tank of the Imhoff type on
House Island, from which the sewage will be discharged into the sea
164 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
off the southerly end of the island at a point where the depth of water,
according to the coast survey charts, is about 42 feet at low water.
You have also asked advice as to the discharge of the sewage directly
into the sea in the same general locality without settling tanks on House
Island.
The Board has caused the locality to be examined by one of its
engineers and has considered the report and plans presented. The quan-
tity of sewage to be disposed of will depend very largely upon the care
used in the construction of the sewers and the connections therewith, and
it will probably be several years before the amount will reach 300,000
gallons per day. It appears that the question of disposing of the sewage
upon land within the limits of the town by any of the methods available
for that purpose has been carefully considered, but that no suitable lo-
cation for this purpose has been found. The plan of disposing of the
sewage by discharging it into the sea has also been considered and recom-
mended by your engineer, and in the opinion of the Board this method
of disposal is the best that it is practicable to adopt.
The location of the proposed settling tanks on House Island would
add considerably to the cost of the work, and there would be likely to be
a noticeable odor about such works. It would be best, in the opinion of
the Board, in the beginning at least, to omit the construction of these
tanks and discharge the sewage directly into the sea as pumped from
the reservoir. If the quantity of sewage should increase, or floating
matters should ever be noticeable in the neighborhood of the outlet, set-
tling tanks could be provided if necessar}', though it is probable that a
satisfactory removal of suspended matters could be effected by screening
at the pumping station without danger of causing objectionable condi-
tions at any point. In the design of the works at the reservoir and pump-
ing station provision should be made, so far as practicable, for the future
screening of the sewage in case further treatment should ever be found
desirable. The plans of the works provide for a reservoir having a ca-
pacity of not less than 100,000 gallons. It is desirable that the size of
the reservoir be as small as practicable in order to avoid decomposition
of the sewage therein, and a capacity of less than 100,000 gallons should
be adequate for the purpose for several years.
The location of the outlet now proposed in the deep water outside of
House Island appears to be a satisfactory one, but it is possible that by
eliminating the tanks on House Island the location might be changed
somewhat and a saving thereby effected in the cost of the force main.
Before locating the outlet definitely, the Board recommends that suitable
surveys and soundings be made, together with observations of the move-
Xo. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOWNS. 165
ments of the currents, in order that the force main and the point of
discharge may be as favorably located as practicable for the economical
and satisfactory disposal of the sewage.
XoEwooD (Dr. Lewis H. Plimpton).
To Dr. Lewis H. Plimpton, Norwood, Mass. ' '
Dear Sir : — The State Board of Health has considered your proposed
plan for disposing of the sewage of certain houses in Norwood and has
caused the locality to be examined by one of its engineers.
It appears that the proposed sewerage system is intended to provide
for the disposal of the sewage of about twenty dwelling houses on the
westerly side of Washington Street and on either side of Eock Hill Street
in the extreme southwesterly portion of Norwood near the Walpole
boundary. The ground upon which these dwellings stand is apparently
composed largely of ledge, so that it is impracticable to dispose of the
sewage satisfactorily by means of cesspools, and a general system of
sewerage is evidently essential to the maintenance of proper sanitary con-
ditions in this locality.
The plan presented provides for collecting the sewage in a 4-inch pipe
sewer and conveying it to a subsurface filter bed having an area of about
.13 of an acre, to be located about 150 feet east of Washington Street and
nortli of Water Street, and about 100 feet from the Neponset Eiver.
Examinations of the soil from test pits in this locality show that
much of it is rather fine for the disposal of sewage by subsoil filters,
but the underlying surface soil near the westerly extremity of the pro-
posed filter appears to be of better quality for the purpose than any
other place. The two cesspools used for the disposal of sewage at the
present time are to be continued in use, and it is probable that the quan-
tity of sewage to be disposed of by the proposed filter, in the beginning
at least, will not exceed 3,500 gallons per day. Under these conditions
it is probable that the proposed filter, which will have an area of .13 of
an acre, will be adequate, with proper care in its construction and main-
tenance, for the purification of the sewage. It is advisable, however,
that the filter be quite thoroughly underdrained with drains laid at
least three feet below the level of the distribution pipes.
Filters of similar design to that proposed have been operated satis-
factorily in many places for the disposal of domestic sewage, but experi-
ence shows that the distribution pipes through which the sewage is
applied to the filter usually become clogged after a longer or shorter
period of use and must then be taken up, cleaned and relaid, in order to
secure continued satisfactory operation of the filters.
166 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
EocKLAXD (Xew System Laundry).
To the Rockland New Systein Laundry, Rockland, Mass. '
Gentlemen : — The State Board of Health received from you through
your engineers, Messrs. E. B. and C. L. Hayward of Brockton, on June
12, 1913, the following application for advice as to the disposal of wastes
from the Rockland New System Laundry : —
"We are sending herewith a pencil tracing of the laundry and outlying
lands of the Rockland New System Laundry.
They have asked us to prepare plans for the disposal of the waste from
their laundry and we would like to have your Engineer examine the premises
and make such recommendations to us in the matter as j'ou deem advisable.
We have not given the matter much study as yet and are sending you
the information we have in hand in order that no time may be lost as they
desire to get their plant in working order at as early a date as possible.
Their present capacity is 312 washings per week using 135 gallons per
wash. On Mondays they do 156 washings. They wish to arrange for a
capacity of 200 washings for three days or 27,000 gallons per day for three
days.
The laundry is located on Bigelow Avenue in the town of Rockland very
near Union Street.
The application is accompanied by a sketch of the laundry and existing
tank and cesspool, and subsequently a plan was submitted showing the
proposed new works for the disposal of these wastes.
It appears that the wastes from the laundry amount to from 18,000
to 20,000 gallons per day for three days in each week, and the plans pro-
vide for disposing of the Avastes upon a subsurface filter with an area
of about .3 of an acre and a depth of about 4.14 feet. The plans provide
for the distribution of the waste upon this area from thirty-one lines of
4-inch distribution pipe, with an aggregate length of about 2,950 feet,
and for ten lines of 4-inch underdrain laid 12 feet apart, discharging
into a small stream probably tributary to Weymouth Back River.
The distribution system, according to the plans, is divided into four
sections, and the pipes are to be laid about 6 inches below the surface
of the filter. The distance between the invert of the distribution pipes
and that of the underd rains averages about 3.3 feet. It is proposed in
the operation of the Avorks to discharge the wastes first into a tank of
field stone 6 feet by 8 feet in plan and 4 feet in depth, from which they
will overflow into a cesspool 12 feet in diameter and 8.5 feet in depth,
whence the overflow will be discharged upon the filter beds. It is pro-
posed to remove the sludge intercepted by the settling tank and cesspool
in niffht soil carts.
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOWNS. 167
The Board has caused the locality to be examined by one of its engi-
neers and has considered the plans presented. The land in the rear of
the laundry is comparatively flat, and apparently not more than 21/2 feet
above high- water level in an adjacent pool. The soil as shown by test
pits appears to be composed of loam and muck at the surface, underlaid
with fine sand containing a small amount of gravel, and very fine sand
or clay is found in the easterly portion of the lot. The soil is of poor
quality for sewage disposal purposes, but it is understood that it is pro-
posed to construct the filters of coarse material from a gravel pit located
not far from the laundry.
By constructing the filter bed of suitable coarse sand or gravel, with
an effective depth of 3.5 feet, it will be practicable in the opinion of the
Board to dispose of the wastes from this laundry satisfactorily, provided
an adequate area is prepared for the purpose and the filter receives the
necessary care. In such filters the subsurface distribution pipes gradu-
ally become clogged, and it is necessary after a longer or shorter period
of use to dig up, clean and relay these pipes. It is best to lay them at a
depth of at least one foot below the surface, covering and surrounding the
pipes with coarse gravel graded to small sizes in order to keep the sand
from entering the pipes. In order to provide for a depth of filter of 3.5
feet and for laying the distribution pipes at a depth of at least one foot,
it will probably be necessary to raise the laundry machinery, to pump the
wastes or to loAver the water in the pool receiving the effluent of the
proposed filter. The area which it is proposed to construct is somewhat
limited for the purpose, and it is quite likely that the distribution pipes
will become clogged and require relaying at more frequent intervals than
if a much larger area were provided. It is desirable, in the opinion of the
Board, to provide an area of as much as 0.5 of an acre in the beginning,
since better results are likely to be secured if the filtration area is of
ample size. In case the quantity of waste discharged from the laundry
is increased at any future time, the area of the filter beds should be pro-
portionately increased to care properly for the wastes.
It is important to pass the wastes through a settling tank or fine screen
before discharging into the distribution pipes, in order to reduce the
closging as much as practicable, and it may be necessary, in order to
provide adequate preliminary treatment for the wa'^tes, to pump them
to suitable tanks or screen chambers prepared for the purpose.
If the filter beds are properly constructed of suitable material with
an effective depth of 3.5 feet it is probable, in the opinion of the Board,
that the proposed plans, with the modifications herein suggested, would
provide satisfactorily for the disposal of these wastes so long as the filters
are maintained in efficient working condition.
168 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
EocKLAXD (E. T. Wright Company).
Sept. 4, 1913.
To the E. T. Wright Company, Rockland, Mass.
Gextlemex : — The attention of the State Board of Health having
been called to the projiosed construction of a filter bed on the northerly
side of Webster Street and east of Liberty Street for the purification of
sewage from your factory, the Board has caused the locality to be ex-
amined with reference to the possibility that the proposed new works
might create objectionable conditions in the neighborhood.
Subsequently, through your engineer, Mr. E. Worthington, the advice
of the Board was requested as to a proposed plan for disposing of this
sewage, the construction of works having already been begun.
It appears that the quantity of sewage discharged from the factory —
Judging from the water consumption — is slightly less than 5,000 gallons
per day and that this sewage at present discharges into three cesspools
in the neighborhood of the factory south of Webster Street, through
which an overflow pipe leads to a large cesspool on the easterly side of
a brook north of Webster Street. The soil in which this cesspool is lo-
cated appears to be rather fine, and the sewage rises to the surface in an
open pool west of the cesspool, which has been the cause of complaint.
According to the plan presented, it is proposed to construct two filter
beds near this cesspool having an aggregate area of about .15 of an acre.
The filter beds are apparently to be constructed with one foot of stone on
the bottom covered with a stratum of sand and gravel 2 feet in thick-
ness, the sand and gravel to be obtained from a sand bank in the region.
It does not appear that it is proposed to provide underdrainage for these
filters other than the coarse stone forming the substratum.
Considering the elevation of the surface of the filters as compared with
the level of the l)rook, there is likely to be difficulty in operating these
filters satisfactorily unless their surfaces can be raised or the level of the
brook lowered. In any case, in the opinion of the Board, in order to
purify this sewage adequately it is advisable to construct filters having
a depth of at least 4 feet of sand thoroughly underdrained and having
an area equal to that indicated in your plans. Open filter beds in this
region will be likely, unless they receive much more than usual care, to
give off objectionable odors at times, which may be noticeable at a con-
siderable distance from the filters. It would be best, in the opinion of
the Board, to apply the sewage to the filters in pipes laid about one foot
beneath the surface of the filter and so constructed that the sewage can
pass into the sand from properly protected open joints in these pipes.
Subsurface filters of this sort have been used successfully for the disposal
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AXD TOWNS. 169
of sewage in similar quantities at several places, but with such filters the
distribution pipes become clogged after a longer or shorter period of use,
depending upon the rate of operation of the filters, and must be taken
up, cleaned and relaid in order to maintain the filters in proper oper-
ation.
The Board recommends the construction of a filter of this kind for the
disposal of the sewage of the factory until such time as the town shall
provide an adequate sewerage system capable of preventing further con-
tamination of local waters and other objectionable conditions.
Sept. 4, 1913.
To the Board of Health, Rockland, Mass.
Gextlemen^ : — Enclosed herewith is a copy of the advice of the State
Board of Health to the E. T. Wright Company relative to the disposal
of sewage from their factory in Eoekland.
The Board again calls attention to the great need of a system of sewers
for the maintenance of proper sanitary conditions in the thickly settled
portions of the town of Eoekland.
EUSSELL.
June 9, 1913.
To Mr. E. D. Parks, Chairman, Board of Selectmen, Russell, Mass.
Dear Sir : — The State Board of Health has considered your applica-
tion for its advice as to the discharge of the sewage of the village into
Bradley Brook and has caused the locality to be examined by one of its
engineers.
The results of the examination show that it is proposed to discharge
the sewage from the main portion of the village into the northerly chan-
nel of Bradley Brook, at a point where it will be crossed by a proposed
new highway about 1,200 feet from the mouth of the brook.
Assuming that the flow of Bradley Brook is well maintained in the
summer season, the total quantity flowing in both channels would hardly
be sufiicient for the proper dilution of the sewage of Eussell in the drier
part of the year, and if the sewage from the streets indicated were to be
discharged into the northerly channel of the brook there is little doubt
that a serious nuisance would soon be created. There would probably also
be serious objection to discharging the sewage into the main brook, unless
at some point below the suspension bridge.
The best point for disposing of the sewage would be to discharge it
into Westfield Eiver at the mouth of the brook. It may be possible, also,
to extend the sewer through Main Street and discharge the sewaee
170 STATP: board of health. [Pub. Doc.
directly into the river beneath or near the highway bridge. At either
location it is probable that the sewage could be disposed of satisfactorily
for several years without objection.
It is probable that at some future time it will be necessary to purify
the sewage of the village before discharging it into the river, and it is
advisable that the storm water be kept out of the sewers or, if admitted,
that the connections be so made that the storm Avater can readily be
diverted if necessary.
South Hadley.
March 6, 1913.
To the Board of Sewer Commissioners, South Hadley, Mass.
Gentlemen : — The State Board of Health received from you,
through your engineers, on Jan. 28, 1913, an application for advice as
to a proposed system of sewers for South Hadley Center and WoodlawTi,
accompanied by plans of the proposed sewers and outlet and a report
describing the proposed works.
The plans provide for collecting the sewage from these villages and
the. sewage from Mount Holyoke College, which now pollutes Stony
Brook, into a system of pipe sewers connected with branch mains in
College Street running toward the valley of Stony Brook, where they
connect with the main sewer which it is proposed to lay in the valley
of Stony Brook to convey the sewage to an outlet into the Connecticut
Eiver opposite the mouth of the brook. The plans also provide for sewers
in the valleys of two small tributaries of Stony Brook Avhich will connect
with the main sewer at the outlets of these tributaries below College
Street. The sewers are to be constructed upon the separate plan and all
storm water excluded. It is understood that no definite plans have yet
been made for underdrainage of the sewers but that underdrains will be
laid when the works are constructed if found necessary.
The Board has caused the locality to be examined by one of its engi-
neers and has considered the plans and information presented. The
plans in general appear to provide adequately for the collection of all of
the sewage from the present thickly settled portions of South Hadley
Center and Woodlawn and for conveying it to the Connecticut River by
gravity. The main sewer is of suflficient capacity to serve a considerably
larger population than is now found in the district which this sewer is
capable of serving by gravity, provided all storm water and ground drain-
age, so far as practicable, are excluded from the sewers.
The plan of the proposed outlet provides for conveying the sewage
through a 16-inch cast-iron pipe to an outlet in the river about 200 feet
from the northerly side of the bridge across Stony Brook -at it? mouth
Xo. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOWNS. 171
and about 100 feet from the general shore line of the river at a point
^vhere the water is several feet in depth at the ordinary low-water stage
of the river.
Owing to the topographical conditions in the valley of Stony Brook,
through which the proposed main sewer is to be laid, numerous changes
in the direction of the sewer appear to be necessary, and these changes
in direction have been made at manholes to provide for inspection and
cleaning. The line appears to be a practicable one, although it is pos-
sible that in the final construction it can be straightened and improved.
Numerous manholes along this line will be submerged at times of high
Avater in the Connecticut Eiver, and there will doubtless be times under
these conditions when sewage will escape from the manholes. It is un-
likely, however, that any sewage will flow out of the manholes at points
in the neighborhood of the village, and such overflows along the main
sewer are not likely to be objectionable. It is possible that at some
future time it will be advisable to avoid danger of the escape of sewage
from the manholes, and in that case it would be necessary to raise these
manholes above the level of the hydraulic gradient. Such extension does
not appear to be necessary at the present time.
The disposal of the sewage by discharging it directly into the Con-
necticut Eiver appears to be the best that it is practicable to adopt under
the existing conditions. The discharge of sewage into the river can prob-
ably be allowed to continue for many years, but the adoption of this
outlet is subject to the condition that the sewage shall be removed from
the river and purified M^henever purification shall become necessary.
In the opinion of the Board the plan in general is a suitable one for
the sewerage of South Hadley Center and Woodlawn and the method of
disposal the best that it is practicable to adopt at the present time.
July 11, 1913.
To the Board of Sewer Commissioners, South Hadley, Mass.
Gentle:\iex : — The State Board of Health received from you on June
18, 1913, the following application for advice as to the discharge of
sewage from the Woodlawn District in South Hadley into Stony Brook : —
Om' board of sewer commissioners of the town of South Hadley wish to
make of you a formal application for permission to discharge the sewerage
for that section of the town known as the Woodlawn District into Stony
Brook. This is shown on the map which you have on file at your office.
In making this application we wish it distinctly understood that it is done
for the sake of affording temporary relief for the district mentioned.
It is the present intention of the board as outlined to your Mr. Whittet
to continue this trunk sewer as fast as the financial condition of the town
172 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
will warrant to its outlet at the Connecticut River. We have no intention
whatever of letting this remain as a permanent discharge in the brook but
the financial condition of our town is such that we believe this a wise course
to be followed out at the present time.
The Woodlawn District is situated mostly on high, flat land adjacent
to College Street and contains apparently at the present time about
twenty dwelling houses and an estimated population of a little less than
100 persons. The proposed outlet for the sewage from this district into
Stony Brook is to be located below College Street bridge, about two miles
above the point where the brook enters the Connecticut Eiver.
The Board has caused the locality to be examined by one of its en-
gineers and has considered the plan presented. There is no doubt that a
system of sewerage is greatly needed in the village of Woodlawn, where
the soil is not adapted to the satisfactory disposal of domestic sewage by
means of cesspools, and it is very important to provide an adequate
method of sewage disposal in this locality at the earliest practicable time.
The quantity of sewage that would be discharged into Stony Brook
from this village is small, even compared with the flow of Stony Brook,
but Stony Brook evidently receives considerable pollution from other
sources in the village, and the discharge of any considerable amount of
crude sewage directly into the stream would be likely, in the opinion of
the Board, to be objectionable.
"While the dijfficulty and expense of providing a proper means of disposal
for the sewage of the village are considerable, on account of the topo-
graphical conditions and the length of sewer required to reach the Con-
necticut Eiver, there appears to the Board no better or less expensive
plan of disposing of the sewage of the thickly settled areas in the valley
of Stony Brook and preventing the objectionable pollution of the stream
than by conveying it to an outlet into the Connecticut River.
Under the circumstances the Board is unable to advise the discharge
of sewage into Stony Brook, as proposed, except that the small amount of
sewage that would be contributed by the twenty houses or thereabouts in
Woodlawn may be discharged temporarily into the brook below the junc-
tion with the second tributary about 3,000 feet below College Street. It
is important, in the opinion of the Board, that the discharge of sewage
into the brook be discontinued, and all the sewage of the village should be
conveyed to the Connecticut River at the earliest practicable time.
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOWNS. 173
Springfield (House of the Good Shepherd).
Sept. 4, 1913.
To the Mother Superior, House of the Good Shepherd, Springfield, Mass.
Dear Madam : — In response to your request, made through the State
Inspector of Health, the State Board of Health has caused an examina-
tion to be made of the House of the Good Shepherd in Springfield with
a view to suggesting a plan of sewage disposal for this institution which
will obviate the objections to the present method.
The results of the examination indicate that the quantity of sewage
may be about 18,500 gallons per day, and it also appears that there is no
sewer of the city of Springfield in the neighborhood of the institution
into which the sewage can be discharged by gravity.
Under the circumstances, there appear to be two practicable plans for
a satisfactory improvement in the method of sewage disposal at this
institution; one, by the construction of a sewer between 1,100 and 1,200
feet in length in a northwest direction to the city sewer in Benton
Avenue and pumping the sewage to that sewer. Pumping could prob-
ably be done automatically, if electric power is used, with a comparatively
little outlay for the care and operation of the works, but in the construc-
tion of the sewer it would probably be essential to obtain a right of way
over private land, and the practicability of employing this method of
disposal would depend upon the ability to secure the right to cross in-
tervening land not belonging to the institution. The other method of
effecting a satisfactory disposal of the sewage would be to construct
filtration works south, east or northeast of the institution and to purify
the sewage by filtration until such time as a city sewer is available for
its disposal.
There appear to be adequate areas for the treatment of sewage upon
lands of the institution in such a way as will produce a satisfactory
effluent which can be turned into the neighboring stream without objec-
tion and at the same time not create a nuisance in the neighborhood.
As to which of these plans would be the more economical it is im-
practicable for the Board to advise you with its present information.
The Board recommends that you have the matter investigated by an
engineer of experience in such matters and estimates of the cost of dis-
posing of the sewage by each plan prepared. Wlien the results of these
investigations are available the Board will, if you so request, give you
further advice as to the disposal of the sewage from this institution.
174 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
Walpole (Lewis MaxufacturiisG Company).
May 24, 1913.
To the Lewis Manufacturing Companrj, Walpole, Mass.
Gentlemen" : — The State Board of Health has considered your ap-
plication of April 21, 1913, and the plan submitted therewith, for
advice as to the disposal of wastes from your factory in Walpole, as-
suming that the capacity of the works will be increased 25 per cent, and
eventually to about double its present capacity, and has caused the lo-
cality to be examined by one of its engineers.
Measurements of the wastes discharged from your works at the pres-
ent time indicate that the total quantity amounts to about 100,000 gal-
lons per day, and analyses show that the wastes from the first boil or keir
discharge, from the first wash after boiling and from the absorbent boil,
so called, — amounting to about 16,000 gallons per day, — contain large
quantities of organic matter which require purification before being dis-
charged into the river. The wastes from the other processes did not con-
tain at the time of this examination so great a quantity of organic matter
as to require treatment before being discharged into the river.
Under present conditions the wastes requiring treatment and those
requiring no treatment are both discharged into the river through the
same pipe, and there are indications that at times some of the wastes
other than those requiring purification are discharged into the settling
tanks and thence upon the filter beds, while at other times some of the
wastes requiring purification are discharged untreated into the river.
The settling tanks used at the present time have a capacity of about
7,500 gallons. They are divided into two compartments and are prob-
ably large enough, if properly operated, to provide adequate sedimenta-
tion for a quantity of waste not exceeding 16,000 gallons per day. So
far as the Board is informed, these tanks are not operated in such a
way as to secure satisfactory sedimentation of the wastes; in fact, it
appears that the tanks are cleaned out at very rare intervals, and neces-
sarily, under the circumstances, except for a few days after cleaning, they
are of little value in their effect upon the purification of the wastes.
Moreover, considerable floating matter which might be arrested in the
tanks evidently goes over to the filter beds through lack of proper scum
boards.
It is probable that a large part of the suspended matter in these
wastes could be removed by properly operated settling tanks. The tanks
should be cleaned out at as frequent intervals as is necessary to secure
the best results from sedimentation, and it is probable that they should
be emptied at least as often as once in ten days. By providing proper
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOWNS. 175
scum boards a large part of the suspended matter which floats to the
surface can be prevented from escaping from the tanks. It is possible
also that, by the use of chemicals, precipitation of a considerable addi-
tional portion of the organic matter could be effected in these settling
tanks and the rate at which the filter beds could be operated would be
increased.
The filter beds now in use have an area of about 8,800 square feet,
which is less than was recommended by the Board in its communication
of Dec. 3, 1908, for the treatment of these wastes. It is probable that
with proper care of the settling tanks an area of 12,000 square feet of
filters would provide adequately for the purification of the wastes at pres-
ent discharged from the factory. In order to provide for double this
quantity of waste, which it would be necessary to treat in case the fac-
tory were enlarged to the maximum extent indicated in your applica-
tion, it would be necessary to provide an area of at least 24,000 square
feet of filters, assuming that the process will not be materially changed
from the process in use at the present time.
The present filters have not been cleaned as often as desirable, and
in addition to being somewhat unsightly in consequence of lack of suf-
ficient care it is probable that they have caused some odor in the neigh-
borhood. There is little doubt, however, that with proper care of the
filters danger of objectionable odors in the neighborhood would be very
largely avoided.
Of the lands suggested for the purification of these wastes, the lots
near the corner of West and Station streets and those along the easterly
side of Station Street are nearer the village than it is desirable to use for
this purpose. The land southwest of Elm Street north of the river and
the areas north of the New York, New Haven & Hartford Eailroad
would be satisfactory for the purpose, provided suitable material were
obtained and the filters properly constructed thereon.
In the opinion of the Board, if you can secure a sufficient area of land
within a reasonable distance of your factory of such extent that it would
be practicable for you to construct thereon filters having an aggregate
area of at least 24,000 square feet, it will be practicable for you — if the
capacity of the works is not more in the future than described — to
purify the foul portions of your manufacturing wastes sufficiently so as
to prevent causing objectionable conditions in the river. Such filter beds
are somewhat unsightly and, though they need not be seriously objection-
able on account of odor if properly cared for, it is nevertheless advisable
that they be located at some point as far as practicable from the densely
populated part of the village. If located near a highway or not far
from other buildings it is best to screen them from view by planting
176 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
trees and shrubs about them. In constructing additional filter beds it is
advisable to so locate the outlets of underdrains that samples of the
effluent can be obtained from time to time so as to determine its quality
and the efficiency of the purification effected by the filters.
It is also important that settling tanks of suitable design and capacity
be provided to secure the best results from sedimentation, and finally it
is very important that the settling tanks, both those now in use and any
hereafter constructed, shall be emptied at frequent intervals and that the
surfaces of the filter beds shall be cleaned as often as is necessary to keep
them in most efficient working order.
The sludge from the settling tanks can probably be dried upon sludge
beds before final disposal, provided the sludge beds are so located that
they will not be objectionable. Otherwise, the sludge should be removed
to some suitable place of disposal in proper carts.
\YALTHA:\r (PoxD ExD School).
Sept. 24, 1913.
To the Board of Health, Waltham, Mass., Mr. A. L. Moody, Agent.
Gextle:mex : — The State Board of Health has considered your re-
quest for advice as to the disposal of sewage from the Pond End School,
so called, and the plans submitted subsequently by the city engineer.
It appears that the school is intended to accommodate 40 pupils in the
primary grades, and it is estimated that the total quantity of water that
would be used for the school and the probable quantity of sewage would
be about 500 gallons per day. The plans provide for collecting the sewage
in a settling tank and discharging it upon an artificial filter bed com-
posed of suitable sand and gravel having an area of 750 square feet and
a total depth of about 51/2 feet. It is proposed to apply the sewage to the
filter through subsurface drains of open-jointed pipe laid about 18 inches
below the surface of the filter. The purified effluent will flow into an
adjacent water course.
The Board has caused the locality to be examined by one of its engi-
neers and has considered the plans and information presented and con-
cludes that the best method of disposing of the sewage of this school will
be to discharge it ultimately into the sewerage system of the city of
"Waltham since, according to the information available to the Board, the
length of sewer required would be about 3,500 feet and the cost probably
not more than $5,000, exclusive of land damages.
Until a sewer has been provided to remove the sewage of the school to
an outlet into the AValtham system, the plan presented appears to be the
best that it is practicable to adopt. With a system of subsurface filtration
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOWNS. 177
such as is here proposed the distributing pipes through which the sewage
is delivered to the filter usually become clogged after a longer or shorter
period of use, and it is necessary to dig up, clean and relay these pipes
from time to time in order to maintain the filters in successful operation.
It is very important, if the filters shall be constructed for the temporary
disposal of the sewage from this school, that the area prepared shall be
at least as large as proposed and that the work shall be carefully carried
out under the supervision of your engineer.
Ware.
Jan. 6, 1913.
To the Board of Health of the Town of Ware.
Gextlemex: — The State Board of Health received from you on
Dec. 28, 1912, a report upon the Cheever Swamp nuisance in Ware, pre-
pared by your engineer, Mr. James L. Tighe, together with a plan for
relieving the nuisance.
The plan provides for a sewer to be extended from the present town
sewer in West Street northerly toward West Main Street and then toward
the west in the rear of the houses on that street, into which all of the
sewage from the various houses in the neighborhood of the swamp can
be discharged by gravity. The plan also provides for lowering the present
12-inch drain pipe and extending it to a point near the southerly end of
the swamp, and it is suggested that more thorough drainage can be pro-
vided by extending this drain to a point near the northerly end of the
swamp and laying lateral drains to provide thorough drainage for all
parts of the area.
The Board has examined the plan presented and is of the opinion that
this plan, if properly carried out, will provide adequately for relieving
the nuisance now caused by the inefficient drainage of this swamp, pro-
vided the further recommendation for the removal of objectionable organic
matter now deposited there and the prevention of further accumulations
of foul matter is strictly enforced. The sewer and drain, if properly
laid, are adequate for the purposes for which they are designed, and it is
advisable that the further suggestion of the engineer be carried out as
to extending the drain and providing laterals for the more thorough drain-
age of the area. It will probably be found desirable, in addition, to
raise the level of the area by filling ; and, if so, this improvement can be
made later if deemed necessary.
178 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
Westfield.
June 9, 1913.
To Mr. John L. Hyde, Town Engineer, Westfield, Mass.
Dear Sir : — The State Board of Health received from you on. May 3,
1913, the following application for advice relative to a proposed sewer in
Curtis and Atwater streets in the to-UTi of Westfield : —
... At a recent town meeting it was voted to build a sewer for house
drainage on Curtis street, which is on the north side of the river and runs
west from Atwater street a distance of three hundred feet.
The contour of the gi'ound is such that it cannot be drained into Parker
Ave., and the elevation of the present sewer on Poehassic will not allow it
to drain that way.
It is therefore proposed to connect it with the storm-water sewer on At-
water street. There are at present sis houses on Curtis St. . . .
The proposed sewer is located north of the Westfield Eiver near the
westerly limits of the thickly settled portion of the town. The plan sub-
mitted with the application provides for constructing a sewer in Curtis
Street to Atwater Street, and thence through Atwater Street to an outlet
in the Westfield Eiver opposite the foot of that street. The sewer is to
be built on the combined plan to receive both sewage and storm water
and will have a diameter of 8 inches in Curtis Street and 10 inches in
Atwater Street.
The Board has caused the locality to l)e examined by one of its engi-
neers and has considered the plan presented. While there are very few
houses in this portion of the town as yet, sewers appear to be necessary to
remove the sewage from the neighborhood of the dwelling houses, and
drainage is also desirable for the relief of this district.
It is of the greatest importance in the opinion of the Board that the
sewage and the storm water should be kept wholly separate in the town
of Westfield, because with continued growth it will be necessary for the
to-wn at no distant time to provide for the purification of its sewage before
it is discharged into the Westfield Eiver or its tributaries. In the case
of the proposed sewer on Curtis and Atwater streets it will be difiicult and
expensive to provide for discharging the sewage at the present time into
any of the existing sewers of the town, and under the circumstances it is
permissible, in the opinion of the Board, to dispose of the sewage from
Curtis Street by discharging it temporarily into the river at the foot of
Atwater Street. Provision should be made in the beginning for the sep-
aration, so far as practicable, of the sewage from the storm water in this
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOWNS. 179
district, and roof waters should be kept wholly separate from the sewage
and discharged into the sewer or drain through separate pipes.
It is also important tliat the sewer be extended into the river to a point
at least 40 feet beyond high-water mark and at such an elevation that
the outlet will be entirely submerged at times of low water in the stream.
Subject to these conditions, the Board is of the opinion that the pro-
posed plans may reasonably be adopted for the sewerage of the district
in question to meet the present emergency.
Weymouth (Lauxdry ix South Weymouth).
To Mr. W. H. Dyer, South Weytnouth, Mass. ^^^^- *' ^^^^■
Dear Sir : — In response to a complaint of an objectionable odor in
the vicinity of your laundry at South Weymouth, the State Board of
Health has caused the locality to be examined by one of its engineers and
finds that the works constructed for the disposal of the wastes therefrom
do not appear to be operated satisfactorily at the present time.
An examination of the filters upon which the wastes are disposed indi-
cates that the underdrainage is not satisfactory and also that the charac-
ter of the material is not as favorable for the disposal of the wastes as
was indicated from the limited number of test pits which were dug to
show the character of the material at the time the works were proposed.
There are also indications that the quantity of wastes from this laundry
is greater than at the time the plans of the works were prepared.
The Board recommends that the filters be thoroughly underdrained with
drains laid with their bottoms at a depth of as much as 5 feet below the
surface of the filters and that these underdrains be given a free outlet
into the brook. If it is found impracticable to lay drains at this level, the
elevation of the filters should be raised even if it should be necessary to
pump the wastes. The soil of the filter beds should also be examined
and the portions found to be unsatisfactorv' for purification purposes
should be removed and suitable sand or gravel substituted therefor. The
Board further recommends that the work of improvement of these works
should be done under the supervision of an engineer of experience in
matters relating to the disposal of sewage.
Sewerage facilities appear to be greatly needed in this portion of Wey-
mouth, in common with other thickly settled areas in the town, and the
most satisfactory plan of disposing of these wastes will be in connection
with a general system of sewerage in the village. Until such a system
is available, however, there appears to be no more practicable plan than
filtration for disposing of these wastes without creating objectionable
conditions in the neighborhood or polluting the adjacent stream.
180 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
Sept. 4, 1913.
To the Board of Health, Weymouth, Mass.
Gentlemex : — In response to a complaint of objectionable odors in
the neighborhood of a laundry in South Weymouth, and a request for
advice as to the disposal of the wastes therefrom, the State Board of
Health has advised as to a plan for treating these wastes, and a copy
of this advice is enclosed herewith for your information.
It will be very difficult, in the opinion of the Board, to maintain satis-
factory sanitary conditions in this thickly settled district unless a system
of sewerage is provided for the removal of sewage and objectionable
wastes. The Board recommends that the question of sewerage for the
thickly settled portions of Weymouth be taken up by the town at its
earliest opportunity and plans for the necessary works prepared. It
will then be practicable to construct portions of the system from time to
time as they become necessary. The Board is prepared to advise as to
any plan of sewerage and sewage disposal that the town may desire
to present.
Wilmington- (C. S. Haeriman & Co.).
Sept. 4, 1913.
To Messrs. C. S. Harriman & Co., North Wilmington, Mass.
Gentlemen : — The State Board of Health received from you on
Aug. 21, 1913, through your engineers, Messrs. Metcalf & Eddy of Boston,
plans for the purification of the wastes from your tannery in Wilmington,
accompanied by a report describing the proposed works.
Estimates of the quantity of the wastes discharged from the tannery
indicate that they amount to from 75,000 to 100,000 gallons per day at
the present time, and an analysis indicates that they may contain some-
what less organic matter than wastes discharged from similar works
elsewhere.
The plans submitted provide for collecting these wastes into two sedi-
mentation tanks, each having a capacity of about 15,000 gallons, from
which they will flow to a dosing tank having a capacity of 20,000 gallons,
whence they will be pumped to sand filters having an area of about two
acres, to be located on the westerly side of the Boston & Maine Eailroad,
southeast of the tannery. Sludge drying beds having an approximate
area of .18 of an acre are shown upon the plans.
Examinations of the location of the proposed filter beds indicate that
much sand can probably be found there which will be suitable for purify-
ing the wastes, and it is proposed to provide additional filtering material
from a gravel bank in the neighborhood.
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOWNS. 181
The Board has caused the locality to be examined by one of its en-
gineers and has considered the plans presented and is of the opinion that,
if carried out as jiroposed, they will provide adequately for the purifica-
tion of the wastes from this tannery while the quantity is no greater than
it is estimated to be at the present time.
The wastes from this tannery appear to contain somewhat less organic
matter than those from similar tanneries elsewhere, but the samples ex-
amined did not include the waste liquor from the lime vats. It appears
that these tanks are emptied at infrequent intervals, and it is probable
that a special sludge drying bed might l)e used to advantage for the dis-
posal of this waste at such times, thus keeping it separate from the other
wastes.
The elevation of the filter beds al)Ove the brook into which the effluent
will be discharged is not shown upon the plans. It is desirable that the
filters be elevated sufficiently above the level of this Ijrook to make it
practicable to provide for the further treatment of the wastes in case
such treatment sliould be found desirable in the future.
The Board further recommends that when completed the works be
placed under the care of a competent person trained in the operation of
such works, under the supervision of your engineers.
"WlXCHEXDOX.
Mat 21, 1913.
To the Sewer Commissioners, Winchendon, Mass.
Gextlemex : — The State Board of Health has considered your peti-
tion for the approval of a system of sewerage in the town of AYinchendon,
with a temporary outlet into Millers Eiver, the scheme being outlined in
your petition as follows : —
We, the unclersigned, Sewer Commissioners of the Town of Winchendon,
hereby respectfully petition for your approval for so much of the system
of sewerage as is shown in red, on a plan submitted herewith, the outlet
to be into Millers Kiver at the point indicated for a tempoi-ary outlet; with
the approval of the Board of additions of streets connecting with the streets
marked in red, where sewers seem to be most needed, should the Commis-
sioners find that the amount of the appro iiriation which will be in their
hands, \-iz., $100,000.00, will allow of such extensions.
The application is accompanied by a plan showing the streets in which
it is proposed to construct sewers in the beginning, also the line of the
main sewer, the location of the filtration area, and the location of a pro-
posed temporary outlet for the sewage into l^Iillers River about 700 feet
below the lowest dam in town.
182 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
The plan is similar in most respects to the plan presented for the con-
sideration of the Board in 1906 and provides for the ultimate disposal
of the sewage upon land on the east side of Millers Eiver, about two miles
west of the main portion of the town, in a sparsely settled region where
the conditions are favorable for the satisfactory purification of the sewage.
The plans provide for constructing the main sewer down the valley of
Millers Eiver from the center of the town to a point within a quarter of
a mile of the proposed filtration area, whence the sewage will be diverted
into Millers Eiver through a temporary pipe line about 1,200 feet in
length.
The Board has caused the locality to be examined by its engineer and
has considered your application and the plan presented therewith. Millers
Eiver at the point at which it is proposed to discharge the sewage drains
an area of about 56 square miles, and the flow of the river, judging from
the information available to the Board, falls to a very small quantity in
the summer season in dry years. The river already receives considerable
pollution from the factories and mills along its course above the proposed
temporary sewer outlet, and the discharge of a quantity of sewage such
as would be collected by the proposed sewer system would be likely to
create a nuisance in the river.
At a point opposite the proposed filtration area the river is joined by
a large stream from the north, and its drainage area at the highway cross-
ing just below this area is 50 per cent, greater than at the temporary out-
let proposed on the plan submitted. It is probable that a limited amount
of sewage could be discharged temporarily into the river below the high-
way bridge without causing seriously objectionable conditions, provided
the sewage were first treated in settling tanks for the removal of sus-
pended matters which would create objectionable conditions in the
stream.
The proposed filtration area contains soil well suited to the purification
of sewage by intermittent filtration. The land is quite level and filter
beds can be constructed upon it at a reasonable cost. An ample area ap-
pears to be available for the purification of all of the sewage of the town
until the population becomes considerably greater than at the present
time, and there are other areas on the opposite side of the river which can
be used in case of need.
The general system of collecting the sewage of the town in a system
of pipe sewers, from which storm water and ground drainage are excluded
so far as practicable, and disposing of it by intermittent filtration upon
filter beds to be located on the area indicated in the northwestern part of
the town appears to the Board the best practicable method of providing
for the collection and disposal of the sewage of the tovrn.
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOWNS. 1S3
The Board does not approve the proposed temporary outlet shown upon
the plan submitted, but recommends that the main sewer be extended to
the proposed filtration area in the beginning and that the necessary
settling tanks, screens and sludge beds for the removal, so far as prac-
ticable, of the suspended matter in the sewage be constructed in the be-
ginning. In the opinion of the Board it will be permissible during the
construction of the works to discharge the sewage into Millers Eiver
through a temporary outlet to be located not more than 600 feet above
the bridge on the Eoyalston Eoad, this outlet to be used for the disposal
of the sewage only during the construction of the proposed works, the dis-
charge of the sewage into the river to be discontinued in any case on
July 1, 1918, unless earlier required by the Board, after which the sewage
is to be purified upon the area shown upon the plan submitted with your
application.
The Board recommends that the detailed plans for the settling tanks,
filter beds and temporary outlet for the sewage be submitted for its con-
sideration before the construction of the works is begun.
Miscellaneous.
The following is the substance of the action of the Board during the
year in reply to applications for advice relative to the pollution of
streams and miscellaneous matters : —
Agawam.
Oct. 1, 1913.
To the Board of Health, Agawam, Mass.
Gextle:\iex : — Complaint has recently been made of the pollution
of the water of Three Mile Brook near Eiverside Park in Agawam, and
an examination shows that the stream still receives pollution by wastes
from the works of the Agawam Company, though the cause of the re-
cent complaint relates to conditions near the mouth of the brook below
the point where the stream receives the discharge from a distillery.
The wastes from this works are of a character to cause very serious pol-
lution of a stream no larger than Three Mile Brook at times in the sum-
mer season when the water is low, and in order to prevent the nuisance
it will be necessary either to purify these wastes or divert them from the
stream. It would be very difficult and expensive to treat these wastes in
such a way that they might be discharged into the brook without causing
objectionable conditions, and unless the entire quantity can be otherwise
disposed of the best practicable plan will probably be to discharge them
through a sewer having an outlet into the Connecticut Eiver.
184 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
The condition of the upper portions of Three Mile Brook below the
works of the Agawam Company appears also to be objectionable, and
no work appears to have been done in carrying out the recommendations
of this Board of Oct. 3, 1912.
The Board recommends that the proprietors of these establishments be
required to take such steps for the treatment of their wastes before their
discharge into the brook as will prevent a nuisance resulting therefrom,
or that provision be made for the removal of these wastes to a suitable
outlet or outlets in the Connecticut Eiver.
Dec. 5, 1913.
To the Board of Health, Agawam, Mass.
Gentlemen : — In response to your request, received through Dr. J.
V. W. Boyd, State Inspector of Health of that district, the State Board
of Health has caused an examination to be made of the sanitary condi-
tions in the thickly settled district in the extreme northerly part of
Agawam near the Westfield Eiver and has caused samples of water
from a spring and well in this district, from which water is taken for
drinking, to be analyzed.
It appears that no system of public water supply has yet been pro-
vided in this densely populated area, and the examination shows that
the conditions now existing in this district are unfavorable to health.
The most important source of water supply for drinking is apparently
Lj-nch's Spring, so called, located a little over 100 feet north of Church
Street upon ground sloping toward the river. There are a numlDer of
dwelling houses on the slopes above the spring, and an analysis of the
water shows that it is considerably polluted, though at the time of this
examination it was probably not unsafe for drinking.
Another source of supply which was examined is the well of John
Dalio, located in the basement of his dwelling house. An analysis of
the water of this well shows that it is badly polluted and unsafe for
drinking.
While the condition of this village is extremely unsanitary, there is no
doubt that a very great improvement could be effected at once in the pro-
tection of the public health by the introduction of a public water supply,
and the Board recommends that the water pipes of the town be extended
to the district at the earliest possible time and the further use of objec-
tionable wells and springs prevented. When a public water supply has
been provided, such further improvements can be made as shall then be
found necessary or desirable.
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOWNS. 185
EvEEETT (New England Gas and Coke Company).
April 12, 1913.
To Mr. Dudley P. Bailey, Everett, Mass.
Dear Sir: — In accordance with your request of Feb. 7, 1913, the
State Board of Health has investigated the escape of odors from the
works of the New England Gas and Coke Company and has sent a com-
munication to the company relative to this matter, a copy of which is
enclosed herewith.
In case relief from the objectionable conditions complained of is not
experienced within a reasonable time, the Board should be notified of
the fact.
April 12, 1913.
To the New England Gas and Coke Works, 111 Devonshire Street, Boston, Alass.
Gentlemen : — Complaints having been made to this office that dur-
ing the past winter residents of portions of the city of Everett have been
annoyed by objectionable odors from the New England Gas and Coke
Works, the State Board of Health has caused observations to be made
by its agents to determine the cause of complaint.
The results of this examination show that on numerous occasions in
February and March odors, which were undoubtedly derived from your
works, were observed within distances extending from half a mile to
a mile and a half from the works. The investigations further show
that there has been a practical absence of odors from the works for sev-
eral years until the middle of the past winter, indicating that some
change in the method of operation or the materials used at the works,
or lack of the usual care in carrying out the various processes, causes
the escape of odors therefrom.
The experience of the past few years shows that the works can be so
operated as to prevent annoyance to the inhabitants of Everett by odors
from these works, and the Board recommends that you make an investi-
gation as to the cause of the escape of objectionable odors in the past
two months and take such steps as may be necessary to restore the former
efficiency of the works in respect to the prevention of odors.
Hampshire County (County Commissioners).
June 5, 1913.
To the County Commissioners of Hampshire County.
Gentlemen : — In response to your request, received through Dr.
John S. Hitchcock, State Inspector of Health, for advice as to certain
sites sugsrested for the location of the proposed tuberculosis hospital for
186 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
Hampshire County, the State Board of Health has caused the sites in-
dicated to be examined by its engineer and has considered the informa-
tion presented concerning them. Of the eight sites proposed, three are
within the limits of the city of Xorthampton and live are in the town of
AVilliamsburg.
The first site examined is on what is locally known as Baker's Hill,
situated about midway between the villages of Bay State and Florence.
According to the State map this hill has an elevation of 320 feet above
sea level and about 120 feet above the level of Mill Eiver, which passes
near the foot of the hill. A hospital on this site could easily be supplied
with water from the water works of the city of Xorthampton, and the
sewage could be disposed of without difficulty into the Xorthampton city
sewers, but a serious objection to the use of this location is the nearness
of numerous dwelling houses on the easterly and southerly slopes of the
hill, and under the circumstances the Board does not recommend its
adoption.
Site Xo. 2, known as the Seth Warner place, is located on the slope of
a hill 420 feet high, situated about midway between the villages of
Florence and Leeds. The summit of this hill and its westerly slope are
for the most part covered with trees, while the southeasterly slope would
form an excellent site for a hospital at an elevation of between 300 and
350 feet above sea level. An institution at this place could easily be
supplied with water from the water works of the city of Xorthampton,
and the sewage could be disposed of into the Northampton city sewers.
The location, while close to both electric and steam transportation facili-.
ties, is nevertheless well removed from any dwelling houses and is, in
the opinion of the Board, an appropriate location for the proposed
hospital.
Site No. 3 is located on the southwesterly slope of Main's Hill, about
three-quarters of a mile northeast of the village of Leeds. A supply of
water for an institution at this location could be secured without diflS-
culty from the Mountain Street main of the Northampton water works,
which passes at the foot of the slope. The sewage would have to be
disposed of by means of purification works constructed on the property,
and the construction of such works would be expensive inasmuch as
there does not appear to be any material of suitable quality for sewage
purification upon the lands in question. The site is somewhat removed
from transportation facilities and its exposure is not a very desirable
one for such an institution.
Site No. 4, on the northwesterly side of Walpole's Hill, so called,
appears to be the most undesirable of the sites indicated for the location
of the proposed tuberculosis hospital.
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TO\^'XS. 1S7
The fifth location indicated is on White's Hill, somewhat less than
a mile north of the village of Haydenville. This site is at such an ele-
vation that any buildings constructed upon it could not be supplied with
water by gravity either from Williamsburg or from any of the reservoirs
of the city of Northampton, and the water supply of the institution,
Avhether secured from the works of either of those municipalities or
from independent sources, would have to be pumped. The sewage would
also have to be disposed of on the grounds of the institution, but it is
probable that satisfactory sewage disposal works could be located at some
point on the easterly or southerly slope of this hill. The site is some-
what inaccessible and would be expensive to develop, and for these
reasons it is much less desirable than site Xo. 2.
The sixth location suggested is on the southerly slope of a hill locally
known as Hosford's Hill in Williamsburg. Water from the public
works of the town of Williamsburg could probably be supplied to build-
ings on the lower slopes of this hill without special difficulty, but if
buildings should be constructed upon the higher slopes, where a more
desirable location is found, it would be necessary to pump the water to
some suitably elevated tank in order to furnish water to the institution
under adequate pressure. The sewage would have to be purified by means
of works especially constructed for the purpose, the cost of which in this
location would be considerable. The site is in other respects a favorable
one and appropriate for the purpose in view, though not as desirable as
site Xo. 2, already described.
Site Xo. 7 is located on the easterly slope of a ridge extending in a
northerly and southerly direction west of Wright Brook. An adequate
water supply could probably be obtained under suitable pressure for
buildings on this site without extra pumping, but the sewage would
have to be disposed of by means of special works constructed in the
valley of Wright Brook. The disposal of the sewage would not be
especially difficult at this place, as an ample quantity of gravel appears
to be available for the purpose. The situation is in a rather narrow
valley at no great elevation above the bottom lands, and it is not as
desirable a one as sites No. 3 or No. 6.
Site No. 8 is located on what is known as the Breckinridge Place on
the southeasterly slope of a ridge extending in a northerly and southerly
direction north of the main village of Williamsburg. There is little
doubt that an adequate supply of water for buildings at this site could
be furnished from the public works of the town of Williamsburg with-
out extra pumping. The disposal of the sewage would require the con-
struction of special works in the valley of a small stream flowing south
into the Mill Eiver. There might be difficulty in locating the sewage
188 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
disposal works in an unobjectionable location at this site, but by placing
the buildings at a sufficiently high elevation a suitable location could
probably be found. The site is, on the whole, a less satisfactory one
than sites ISTos. 2 and 6, to which reference has already been made.
As a result of the examination, the Board is of the opinion that site
No. 2 is the most desirable of all those mentioned and that site Xo. 6,
with the buildings located on the southerly slope of the hill near the
summit, would also be suitable for the purpose, though less satisfactory
than site No. 2.
Aug. 7, 1913.
To the County Commissioners, Hampshire County, Mass.
Gentlemen: — In response to your request of July 30, 1913, for
advice as to two additional sites suggested for the location of the proposed
tuberculosis hospital for Hampshire County, the State Board of Health
has caused these sites to be examined by one of its engineers and has
considered the conditions affecting their use for the purpose proposed.
One of these sites is located about half a mile north of the village of
Leeds on the westerly side of the Mill Eiver, a short distance south of
the boundary between Northampton and Williamsburg. The elevation
of the land at the highest part of this location is about 500 feet above
sea level, and the ground slopes from this elevation to the east, south and
west. There are places on both the southeast and southwest slopes well
adapted for the location of a hospital and within a very short distance of
the electric railway. There are no dwelling houses in the immediate
neighborhood of this location.
The best practicable plan of supplying water to an institution at this
place would probably be to take water either from the water supply
svstem of the town of Williamsburg, from which the institution could
be supplied by gravity, or to pump water from the system of the city of
Northampton, the pressure in which is not sufficient to supply a hospital
at the location in question by gravity. In order to obtain a water supply
from the Williamsburg system legislative action would probably be neces-
sary, but the Williamsburg supply could probably be furnished at some-
what less cost than a supply from the Northampton system. A con-
siderable expense would also be necessary to provide a proper system of
sewage disposal, since special works would have to be constructed for
this purpose, there being no available sewer into which the sewage could
be discharged in the region about the hospital.
Notwithstanding the probable considerable cost for water supply and
sewerage for an institution in this location, it appears to be a desirable
one for the purpose.
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOWNS. 189
The other site is located on the westerly side of Mill Eiver about
half a mile west of the village of Bay State. A part of the land at
this site is elevated 100 feet or more above the Mill Eiver valley, and
most of it slopes in a northeasterly direction toward Mill Eiver from
a tableland situated in the southwesterly part of the area. There is
considerable population at no great distance from this land, but buildings
could be so located that there would be no dwelling houses in their im-
mediate neighborhood. A water supply for a hospital at this location
could be obtained from the Northampton supply, though there is some
doubt as to whether the pressure would be sufficient without a pump.
The sewage could be cared for by a connection with the Northampton
system.
While tlie cost of a hospital in this location might be less than at
the site near Leeds already considered, the location does not possess the
natural advantages of the latter, and its exposure is not a very desirable
one for the proposed hospital. In the opinion of the Board the proposed
site near Leeds is an appropriate one for the location of the proposed
hospital, and a much more desirable location than the one suggested near
Bay State.
Haverhill.
Aug. 13, 1913.
To Mr. Louis C. Lawton, City Engineer, Haverhilll, Mass.
Dear Sir : — The State Board of Health has considered your applica-
tion for advice as to a proposed plan for improving the condition of
Little Eiver, which you describe as follows : —
I desii'e to obtain the advice of your Board relative to a i^roposed plan for
improving Little River in this city from Washing-ton Square to Winter
Street.
On account of the rough and iiTeguIar character of the present river bot-
tom refuse material collects at various places, which during the dry summer
season, when the water is low, and the bed is exi^osed, becomes objectionable.
Our plan is to construct a smooth concrete pavement in the bed of the
river, sloping to a central depression, on a true established gTade. With
this pavement jjroperly constructed, the dry weather flow Avould be confined
to the center, and the surface of the concrete could be easily kept clean. . . .
In response to this application the Board has caused Little Eiver in
the portion of its course in which it is proposed to improve the channel,
this portion being included between Winter Street and Washington
Square, to be examined by one of its engineers and has considered the
plan presented.
190 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
The results of the examination of the river show that at the present
time the channel of the stream throughout its length hetween Winter
Street and AYashington Square is bordered for the most part by rough
stone walls which are in many places out of repair, while the bottom is
very irregular, being covered largely with stones and especially with
large quantities of detritus, including tin cans, wooden boxes and much
other refuse.
The water of the river above Winter Street is used for manufacturing,
a large part of the flow at the present season of the year being used in
various processes in the mills along the stream, and at the time of the
examination the entire flow of the stream below Winter Street was
highly colored with manufacturing waste. By carrying out the plan sug-
gested the bottom of the channel would be materially improved, and by
reconstructing or repairing the side walls the channel could be brought
into such condition that — if floating matters are kept out of it and the
bottom is kept free from detritus — its sanitary condition would be satis-
factory ; but the experience with similar channels flowing through densely
populated districts has been that they are used to a very great extent
as places of deposit for such materials as are now found in the channel of
Little Eiver, including much foul organic matter, and it is very difiicult,
if not impracticable, even with careful inspection and frequent cleaning,
to keep such channels in proper condition.
In the opinion of the Board the best practicable plan of preventing
eSiciently further nuisance from the channel of Little Eiver will be to
cover the channel completely with a suitable structure capable of carrying
off the flow of the stream at times of extreme freshet. The cost of such
a channel will of course be much greater than the cost of improving the
bottom of the stream alone, and — since it is very desirable that a ma-
terial improvement in this stream should be made at the earliest possible
time — it is advisable to improve the bottom of the channel by covering
it with concrete as proposed, and in carrying out this work to provide,
so far as practicable, for the final covering of the channel throughout its
length from Winter Street to Washington Square. TJntil the channel is
covered the Board recommends that its use as a place of deposit for
refuse of any kind be prevented, so far as possible, and that the channel
be cleaned at the necessary intervals to maintain it in a satisfactory sani-
tary condition.
The Board further recommends that foul manufacturing waste and
other polluting liquids be disposed of into the sewers and the pollution of
the stream be prevented.
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOWNS. 191
Hyde Park (New York, New Ha vex & Hartford Eailroad).
June 5, 1913.
To Mr. F. K. Irwin, Superintendent of Bridges and Buildings, New York, New Haven
& Hartford Railroad, New Haven, Conn.
Dear Sir: — In accordance with your request of April 26, relative to
improving the character of the waste discharged from the New York,
New Haven & Hartford Eailroad yards into the Neponset Eiver near
Eeadville, the State Board of Health has caused the locality to be ex-
amined and finds that the wastes from your works consist at present
of water from car washing and other cleaning operations incidental to re-
pair work, steam exliaust and roof and area drainage from the works.
' An examination of the waste shows that, while it contains a sufficient
quantity of oil to have an objectionable effect upon the river, the amount
is not great enough, compared with the total flow of the waste water from
the works, to be separated by the use of the oil separator which you have
suggested. So far as can be judged from an inspection of the works and
information supplied as to the sources of the waste discharged into the
drain, it appears that the waste from the boiler and engine rooms prob-
ably contributes by far the greater part of the oil which goes into the
river, and it is probable, also, that if the oil contained in the wastes
from these rooms should be eliminated the objection caused by the dis-
charge of these wastes into the river, so far as it is caused by the oil
they contain, would be removed. The wastes contain, however, a con-
siderable quantity of organic matter, and it may be necessary after the
removal of the oil to discharge the objectionable portions of these wastes
into the sewer.
The Board recommends that you investigate first the practicability of
separating the wastes from those parts of the works from which large
quantities of oil are discharged, and that as soon as this separation has
been effected investigations be made as to the treatment of these wastes
for the extraction and recovery of the oil they contain. After the
separation of the oily portion of the wastes has been effected, it will be
practicable to determine what portion, if any, of these wastes will re-
quire to be discharged into the sewer or to receive further treatment
before beinsr dischara^ed into the river.
192 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
Lexixgtox.
Feb. 6, 1913.
To the Cemetery Committee of the Town of Lexington, Mr. Alonzo E. Locke,
Chairman.
Gextle:\iex: — The State Board of Health has considered your pe-
tition of Aug. 24, 1912, requesting approval by the Board of the use for
cemetery purposes of certain lands, forming a portion of the Monroe
estate in the town of Lexington, and has caused the locality to be ex-
amined by one of its engineers.
The lands in question are situated within the watershed of the Arling-
ton Eeservoir, the former source of water supply for the town of Arling-
ton, the control of which is retained by the town for the purpose of a
reserve water supply, though not used for domestic consumption.
The Board gave a hearing to the authorities of the town of Arlington
on Sept. 0, 1912, at which hearing it was stated on behalf of the town
of Arlington that the said town " retains control of these lands for the
purpose of a reserve water supply to be used not for human consumption
but for sprinkling the lawn at the new town hall, sprinkling streets, and
other similar uses."
The Board, acting imder the provisions of chapter 379 of the Acts of
the year 1909, hereby approves the use for cemetery purposes by the town
of Lexington of the lands shown upon the plans submitted with the
application.
The location and boundaries of the lands herein approved are shown
upon a plan on file at this office, entitled : " Lexington. Plan showing
the relation of the land held under lease by the Breck-Eobinson Xursery
Co., and other land which the Town of Lexingion proposes to take for
a Cemetery, and the works of the Old Arlington Supply. Scale 1
inch = 300 feet."
Lowell.
Aug. 25, 1913.
To Hon. James E. O'Donnell, Mayor, Lowell, Mass.
Dear Sir : — The State Board of Health has considered your request
as to the advisability of using certain lands as a site for a contagious
disease or tuberculosis hospital, or both, the lands in question being
described as follows : —
The land in question comprises about 20 acres of a plot of 59 acres pur-
chased by the city in 1900, for the purpose of enlarging and protecting its
, Boulevard well plant so called. In 1900 when the Boulevard well plant was
enlarged by the installation of more wells it became necessary to cross the
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES f AND ^TOWNS. 193
Boulevard, and the Cushing farm, so called, 35V2 acres, was purchased.
" But to preserve the water from possible contamination it was deemed ad-
visable to buy all the land west of the tenninus of Pawtucket Boulevard
as far as the Cushing land adjoining Tyngsborough Boulevard and extending
back about 750 feet." (Water Board Report for 1900.)
The land suggested as a possible site for the hospital is the northerly
jjortion of the above-described property and runs southerly from Yarnum
Avenue to Fowler road, and is remote from the well jilant.
In response to this request the Board has caused the locality to be
examined and finds that the land in question has a general slope toward
the Boulevard wells, so called, from which the water supply of the city
is now obtained. The city has acquired considerable- areas of land in
the vicinity of these wells in order to protect its sources of water supply
from pollution, and the lands which are suggested as a location for a
contagious disease or tuberculosis hospital form a part of these lands.
The examination of the territory shows that drainage from the area
indicated must inevitably flow toward the wells, and the occupation of
these lands for hospital purposes would affect unfavorably the quality of
the water obtained therefrom.
Under the circumstances the Board does not recommend the use of the
lands in question for a contagious disease or tuberculosis hospital.
Xov. 6, 1913.
To the Municipal Council of the City of Lowell, Mass.
Gextlemex : — In response to your vote of October 21, "• that the
State Board of Health be requested to send a representative to examine
the various proposed contagious hospital sites and make a report as to
wliat site or sites, in his Judgment, is best adapted for the erection of a
building for the care of tuberculosis," the location of the several pro-
posed sites was obtained from the mayor and each was carefully examined
by a committee of the Board.
Of the eight sites proposed, two are, in the opinion of the Board, very
well adapted for the purpose. One on Chelmsford Street, designated
as the Hope estate, is about 5,500 feet from City Hall. It includes about
six acres and rises to a site for buildings about 80 feet above water. It
overlooks all neighboring buildings with free air from distance in all
directions. The high ground with a southerly slope is well situated for
perambulation. There is vacant land a little higher to the northeast.
Existing homes are much lower and 200 or 300 feet from the building
site. Street cars are on adjoining street 50 feet below, and steam rail-
road is 1,700 feet distant.
194 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
The other site is on the northwest side of Seventh Avenue, Pawtucket-
ville, hetween Mt. Hope Street and Mt. Grove Street prolonged. It con-
tains about five acres, being about 700 feet on Seventh Avenue and about
314 feet wide. It is about 7,000 feet from City Hall, with street car lines
1,000 feet east and 1,000 feet west. There is a water pipe in front and
sewers near each end. Much of the area has a growth of pine trees, is
nearly level at about 65 feet above water in the river above the dam, with
a gentle southerly slope and with a steep slope to the northeast at one
end. The surface is well above the land in all directions, except to the
northwest, where unoccupied land rises perhaps 15 feet higher.
With the addition of two acres of this higher land, the Board is of
opinion that this site is the best adapted for a tuberculosis hospital
among those proposed. Without this addition the Hope estate on
Chelmsford Street is preferable.
MiLLBURY (see Xorthbridge).
JSTORTHBRIDGE.
June 5, 1913.
To the Boards of Selectmen of the Towns of Northbridge, Uxbridge and Millbury and
the Board of Health of the Town of Millbury.
Gextlemex : — The State Board of Health received from you on
March 19, 1913, the following application for its advice relative to the
condition of- the Blackstone Eiver : —
Under the authority of Chapter 433 of the Acts of the Year 1909, the
Selectmen of the towns of Millbury, Uxbridge, Northbridge, Grafton and
Blackstone respectfully request your advice and assistance i:pon the following
questions : — •
First: As to whether or uot the Blackstone River in the Town of Millbury
is so polluted as to be a public nuisance.
Second: As to the manner in which the Blackstone River is polluted, and
the parties that are responsible for its condition.
Third: As to whether or not the City of Worcester is removing from
its sewage, before its discharge into the Blackstone River, the offensive and
polluting properties and substances therein, so that after its discharge in
said River, either directly or through its tributaries it shall not create a
nuisance or endanger the public health.
Fourth: As to the most available and appropriate means for the Town
of Millbury to adopt to correct the present objectionable conditions.
In response to this application the Board has caused an examination to
be made of the sources of pollution of the Blackstone Piiver and has
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOWNS. 195
examined the information available as to the condition of the stream and
the records of analyses at various points within the limits of the State.
The sanitary condition of the Blackstone Eiver has been investigated
by the Board, at the request of the town of Millbury, on three previous
occasions during the past twenty-two years — in 1891, 1895 and 1906
— and a copy of the statement of the Board in the latter year is ap-
pended to this communication.
In the upper part of the watershed of the Blackstone Eiver, Kettle
Brook, one of its principal tributaries, is badly polluted and its condi-
tion made objectionable partly by sewage but chiefly by wastes from
woolen mills in the village of Cherry Valley in Leicester and Worcester.
Farther downstream the river and its tributaries receive considerable
additional pollution chiefly from mills in Worcester and Auburn, but
before entering the thickly populated part of the city of Worcester the
river passes through a number of large ponds and its condition is greatly
improved.
At Quinsigamond — below Worcester but above the outlets of the
effluent from the Worcester sewage disposal works — the quantity of
organic matter in the river water, as represented by the albuminoid
ammonia, was slightly less in 1913 than in 1905, the time when the
observations were made upon which the previous advice of the Board
was based.
In the town of Millbury — below all of the outlets from the Worcester
sewage disposal works — the quantity of organic matter in the river
water in 1912 was greater than for several years.
Farther down the river at Uxbridge the quantity of free ammonia in
the river water was nearly 25 per cent, greater in 1912 than in 1905,
and the albuminoid ammonia was about 40 per cent, greater. At Mill-
ville, on the other hand, the quantity of organic matter in the river
water, as represented by the albuminoid ammonia, was less in 1912
than in 1905.
The chief source of pollution of the river is the effluent discharged
from the sewage disposal works of the city of Worcester, including sewage
overflowing into the river at times of storm, l)ut the river also receives,
either directly or through its principal tributaries, much pollution from
other sources, especially from factories and mills. These wastes consist
for the most part of waters used in the washing and dyeing of cloth
and of sewage chiefly from factories, the total quantity of the latter dis-
charged into the river and its tributaries below the city of Worcester
being equivalent, probably, to the constant flow of sewage from about
4,000 people.
In the period between the year 1905 — the time when the observations
196 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
were made upon which the previous reply was based — and tlie year
1912 the population of the city of Worcet^ter increased about 19.5 per
cent, and the total mileage of sewers about 17.9 per cent., while the
total quantity of sewage treated at the works has also shown a material
increase. According to the records of the sewer department of the city
of Worcester, the percentage of organic matter removed from the sewage
by all methods of treatment, judging from the albuminoid ammonia,
was 61.5 in 1905 and 57.7 in 1912, while upon the basis of the oxygen
consumed the percentage removed was 58,2 in 1905 and 60.3 in 1912.
The total cost of the sewage disposal works of the city of Worcester
increased between the years 1905 and 1912 nearly 30 per cent., ex-
clusive of the cost of construction of a new outfall sewer, while the total
amount expended for maintenance in 1912 was about 7 per cent, less,
according to the reports, than in 1905.
It is impracticable at the present season of the year to make an ex-
amination of the river which would indicate at all satisfactorily its con-
dition in the drier portion of the year, and it is necessary to base con-
clusions as to its comparative condition at the present time and its
condition in previous years upon the information available for 1912.
Judging from this information, the condition of the Blackstone Eiver
below the Worcester sewage disposal works in the town of Millbury has
shown but little change for many years. The river is offensive for a long
distance below the city of Worcester, and the effects of the pollutions
which it receives are noticeable for many miles.
As to the manner in which the Blackstone Eiver is polluted, and the
parties that are responsible for its condition, the Board finds that the
chief pollution is caused by the discharge of crude and partly purified
sewage from the city of Worcester.
The total length of sewers in the city of Worcester is 159.37 miles, of
which 93.32 miles, or 58.5 per cent, are constructed upon the separate
plan, but there still remain 66.05 miles of so-called " combined " sewers
from which mingled sewage and storm water overflow into the river at
times of heavy rain. It also appears that in 1912, of the total quantity
of sewage, about 26.8 per cent, was treated by sand filtration and about
88 per cent, of the organic matter removed therefrom, while about 72.4
per cent, of the sewage delivered at the disposal works was treated by
chemical precipitation and from 38 to 43 per cent, of the organic matter
removed therefrom previous to discharge into the river.
The river is also polluted by sewage and manufacturing waste from
numerous factories and mills, part of which are situated in the valley
of the Blackstone Eiver and its tributaries above Worcester, chiefly in
the towns of Leicester and Auburn, and part in the valleys below that
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOWNS. 197
city. These pollutions consist chiefly of wastes from the scouring and
dyeing of yarns and the washing and dyeing of cloth, together with the
sewage of operatives in numerous mills and of certain sewers in Millbury,
the total quantity of sewage discharged into the river below Worcester
being equivalent, probably, to the total flow of sewage from a population
of about 4,0U0.
As to the third question in your application, viz., ''as to whether or
not the City of Worcester is removing from its sewage, before its dis-
charge into the Blackstone Eiver, the offensive and polluting properties
and substances therein, so that after its discharge in said Eiver, either
directly or through its tributaries it shall not create a nuisance or en-
danger the public health," the Board finds that, while a part of the sewage
of the city is receiving adequate purification, a large part of it is still
discharged into the river after treatment which removes less than 40
per cent, of the total quantity of organic matter contained therein
and that the nuisance in the river in the town of Millbury is due chiefly
to pollution by the sewage of the city of Worcester.
"As to the most available and appropriate means for the To^^^l of
Millbury to adopt to correct the present objectionable conditions," it
appears to the Board that a remedy is provided under the provisions of
chapter 331 of the x4.cts of the year 1886. While this chapter 331 of the
Acts of 1886 applies to the chief source of pollution of the river, viz., the •
sewage disposal for the city of Worcester, there are other considerable
sources of pollution of the river from factory wastes and from sewage
extending all the way along the river and on its tributaries from Cherry
Valley to Blackstone. These alone would probably not produce a
nuisance at Northbridge, TJxbridge and Millbury, but they add to the
nuisance there existing.
If it were thought desirable by the inhabitants of the valley, an act
like that now existing in regard to the Xeponset Eiver might be effectual
in removing all of the sources of pollution.
TiSBURY.
Aug. 2, 1913.
To the Tisbury Water Works, Vineyard Haven, Mass., J. E. Rowland, Treasurer.
Gentlemen : — In response to your request for advice as to the lo(3a-
tion of a dwelling house for the engineer at the water works pumping
station near Tashmoo Pond, the State Board of Health has caused tlie
locality to be examined by one of its engineers and has considered the
information presented.
The water of the spring from which your supply is obtained is of
198 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
excellent quality, and it is important that the dwelling house be so
located that the gronnd water will not be polluted by the discharge of
sewage from the house.
An examination of the locality indicates that by constructing the
house about 320 feet northeast of the spring the sewage can be disposed
of at some point north of the vault now used for that purpose, and the
conditions affecting the water drawn from your spring would probably
not be noticeably changed. It is important that no receptacle for sewage
be located any nearer the spring than the vault now used, and it is also
advisable that the use of fertilizers on the lands about the spring and
between the spring and the proposed dwelling house should be avoided.
UXBPJDGE (see XOETHBRIDGE).
Weston.
Jan. 17, 1913.
To the Board of Trustees of the Riverside Recreation Grounds, Weston, Mass.,
Mr. H. S. Upham, Manager.
CtENTLEMEN : — In response to your request for an investigation of
the water suppl}', sewerage and general sanitary conditions about the
Eiverside Eecreation Grounds in AYeston, the State Board of Health has
caused the locality to be examined by one of its engineers and samples of
water from the well and from the swimming pool to be analyzed.
The results of the analyses show that the ground water in this locality
is very badly polluted and unsafe for drinking, though the condition of
the water of the swimming pool at this time was not such that it would
be objectionable for the purposes for which it is used.
The present plan of disposing of the sewage is to discharge it into
cesspools from which it finds its way, either through overflow drains or
by seepage through the ground, to the river. This method of disposal of
the sewage is undoubtedly the cause of the very serious pollution of the
ground water in the locality, as shown by the analyses of the water of
the well and the swimming pool.
The Board recommends that the further use of the well, which is situ-
ated directly between the principal cesspools and the river, be prevented.
The sewage should be collected and disposed of at some point at a much
greater distance from the swimming pool than at the present time, and
this change should be made with as little delay as possible, for with the
continued pollution of the ground water the water supplied to the swim-
ming pool is likely to be increasingly polluted.
No. 34.] ADVICE TO CITIES AND TOWNS. 199
The extent of the grounds appears to be such that it ma}^ be possible
to dispose of the sewage at such a distance from the buildings as to pre-
vent pollution of the swimming pool and at the same time secure a
water supply at a sufficient distance from the place of sewage disposal
to avoid danger that its quality will be affected thereby. If the saving in
expense which can be effected by securing a water supply on the grounds
will make it worth while, a careful investigation should be made, under
the direction of an engineer of experience in such matters, to determine
a practicable plan of sewage disposal and water supply for the grounds.
If you decide to make investigations for a water supply the Board
will, if you so request, advise you as to any plan you may wish to present.
Westport. '
Jan. 6, 1913.
To Mr. Joseph Le Fkancois, Westport, Mass.
Dear Sir : — The Board is informed that 3'ou are putting up a slaugh-
terhouse, known as the Cornell slaughterhouse, for use for the purpose of
slaughtering animals, and an examination of the locality shows that this
slaughterhouse is located within the watershed of the Xorth Watuppa
Pond, used by the city of Fall Eiver as a source of water supply and
subject to rules and regulations for the sanitary protection of this supply
made under the provisions of chapter 75 of the Eevised Laws.
From an investigation of the locality by the State Inspector of Health,
and information supplied by you, it appears that all of the drainage from
the slaughterhouse is to be discharged into a water-tight sump or well,
the contents of which are to be pumped into water-tight wagons and
transported and disposed of on farm lands outside of the watershed of
the North Watuppa Pond. If these plans are strictly carried out the
purity of the water, in the opinion of the Board, will be protected, and
the Board approves the plans as described for the collection and disposal
of the wastes from this slaughterhouse.
Examination of Public Water Supplies.
Examination of Public Water Supplies.
The usual chemical analyses of the principal sources of public water
supply in the State have been made during the year and are presented in
the two following tables, the first of which contains averages of analyses
of the surface-water supplies and the second the averages of analyses of
the ground-water supplies.
Averages of Chemical Analyses of Surface-water Sources for the Year 1913.
[Parts in 100,000.]
Source.
a
W
a
Ammon
lA.
Nitrogen
AS
-6
g
3
a
ALBUMINOID.
CiTT OR Town.
o
■3
II
^
3
a
u
1
1
2
u
>.
X
a
-a
■3
X
Metropolitan Water
District.
Wachusett Reservoir, up-
per end.
Wachusett Reservoir,
lower end.
Sudbury Reservoir,
.25
.10
.13
3 55
3 17
3.79
.0020
.0021
.0025
.0148
.0132
.0160
.0027
.0016
.0028
.31
.29
.34
.0014
0012
0042
.0000
0000
.0000
.38
.25
.26
10
10
14
Framingham Reservoir,
No. 3.
Hopkinton Reservoir, .
.14
.58
3.70
4.45
.0028
0030
.0166
.0209
.0034
.0024
.34
.41
.0031
0022
.0000
.0000
.27
.70
1.4
1.3
Ashland Reservoir,
.67
4.24
.0033
.0266
.0041
.33
0013
0000
.76
1.3
Framingham Reservoir, .
No. 2.
Lake Cochituate, .
.85
.20
5.55
6.93
.0047
.0025
.0303
.0328
.0034
.0141
.44
.71
.0036
.0000
.0001
0000
.94
.39
1.6
2.6
Chestnut Hill Reservoir,
.15
3.94
0020
.0153
.0027
.35
.0041
0000
.26
1.4
Weston Reservoir, .
.12
3.76
.0023
.0142
.0021
.35
0057
.0000
23
1.5
Spot Pond, .
.08
3.61
.0016
0176
.0035
.37
.0006
.0000
.21
1.4
Tap in State House,
.13
3.93
.0015
0145
.0025
.35
.0062
0000
.24
1.5
Tap in Revere,
.09
3.71
.0016
.0145
0019
.38
.0009
.0000
.21
15
Tap in Quincy,
.11
3.77
.0014
.0121
.0008
.35
.0079
0000
24
1.6
Abington,
Big Sandy Pond, .
.09
3.57
.0036
0155
.0022
.69
0006
0000
.15
5
Little Sandy Pond,
.00
4.20
.0040
.0112
.0023
1.46
.0036
0000
.11
5
Adams,
Dry Brook, .
.21
7.28
.0027
.0098
.0016
.12
.0080
.0000
29
4.2
Bassett Brook,
.03
4.38
0032
0056
.0009
.10
.0030
0000
.10 j 18
Amherst,
Amethyst Brook large
.48
4.05
0043
.0143
.0016
.17
.0005
.0000
59
8
reservoir.
Amethyst Brook small
.19
3.4S
.0033
0124
.0028
.19
0007
0000
28
10
reservoir.
Lower Reservoir, .
.31
3.93
0032
.0161
.0043
.17
.0010
0000
.48
8
204
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
Averages of Chemical Analyses of Surface-water Sources,
[Parts in 100,000.]
etc. — Continued.
Source.
a
a
o
Ammoni.\.
Nitrogen
AS
■6
s
3
a
g
ALBUMINOID.
City or Town.
•o
oi
o
O
2 c
'S C3
fe
"3
o
Eh
-a
a
02
i
'%
2 1
*^ !
.38
i
1
1
c
in
M
>1
X
o
■a
S3
Andover,
Raggett's Pond,
.13
3.92
.0028
0206
.0027
.0000
0000
32
1.5
Ashfiold,
Bear Swamp Brook,
.31
5.50
.0009
.0166
.0019
.13
.0003
.0000
.49
2.6
Athol. .
Phillipston Reservoir, .
.45
4.67
0017
.0501
.0246
.21
.0013
.0001
.75
1.0
Buckman Brook Reser-
.25
4.02
.0028
.0247
.0067
.18
.0013
.0000
.41
1.2
Barre, .
voir.
Reservoir,
.15
3 98
.0028
.0171
.0029
.22
.0022
.0000
26
1.4
Blandford,
Freeland Brook,
.06
3.48
0010
0051
.0005
.18
.0182
.0000
.12
1.8
Brockton,
Silver Lake, .
.10
3.58
0032
.0160
.0035
.62
.0004
.0000
.21
6
Cambridge, .
Upper Hobbs Brook Res-
.61
6 75
.0069
.0342
.0061
.50
.0073
.0001
.77
2 5
ervoir.
Lower Hobbs Brook Res-
.16
6.55
.0047
.0291
.0066
.52
0021
.0001
37
2.6
ervoir.
Stony Brook Reservoir, .
.48
6.82
.0035
0263
.0039
.62
.0111
.0001
64
2.7
Fresh Pond, .
.26
7.02
.0089
.0304
.0097
.69
0127
.0003
45
2.9
Chashire,
Thunder Brook,
.01
6.45
.0028
.0067
.0016
.12
.0095
.0000
.08
4.4
Kitchen Brook,
.01
5.60
.0015
.0044
.0010
.11
.0025
0000
.08
4.1
Chfister,
Austin Brook,
.14
3 34
.0050
0094
.0022
.14
.0025
.0000
.25
15
Chicopee,
Morton Brook,
.10
4.06
.0017
.0079
.0017
.14
.0030
0000
.11
1.1
Cooley Brook,
.31
4.20
.0037
0116
.0025
.15
.0017
.0000
.30
1.2
Colrain,
McClellan Reservoir,
.07
6.31
.0015
.0087
.0014
.14
.0039
0000
.15
3 5
Concord,
Nagog Pond, .
.05
3.03
.0015
.0131
.0015
.33
.0007
.0000
.17
0.7
Dalton,
Egypt Brook Reservoir,
.30
3.65
.0017
.0113
.0008
.10
.0030
.0000
45
1.6
Cady Brook, .
.34
5.13
.0014
.0118
.0011
.11
.0040
0000
49
2.8
Danvera,
Middleton Pond, .
.55
5.01
.0033
0192
.0018
.43
.0005
.0000
.72
18
Deerfield (South),.
Roaring Brook,
.06
6.34
.0028
0109
.0025
.17
.0027
.0001
15
3 3
Fall River. .
North Watuppa Lake, .
.17
4 27
0027
0232
.0050
.66
0007
0000
32
1.0
Falmouth,
Long Pond,
.01
3.38
.0020
0125
.0020
.99
.0000
0000
12
0.4
Fitchburg,
Meetinghouse Pond,
.10
3.21
.0041
.0197
.0028
.21
0008
0000
24
0.8
Scott Reservoir,
.12
2.77
.0043
.0222
.0055
.25
0003
0000
30
0.6
Wachusett Lake, .
.10
2.97
.0041
.0155
.0024
.20
.0003
0000
.21
0.7
Gardner,
Crystal Lake,
.08
5.01
.0022
.0153
.0022
.31
.0027
.0000
19
2.1
Gloucester, .
Dike's Brook Reservoir,
.26
4.35
0045
0173
.0026
.86
0012
0000
33
0.4
Wallace Reservoir, .
.45
4.78
.0028
.0290
.0105
1.05
0007
0000
.52
0.4
Haskell Brook Reservoir,
.34
4.40
0039
.0159
.0035
.91
.0002
.0000
.28
0.4
Great Barrington,
East Mountain Reservoir,
.10
5.24
.0057
0121
.0049
.15
OOOO
0000
.15
3.2
Green River, .
.00
10.12
0027
0044
.0008
.15
.0213
0000
08
8.2
No. 34.] EXAMINATION OF WATER SUPPLIES.
205
Averages of Chemical Analyses of Surface-water Sources, etc.
IParts in 100,000.]
Continued.
Source.
o
a
>
H
a
o
.\mmoni.4.
Nitrogen i
A-S
■6
i
3
B
o
ALBUMINOID.
City or Town.
•B
"o
O
'35 03
0) fn
Urn
1
a
1
o
1
2
1
2
V
c
>,
X
o
o
a
•a
a
X
Great Barrington
(Housa tonic).
Greenfield, .
Long Pond, .
Glen Brook Upper Reser
.07
.01
8.33
5 34
0036
.0021
.0195
.0090
.0033
.0015
.15
.17
0006
.0050
.0000
0000
.22
.12
6 9
3.1
voir.
Glen Brook Lower Reser-
.02
5 04
.0019
0084
.0019
.17
.0055
0000
.12
3.2
Hadley,
voir.
Hart's Brook Reservoir
.10
4.17
.0014
0085
0022
.20
.0000
0000
.15
1.7
Hatfield,
Haverhill,
Running Gutter Brook
Reservoir.
Johnson's Pond,
.15
.17
4 55
5 30
.0023
0042
0104
0218
.0015
.0029
.19
.50
0217
0008
.0000
0000
.20
33
2.0
2 1
Crystal Lake,
.24
3 46
.0023
0197
.0024
.36
0004
0001
.40
13
Kenoza Lake,
.19
4.50
.0030
.0205
.0032
.42
.0007
.0000
.39
2
Lake Saltonstall, .
.07
6.42
.0028
.0195
.0024
.60
0003
0000
.21
2 5
Lake Pentucket,
.12
4.99
.0033
.0243
.0059
.50
.0002
.0000
28
2 1
Millvale Reservoir,
.74
6 17
.0038
0287
.0050
.41
.0012
.0000
.86
2.1
Hingham,
Accord Pond,
.22
3.83
0023
.0169
.0028
.66
.0002
0000
37
0.6
Holden,
Muschopauge Lake,
.06
3.12
.0013
.0119
.0013
.33
0008
0000
13
12
Holyoke,
Whiting Street Reservoir
.09
5 14
0035
.0176
.0028
.24
0004
.0000
17
2 7
Fomor Reservoir, ,
.36
3 56
0022
0143
.0016
.16
0014
0000
40
14
Wright and Ashley Pond
.14
4.84
.0050
.0202
.0050
.20
0004
0000
27
2,7
High Service Reservoir
.11
4.09
0034
.0221
.0050
.19
.0002
.0000
.26
19
Hud.9on,
Gates Pond, .
.08
3.47
.0036
.0178
.0021
.27
.0007
0000
22
12
Fosgate Brook,
.56
13.48
.0072
0301
.0069
.26
0924
.0000
86
5 6
Hunting'on,
Cold Brook Reservoir,
.27
4 15
0013
0109
.0019
.14
.0007
.0000
.38
12
Ipswich,
Dow's Brook Reservoir
.28
6 03
0044
0189
0039
.77
.0056
0001
41
2 1
Lawrence,
Lee,
Merrimack River, fil-
tered.
Codding Brook Uppei
.23
.16
6.17
3 83
003S
0013
0096
.0099
.0015
.47
.12
.0361
.0008
0001
.0000
39
24
15
16
Reservoir.
Codding Brook Lowei
.10
5 83
0014
.0083
.0012
.13
0028
.0000
20
3 4
Reservoir.
Basin Pond Brook,
.35
3.83
.0024
0136
.0030
.12
0031
0000
,48
14
Lenox, .
Reservoir,
.10
7.63
.0020
.0099
.0024
.11
0025
.0000
,18
5 6
Lecmin<!ter, .
Morse Reservoir, .
.20
2.77
.0057
.0253
.0066
.24
0009
0000
33
0,5
Haynes Reservoir,
.26
3.04
0182
.0355
.0110
.21
0016
0001
.35
0,4
Fall Brook Reservoir,
.09
2.47
.0021
.0146
.0029
.21
.0004
.0000
.25
0.6
Lincoln,
Sandy Pond, .
.00
4.95
.0022
.0163
.0030
.35
0002
.0000
17
1.9
Longmeadow,
Coolcy Brook,
.15
5.10
.0038
.0123
.0031
.24
.0042
.0002
.18
2.2
Lynn, .
Birch Reservoir, .
.43
5.99
0078
.0278
.0055
.78
0031
.0001
59
2.3
Walden Reservoir, .
.56
6. '44
.0087
.0255
.0030
.79
.0036
.0001
69
2 6
206
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
Arerages of CJmnical Analyses of Surface-
water Sources,
3tC.-
— Continued
[Part
s in 100,000.]
Source.
"o
O
o
a.
?
w
a
o
-§■2
Ammoni.^.
6
a
_o
o
1.00
Nitrogen
AS
■73
a
o
o
a
&
X
o
1
ALBUMINOID.
1
g
CiTY OR Town.
c
■s
Lynn — Con.,
Hawkes Reservoir,
.93
8.74
0084
0409
.0059
0072
0001
1.05
3.7
Sausus River,
1.02
10.49
0076
.0382
.0044
1.18
0022
.0001
1.22
4 5
ManchBster, .
Round Pond,
1.05
5.97
.0064
.0309
.0040
.85
0007
0000
1.02
1.5
Gravel Pond, .
.13
3.89
0018
0171
.0020
.88
.0005
.0001
.25
0.9
Marlborough,
Lake Williama,
.10
5.03
.0029
.0206
.0037
.00
.0020
0001
.20
1.8
Millham Brook Reser-
.43
5.22
.0054
.0261
.0054
.46
0051
0001
.55
2.0
Maynard,
voir.
White Pond, .
.15
3.14
.0013
.0120
.0021
.28
.0015
.0000
.24
0.6
Milford,
Charles River, filtered, .
.20
4.06
0016
.0084
-
.37
.0105
0000
.29
1.3
Montague,
Lake Plea.sant,
.06
2.97
.0015
0090
.0013
.18
0015
0000
.13
0.6
Nantucket,
Wannacomot Pond,
.11
6.38
0030
.0172
.0056
2.11
0000
0000
.13
1.3
New Bedford,
Little Quittacas Pond, .
.26
3.88
,0018
.0192
.0031
.54
.0002
.0000
.40
0.9
Great Quittacas Pond, .
.42
4.07
.0017
.0199
.0015
.55
0002
.0000
.59
0.9
North Adams,
Notch Brook Reservoir,
.08
7.23
.0020
.0052
.0009
.09
.0003
0000
.11
6.0
Bro."»d Brook, .
.19
3.89
.0026
.0135
.0058
.09
0075
.0000
.34
2.2
Northampton,
Middle Reservoir, .
.27
4.64
.0024
.0164
.0033
.16
.0018
0001
.36
1.8
Mountain Street Reser-
.10
3.80
0012
0103
.0025
.13
.0002
0001
.17
1.9
voir.
West Brook, .
.18
4.45
0013
.0098
.0021
.15
0012
0001
.25
2.0
North Andover, .
Great Pond, .
.15
4.79
.0034
.0204
.0034
.45
0002
.0000
.26
1.7
Northborough,
Lower Reservoir, .
.55
4.27
.0033
.0246
.0065
.28
.0010
.0000
.64
1.3
Northbridge,
Cook Allen Reservoir, .
.19
3.26
.0044
.0306
.0177
.24
.0006
.0000
.27
0.5
North Brook field,
Doane Pond, .
.42
3.55
.0040
.0280
.0057
.18
.0000
.0000
.49
0.9
North Pond, .
.48
3 45
.0039
.0279
.0064
.18
.0010
.0000
.57
0.9
Northfield, .
Reservoir,
.16
3.10
.0009
.0059
.0003
.14
0030
0000
.27
1.0
Norwood,
Buokmaster Pond,
.13
5 20
.0175
.0257
.0034
.63
.0055
0001
.26
1.7
Orange,
Reservoir,
.13
3.25
.0013
.0060
.0015
.14
0010
.0000
.13
0.7
Palmer,
Lower Reservoir, .
.21
3.57
.0040
.0164
.0039
.17
.0008
.0000
.24
0.8
Peabody,
Brown's Pond,
.19
4.83
0025
.0215
.0040
.93
0033
.0001
.33
1.2
Spring Pond, .
.23
7.36
.0067
.0184
.0040
.76
.0023
.0001
.36
3.0
Suntaug Lake,
.06
4.98
0024
.0189
.0025
.96
0013
0000
.18
2.6
Pittsfield,
Ashley Lake, .
.35
3.49
.0013
.0231
.0079
.10
.0006
0000
.48
1.4
Ashley Brook,
.20
5.74
0014
.0125
.0024
.12
.0052
.0000
.33
3 9
Hathaway Brook, .
.05
9.54
0007
0049
.0004
.13
0138
0000
.12
8.4
Mill Brook, .
.21
5 55
0028
01-30
.0024
.11
0081
0001
.33
2 9
No. 34.] EXAMINATION OF WATER SUPPLIES.
207
Averages of Chemical Aiialyses of Surface-ivater Sources, etc. — Continued.
[Parts in 100,000.]
Source.
a
03
d
o
A.MMONIA. j
Nitrogen
AS
"2
e
3
o
ALBUMINOID.
CiTT OR Town.
•d
O
a
2 a
"5
1
1
a
aj
a
't.
O
1
1
2
*t->
2
a.
a;
>.
X
o
a
3
Pittsfield — Co/i., .
Sacket Brook,
.13
6.89
.0006
.0066
.0014
.11
.0056
.0000
.23
5 2
Farnham Reservoir,
.43
4.61
.0027
0190
.0038
.11
.0061
.0001
.66
2
Plymouth, .
Little South Pond,
.02
2.57
.0020
.0164
.0026
.66
.0002
.0000
.12
0.3
Great South Pond,
.00
2.53
.0020
.0120
.0019
.66
.0000
.0000
.09
0.3
Randolph, .
Great Pond, .
.42
4.94
0024
.0202
.0024
.65
.0027
.0000
.53
1.3
Rockport,
Cape Pond, .
.21
12.63
.0033
.0250
.0078
4.63
.0003
.0000
.26
2.2
Russell.
Black Brook, .
.19
4.16
.0012
.0094
.0015
.14
.0019
.0000
.28
1.1
Salem, .
Wenham Lake,
.27
7.53
.0105
.0254
.0076
.95
.0067
0002
41
2.8
Longham Reservoir,
.86
7.31
0048
.0291
.0093
.89
0184
0001
.88
2.2
Shelburne, .
Fox Brook,
.05
5.62
.0005
.0048
-
.12
.0009
.0000
-
3.1
Southbridge,
Hatchet Brook Reser-
.26
3.19
0037
.0189
.0019
.20
.0022
0000
.35
8
voir No. 3.
Hatchet Brook Reser-
.33
3.60
.0044
0226
.0040
.20
.0032
.0000
.39
0.8
South Hadley,
voir N'o. 4.
Leaping Well Reservoir,
.09
3.27
.0374
.0250
.0088
.21
.0023
.0005
.14
0.7
Buttery Brook Reser-
.08
3.95
.0070
0118
.0042
.27
.0214
.0001
.09
1.0
Spencer,
voir.
Shaw Pond, .
.07
2.70
.0017
.0158
.0023
.20
0021
.0000
.18
1.0
Springfield, .
Westfield Little River,
.16
3.45
.0009
.0080
_
.15
.0039
.0000
-
1.1
Stockbridge, .
filtered.
Lake Averic, .
.15
6 56
.0027
.0179
.0024
.12
.0017
0000
.26
4 2
Stoughton, .
Muddy Pond Brook,
.20
3.82
.0007
.0073
.0012
.36
0052
.0000
.19
1.1
Taunton,
-•Vssawompsett Pond,
.25
3.89
.0029
.0190
.0027
.55
.0003
.0000
.41
0.7
Elder's Pond,
.08
3.36
.0022
.0175
.0019
.54
.0000
.0000
.27
6
Wakefield, .
Crystal Lake,
.19
5.53
.0036
.0260
.0051
.84
.0035
.0001
.35
2 3
Warehara (Onset),
Jonathan Pond,
.02
2.57
.0014
.0085
.0012
.65
.0002
.0000
.11
0.2
Wayhnd,
Snake Brook Reservoir,
1 19
5.64
.0058
.0333
.0046
.36
.0022
.0000
1.14
1,8
West field, .
Montgomery Reservoir,
.45
3.13
.0062
.0217
.0053
.15
.0008
.0000
.55
0.3
Tekoa Reservoir, .
.37
2.79
.0034
.0159
.0032
.15
.0008
.0000
.43
03
Tillotson Brook Reser-
.14
3.09
.0025
.0081
.0013
.17
0005
.0000
.22
5
West Springfield, .
voir.
Darby Brook Reservoir,
.19
5.82
.0119
.0204
.0095
.29
.0085
.0001
.25
3
Bear Hole Brook, filtered,
.05
7.09
.0008
.0051
-
.23
.0053
.0000
-
4.3
Weymouth, .
Great Pond, .
.53
4.25
.0032
.0218
.0039
.51
.0009
.0000
.62
0.7
Williamsburg,
Reservoir,
.15
3.87
.0028
0092
.0011
.15
.0007
.0000
.20
19
Winchester, .
North Reservoir, .
.09
4.16
.0024
.0192
.0040
.48
.0007
0000
.21
.1.7
South Reservoir, .
.07
3.65
0051
0167
.0032
.45
.0012
.0000
.17
16
Middle Reservoir, .
.15
3 69
0048
0243
1
.0053
.46
0014
.0000
.25
15
208
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
Averages of Chemical Analyses of Surface-ivater Sources, etc. — Concluded.
[Parts in 100,000.]
Source.
1
>
a
a
Ammonia.
XlTBOGEN
AS
■6
i
3
a
9
ALBUMINOID.
City or Town.
■d
.
o
a
2
-§■2
■£2
6
£
3
^
a
1
o
.27
1
.1
>>
O
o
a
1
X
Worcester,
Bottomly Reservoir,
.22
5 59
0029
.0198
.0033
0238
.0000
.42
2.3
Kent Reservoir,
.20
4.63
.0030
.0173
.0033
.33
.0082
.0000
.34
1.8
Leicester Reservoir,
.18
401
.0044
0155
.0025
.26
.0052
0000
.33
15
Mann Reservoir,
.13
4.66
.0026
.0171
.0030
.29
.0123
.0000
.30
1.7
Upper Holden Reservoir,
.20
3.55
.0026
.0166
.0044
.26
.0071
0000
.32
10
Lower Holden Reservoir,
.13
3.54
0053
.0135
.0029
.25
.0062 {.0000
.25 10
Averages of Chemical Analyses of Growid-water Sources for
[Parts in 100,000.)
the Year 1913.
i
Source.
o
"5
c
.2 !
%%\
Ammonia.
6
a
■|
O
Nitrogen
AS
i
a
IS
City or Town.
£
•6
'o
<
1
1
d
2
Acton, .
Tubular wells, .
.00
8.49
.0012
0021
.50
.1029
.0000
3.3
006
Adams, .
Tubular wells, .
00
13.50
.0000
0010
.11
.0420
.0000
10.0
.005
Amesbury,
Tubular wells, .
.12
17.00
0009
.0022
.56
.0000
.0000
8.6
.050
Ashland, .
Tubular wells, .
.00
5 23
.0005
.0021
.36 1
.0007
0000
11
009
.^ttleborough, .
Large well,
.02
3.93
.0006
.0049
.44
0050
0000
2.1
.004
Avon,
Wells, ....
00
6 27
.0008
.0028
.55
.1173
.0000
2.1
.005
Ayer,
Large well.
.00
7.20
.0006
.0028
.92
.0690
0000
2.8
006
Tubular wells, .
.00
6.75
.0005
.0016
.22
.0075
0000
2.8
.009
Barnstable,
Tubular wells, .
.00
3.72
.0003
.0016
1.13
.0012
.0000
0.4
.005
Bedford, .
Large well.
.01
4.22
.0010
0028
.37
0014
.0000
1.2
012
Billerica, .
Tubular wells, .
.19
7.12
0027
0067
.41
0017
0000
2.5
049
Braintree,
Filter-gallery, .
.14
10.12
.0015
.0107
1.25
.1950
.0000
3.5
.014
Bridgewater, .
Wells, ....
.17
11.16
0006
0033
.65
.0192
0000
4 5
077
Brookfield (East), .
Tubular wells, .
.00
2 71
.0004
.0019
.22
.0029
0000
4
.003
Brookline,
Tubular wells and filter-
23
9.50
.0056
.0081
.78
.0161
.0001
4 4
.046
Canton, .
gallery.
Springdale well,
.02
4.42
.0005
0018
.43
.0087
.0000
1.4
.010
Well near Henry's Spring, .
.04
5.30
.0009
0036
.51
0328
0000
19
004
No. 34.] EXA:\nXATION OF WATER SUPPLIES.
209
Averages of Chemical Analyses of Ground-water Sources, etc.
[Parts in 100,000.]
Continued.
Source.
o
6
o S
St
Ammonia.
.s
o
o
Nitrogen
AS
i
a
City or Town.
i24
-6
'o
1
1
e
Chelmsford (North),
Tubular wells, .
14
1
4.62
.0044
0079
.48
.0358
0007
1.8
036
Chicopee (Fairview),
Tubular wells, .
05
4.30
.0009
0018
.15
.0038
0002
1.3
031
Cohasset,
Tubular wells No. 2,
.05
14.33
.0007
.0061
1.89
.1483
.0001
6.2
006
Filter-gallery, .
.53
13.60
.3629
.0171
1.21
.0032
.0025
6.0
123
Large well,
.69
6 97
.0077
.0165
1 04
0009
.0000
1.9
.143
Dedham,
Douglas, .
Large well and tubular
wells.
Tubular wells, .
03
.04
10.10
4.96
.0015
0012
0044
.0019
1.03
.38
.1317
.0381
.0000
.0000
4.0
1.7
.004
.032
Dracut (Water Sup-
Tubular wells, .
.01
8.86
0005
.0020
.54
.0736
.0000
4.2
.009
ply District).
Dracut (Collins-
Tubular wells, .
.13
9.30
.0015
.0066
.42
.0270
.0000
4.0
.028
ville) .
Dudley, .
Tubular wells, .
.00
3.54
.0003
.0024
.26
.0039
.0000
1.2
.003
Easthampton,
Tubular wells, .
.00
6.80
0005
.0014
.15
.0221
.0000
3.8
.003
Easton, .
Well
.00
4.85
0007
.0028
.55
.0610
.0000
1.6
.004
Edgartown,
Large well.
.00
3.00
.0007
.0019
.87
.0008
.0000
0.4
.004
Fairhaven,
Tubular wells, .
.45
6.98
.0011
.0101
1.01
.0340
.0000
2.5
.008
Foxborough,
Tubular wells, .
.00
3.70
.0009
.0013
.44
.0370
0000
1.2
004
Framingham, .
Filter-gallery, .
.02
10.47
.0074
.0069
1.12
.0195
.0000
4.6
.009
Franklin,
Tubular wells, .
.00
5.24
.0008
.0019
.53
.0336
.0000
1.8
.018
Grafton,
Filter-gallery, .
.04
12.90
.0011
.0039
1.68
.2900
.0000
4.9
.004
Granville,
Well
.00
4.30
.0004
.0021
.13
.0080
.0000
2.4
.007
Groton, .
Large well.
.00
6.00
.0004
.0022
.22
.0022
.0000
2.8
.008
Groton (West Groton
Water Supply Dis-
Tubular wells, .
.00
4.69
.0004
.0018
.20
.0142
.0000
2.8
.003
trict).
Hingham,
Wells
.04
5.67
.0017
.0045
.75
.0220
.0000
18
.005
HoUiston,
Large well,
.55
5.06
.0036
.0160
.41
.0012
.0001
1.5
.076
Hopkinton,
Tubular wells, .
.00
14 50
.0002
.0021
1.20
.3550
.0000
5.2
.005
Kingston,
Tubular wells, .
.00
4.70
.0007
.0017
.74
.0065
.0000
1.0
.004
Leicester,
Wells, ....
.12
7.80
.0006
.0047
.44
.1113
.0000
3.1
.010
Leicester (Cherry
Valley and Roch-
dale Water Supply
Wells, ....
.06
5 55
.0053
.0063
.31
.0089
.0000
2.5
.004
District).
Littleton,
Tubular wells, .
.00
4 52
.0005
.0019
.26
.0462
.0000
1.9
.003
Lowell,
Boulevard wells (tubular).
30
6.22
.0377
.0064
.38
.0162
.0001
2.9
.115
Manchester,
Wells, . . . .
.00
11.95
.0007
.0023
1 97
.1617
0000
3 9
.013
Mansfield,
Large well,
.00
5.05
.0002
.0018
.46
.1380
.0000
1.7
.005
Marblehead,
Wells and brook, filtered, .
.30
46.57
.0010
.0109
15.02
.0156
.0000
15.6
.029
210
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
Averages of Chemical Analyses of Ground-water Sources, etc. — Continued.
[Parts in 100,000.)
Source.
"o
O
c
Of o,
Ammonia.
6
a
d
Nitrogen
AS
i
B
City or Town.
<
1
2
1
"S
S
l-H
Marion, .
Tubular wells, .
.00
3.86
.0004
.0015
.67
.0176
.0000
1.1
005
Marshfield,
Well
.01
19.47
.0006
.0037
6.67
.1575
.0000
5.0
.004
MedSeld,
Spring
.00
3.73
.0005
.0023
.36
.0047
.0000
1.2
.003
Medway, .
Tubular wells, .
.00
7.14
.0004
.0019
.56
.0497
.0000
3.0
.004
Merrimac,
Tubular wells, .
.00
6.02
.0004
0015
.50
.0207
.0000
2.4
.007
Methuea,
Tubular wells, .
.25
7.91
.0026
.0082
.45
.0134
.0001
3.3
.051
Middleborough,
Well
.25
6.42
.0058
.0061
.66
.0320
.0001
2.5
.184
Millbury,
Well
.06
5.23
.0007
.0039
.42
.0282
.0000
2.2
.014
Millis,
Spring
.00
9.12
.0003
.0015
.78
.1975
.0000
3.7
.009
Monson, .
Large well.
.00
3.72
.0007
.0020
.18
.0075
.0000
1.2
.004
Natiek, .
Large well,
.00
9.27
.0003
.0027
.72
.0275
.0000
4.7
.003
Needham,
Well No. 1,
.00
6.65
.0005
.0028
.71
.1017
.0000
2.6
.003
Well No. 2, . . .
.00
6.03
.0006
.0030
.72
.0933
.0000
2.6
.003
Hicks Spring, .
.02
6.27
.0007
.0032
.70
.1283
.0000
2.4
.004
Newburyport,
Wells and springs,
.06
7.39
.0012
0078
.92
.0153
.0000
3.1
.018
Newton,
No. Attleborough, .
Tubular wells and filter-
gallery.
Wells, ....
.07
.00
7.30
5.04
.0018
.0006
.0074
.0023
.59
.45
.0378
.0174
.0000
.0000
3.1
2.2
.020
.010
Norton, .
Tubular wells, .
.00
4.56
.0005
.0019
.41
.0011
.0000
1.2
.007
Norwood,
Tubular wells, .
.05
18.27
.0009
.0040
.57
.0482
.0001
9.4
.038
Oak Bluffs,
Springs, ....
.00
4.02
.0008
.0030
.93
.0117
.0000
0.7
005
Oxford, .
Tubular wells, .
.00
4.94
.0005
.0017
.36
.0606
.0000
1.7
.003
Palmer (Bondsville),
Tubular wells, .
.01
5.04
.0007
.0018
.17
0142
.0000
1.9
.040
Peabody,
Tubular wells, .
.35
12.43
.0166
0079
.69
.0028
.0000
5.2
.417
Pepperell,
Tubular wells, .
.00
3.49
0004
.0020
.21
.0007
.0000
1.6
.005
Plainville,
Tubular wells, .
.01
5.19
.0003
.0018
.35
.0003
.0000
2.2
.032
Provincetown,
Tubular wells in Truro, .
.00
9.76
.0004
.0015
3.56
.0039
.0000
1.8
.005
Reading, .
Filter-gallery, .
.71
13.31
.0224
.0175
3.17
.0030
.0001
3.2
.219
Filtered water, .
.28
22.79
.0017
.0121
3.10
.0085
.0031
11.7
.022
Scituate, .
Tubular wl41s, .
.00
17.15
.0006
.0018
3.59
.2333
.0000
6 2
005
Sharon, .
Well,
.00
11.45
,0003
.0013
1.41
.2700
.0000
4.7
.002
Sheffield,
Spring
.01
3.45
.0012
.0019
.09
.0037
.0000
1.7
004
Shirley, .
Well,
.00
4.60
.0005
.0016
.45
.0863
.0000
1.3
.003
South Hadley (Fire
District No. 2).
Tisbury, .
Large well,
Wei!
.00
.01
3.85
4.72
.0005
.0005
.0019
0017
.15
.97
1
.0300
0022
.0000
.0000
1.2
0.4
.004
.007
No. 34.] EXAIMINATION OF WATER SUPPLIES.
211
Averages of Chemical Atiahjses of Ground-water Sources, etc. — Concluded.
[Parts in 100,000.1
Source.
a
§
IS P.
3 a
14
Am.moni.^.
6
Nitrogen
A3
1
City or Town.
-6
'3
1 a
is
<
1
.2
'B
2
Uxbridge,
Tubular wells, .
.00
5.49
0004
.0026
.62
.0901
.0000
1.9
.003
Walpole, .
Tubular wells, .
.00
5.25
.0003
.0019
.41
.0298
.0000
1.8
.003
Waltham,
Old well
.05
8.12
.0020
.0046
.95
.0262
.0000
3.7
.021
New well, ....
.00
8.26
.0011
.0047
.75
.0223
.0000
3.6
.005
Ware,
Wells
00
6.32
.0004
.0017
.40
.1208
.0000
2.3
.003
Wareham (Fire Dis-
trict).
Webster,
Tubular wells, .
Wells, ....
00
01
3.40
4.27
.0007
.0011
.0017
.0029
.59
.35
.0010
,0205
.0000
.0000
0.6
1.8
.005
.013
Wellesley,
Tubular wells, .
.00
9.72
.0004
.0024
1.05
.0772
.0000
4.4
.003
Well at Williams Spring, .
.00
14.53
.0027
.0028
1.41
.6400
.0000
5.6
.005
Westborough, .
Filter basin.
.02
3.35
.0016
.0099
.30
.0002
.0000
0.8
.015
Westford,
Tubular wells, .
.00
3.99
.0005
.0014
.18
.0036
.0000
1.8
.006
Weston, .
Well
.01
7.82
.0006
.00.30
.73
.0920
0000
2.9
,004
Winchendon, .
Wells, ....
.17
4.10
.0023
.0062
.15
.0050
.0000
1.2
.036
Woburn,
Wells, ....
.00
10,93
.0011
.0046
1.48
.0280
.0000
4.8
.005
Worthington, .
Springs
.06
2.49
.0014
.0043
.10
.0047
.0000
0.9
.023
Wrentham,
Tubular wells, .
.00
3.72
.0004
,0017
.32 t
i
0260
0000
1
1.0
.003
EXAMINATION OF RIVERS.
[213]
EXAMIiNATION OF RIVERS.
All of the important rivers of the State have been examined during
the year, and the condition of each is described on pages 22 to 38.
The rainfall in the year 1913 Avas higher than the average and was
almost exactly the same as in the year 1912, The distribution was also
much the same up to near the end of September, when a heavy rainfall
set in, and the excess of precipitation in the month of October amounted
to 3.33 inches. The effect of this distribiition of the rainfall was to
produce a slightly higher flow of streams in the late winter and early
spring, and a somewhat less flow during the summer months, than in
the previous year. The average flow was much the same as in the pre-
vious year. Under these conditions, with the very low flow of the
streams in the warm summer months, the effect upon the more seriously
polluted streams was very noticeable during the warmer part of the year.
On nearly all of the important streams of the State, stations were es-
tablished many years ago at which samples of water have been collected
for chemical examination to determine the changes taking place from
time to time in the condition of the water. The samples are for the most
part collected during the six drier months of the year, from June to
November inclusive, since in that part of the year the dilution of sewage
in polluted streams is least and the effect of pollution most noticeable.
In a few cases samples are collected monthly throughout the year. Dur-
ing the year 1913 chemical analyses were made of samples of water col-
lected from the following streams at monthly intervals, in some cases
during the entire year: —
Assabet. Miller's.
Blaekstone, Nashua.
Charles. Xemasket.
Chieopee. Xeponset.
Concord. Quaboag.
Connecticut. Quinebaug.
Deerfield. Salisbury Plain.
French. Shawsbeen.
Green. Sudbury.
Hoosick. Taunton.
Housatonic. Ten ]Mile.
Merrimack. Ware.
Mill (Northampton). Westfield.
216
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
Blackstone River.
A general statement of the condition of this river in the year 1913
will be found on pages 30-38.
bla.ckstone river.
Chemical Examination of Water from Blackstone River. — Averages
FOR Six Months, from June to November, inclusive.
Blackstone River, below Cherry Valley.
[Parts in 100,000.]
"3
O
Residue on
Ammonia.
1
O
Nitrogen
s
1
g
M
>,
X
O
Evaporation.
i
ALBUMINOID.
AS
Year.
1
d
m d
3
e2
■a
>
g
p.
§
CO
1
2
'B
a
1908,
1909,
1910,
1911,
1912,1 .
1913,
.35
.32
20.57
13.93
16.42
21.02
44.10
32.32
3.83
3.34
3.92
4.40
11.04
6.52
.1531
.0681
.0633
.1277
.2514
.2591
.0624
.0470
.0489
.0726
.2884
.1628
.0508
.0334
.0387
.0559
.1023
.1122
.0116
.0136
.0102
.0167
.1861
.0506
5.76
3.70
4 02
5 70
10 70
8.18
.0020
.0125
.0146
.0080
.0002
.0015
.0007
.0003
.0002
.0005
.0004
.0004
.80
.85
1.15
3.08
2.06
-
' August omitted.
Blackstone River, between Mill Brook Channel and the Sewage Precipitation Works
of the City of Worcester.
[Parts in 100,000.
Residue on
Evaporation.
Ammonia.
Nitrogen
AS
ALBUMINOID.
Year.
a
■6
7.
i
o
"3
0-9
6
1
_>
13
1
1
2
1
a
a
1
o
O
o
^"
f=H
^
Q
3
O
Z
2;
w
1887, ....
0.91
_
_
.2686
.1741
_
_
1.35
0160
_
_
1888
0.76
_
_
.2658
.1112
,0557
,0555
1 50
.0382
0041
-
1889
0.86
_
_
.3980
.1430
,0772
,0658
1.32
.0177
.0026
-
1890
1.14
9.92
3 03
.2107
1246
.0673
,0573
1.07
.0250
0015
2.9
1891
1.10
17.42
5.59
.4913
.1950
1127
,0823
2.29
0192
.0037
5
189?
0.52
20.75
6.30
.3547
1433
,0708
0725
2 43
,0227
,0108
6 1
1893
0.40
16.98
4.55
.1480
.0588
.0240
,0348
1.01
.0115
,0015
6 3
1894
0.66
16.93
4.76
.0548
.0380
0236
0144
74
0115
.0005
4.4
1895
0.49
14.17
4 50
0613
0414
0243
0171
92
0163
.0006
3,4
1896
0.51
12.90
2.93
.0780
0415
0282
,0133
97
,0147
0015
3 4
1897
0.85
26.45
7.68
.1130
.0674
,0362
,0312
0,89
,0090
,0024
4 2
1898
0.33
17.42
5.62
0857
.0619
,0260
0359
0,96
.0053
.0010
4 6
1899
0.14
34.38
10.60
.2583
.0788
0390
0398
-
.0004
14.3
1900
05
16.48
3.38
.1068
,0518
.0210
,0308
1 03
0107
0012
3.6
1901
0.23
31.03
11.68
.1410
.0548
0309
0239
-
-
0023
13,8
190?
0.10
46.15
12.47
.2453
.0728
,0274
.0454
-
-
,0010
16.5
1903
0.18
24.06
6.80
.2836
.0750
,0472
.0278
-
-
.0027
8.4
1904
0.12
44.68
17.08
.1228
.0434
0225
.0209
-
-
.0008
14.7
1905
21
50 36
19.49
0952
.0492
.0203
,0289
-
-
.0003
29.3
1906
0.11
40.07
15.25
.0688
.0421
0189
,0232
-
.0032
.0002
20 3
1907
04
44.07
17.67
.0613
0343
0180
.0163
-
-
.0003
-
1908
0.16
23 67
5.55
.0990
,0291
.0153
.0138
3,23
0134
.0014
-
1909
52.97
18.55
.1865
0381
,0239
0142
4,80
,0033
.0010
-
1910
0.15
50.92
18.97
.1933
.0545
.0309
.0236
4,07
,0023
.0009
-
1911
0.11
44.64
15.70
.1920
.0449
.0212
.0237
4 03
,0170
.0009
-
191?
0.10
40.05
10.91
.2047
.0352
.0225
.0127
3 58
,0027
,0011
-
1913
0.10
35.17
10.34
.2767
0491
,0285
.0206
3.18
.0003
.0008
"
No. 34.]
EXAMINATION OF RIVERS.
217
BLACKSTONE RIVER.
Chemical Examination of Water from Blackstone River, etc.
C'o7itinued.
Blackstone River, below Sewage Precipitation Works.
[Parts in 100,000.]
i
"3
O
Residue on
Evaporation.
Ammonia.
IB
a
■E
_o
3
O
NiTBOGEN
AS
(^
ALBUMINOID.
Year.
3
i
1
1
3
CO
1
1
1
a
03
X
1890,
0.97
11.36
3 10
.2907
.1492
.0722
.0770
1.46
.0270
.0018
3.9
1891,
1.05
22.25
6.60
.6367
.1508
.0883
.0625
2.61
.0233
.0040
6.2
1892,
0.63
26.80
7.75
.5240
.1810
.0958
.0852
3.13
.0137
.0050
10.3
1893,
0.51
30.00
7.13
.5680
.1453
.0900
.0553
2.76
.0285
.0126
10.9
1894.
0.40
29.30
5.86
.6189
.1390
1113
.0277
2.63
.0212
.0071
10.6
1895,
0.71
22.15
5.18
.3246
.0898
.0597
0301
1.86
.0267
.0063
7.3
1896,
0.30
26.03
6.53
.2831
.0898
.0600
.0298
2.10
.0217
.0118
9.7
1897,
0.73
25.98
4.97
.3650
.1122
.0782
.0340
1.61
.0207
.0063
6.9
1898,
0.23
25.63
6 73
.3064
.0868
.0560
.0308
1.55
.0132
.0119
9.2
1899,
0.14
44.02
9.67
.5251
.1707
.0912
0795
3.26
.0108
.0068
16.1
1900,
0.22
24 57
4 48
.4430
.1249
0621
.0628
2.13
.0110
.0145
7.3
1901,
0.09
31.12
6.90
.4580
.1293
.0772
.0521
3.42
.0090
.0058
10.8
1902,
0.15
49.62
13 38
.7296
.1284
.0736
.0548
2.97
-
.0033
12.5
1903,
0.39
31 08
9 48
.3880
.1080
.0545
.0535
-
-
.0062
10.4
1904,
-
50.25
13.73
.6381
.1523
0601
0922
-
-
.0027
16.9
1905,
0.19
59.84
17.97
.4936
.0985
0597
.0388
-
-
.0008
29.3
1906,
0.19
49.69
11.42
,6330
.1818
.0580
.1238
-
.0055
.0130
15.0
190S,
0.30
38.80
7.63
.9407
.1490
.0781
.0709
5.34
.0040
.0033
-
1909,
-
53.79
12.12
1.0567
.1282
.0792
.0490
6.92
.0067
.0075
-
1910,
-
52.15
12.52
1.0090
.1654
0817
0837
5.68
.0015
.0034
-
1911,
0.21
53 25
13.15
.9967
.1608
.0651
.0957
6.54
0152
.0072
-
1912,
0.23
48.90
10.08
1.1700
.1673
.0904
.0769
6.12
.0137
.0096
-
1913,1
0.28
40.68
10.46
.9320
.1286
0719
0567
4.49
.0158
.0084
-
1 September omitted.
218
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
BLACKSTONE RIVER.
Chemical Examination of Wateb from Blackstone River, etc. —
Continued.
Blackstone River, at Uxbridge.
[Parts in 100,000.]
Year.
1887,
1888,
1889,
1890,
1891,
1892,
1893,
1894.
1895,
1896,
1897,
1898,
1899,
1900,
1901,
1902,
1903,
1904,
1905,
1906,
1907,
1908,
1909,
1910,
1911,
1912,
1913,
O
Residue on
Evaporation.
.39
.38
.32
.26
.20
.13
.24
.35
.56
.33
.48
.49
.18
.19
.22
.15
.30
.20
.21
.19
.37
.31
.22
.26
.26
.21
.29
6.42
10.16
9.36
11.74
13.07
12.95
12.68
11.60
10.59
18.34
13.42
13.91
14.17
13.16
13.78
16.34
14.73
14.23
16.33
18.31
22.53
23.10
21.91
19.48
1.52
2.12
2.61
1.88
2.37
2.03
2.69
2.67
2.47
2.78
3.11
2.04
2.67
2.56
2.52
2.74
2.55
3.10
2.58
4.07
4.35
4.69
3.85
3.06
3.70
ALBUMINOID.
1129
1155
1133
1629
2280
2840
1985
1456
0906
1129
1029
0801
,2490
.2260
.3159
.3462
.3030
2399
.3928
.2218
.2331
.2387
.3473
.4963
3717
4897
3880
0271
0288
0296
0231
0175
0227
.0207
.0243
0258
.0257
.0280
.0264
.0359
.0347
,0285
,0270
.0262
.0282
0246
0242
0238
0253
0273
0356
0293
0345
0355
0222
0192
0174
0117
0162
0140
.0183
.0182
,0221
.0215
.0219
.0310
0257
,0240
,0218
,0215
0214
0203
0200
0182
0196
0216
0302
0225
,0288
0281
0066
0104
0057
0058
0065
0067
,0060
,0076
,0036
,0065
,0045
,0049
,0090
0045
0.052
0047
0068
0043
0042
0056
0057
0057
0054
,0068
.0057
.0074
O
Nitrogen
AS
0.79 I
0.68 j
0.66
0.79
1.04
0.99
1.20
1.57
1.34
1.38
1.32
1.00
2.17
1.76
1.50
1.95
1.74
2 12
2.65
2.10
2.36
3.05
3.64
4.62
4.15
4.06
3.34
0360
0310
0333
0259
0425
0313
0623
0673
0631
,0477
,0652
0470
,0510
.0558
.0195
0210
0210
0408
0175
0252
0330
0408
0325
0498
0558
.0497
.0382
0007
0009
0005
0007
0007
0050
0050
0065
0091
.0051
.0076
,0141
.0060
.0035
.0018
.0024
.0022
0025
.0009
0040
,0071
.0066
,0043
0173
,0137
.0107
No. 34.]
EXAMINATION OF RIVERS.
219
BLACKSTOXE RIVER.
Chemical Examination of Water from Blackstone River, etc.
Concluded.
Blackstone River, at Millville.
[Parts in 100,000.]
o
6
Residue on
Evaporation.
Ammonia.
i
1
O
Nitrogen
AS
ALBUMINOID.
Year.
i
"3
1
1
•a
o
02
i
1
1
1887, . . . .
.31
-
-
.0468
.0220
-
-
0.51
.0210
-
-
1888.
.41
5.22
1.40
.0467
.0296
.0233
.0063
0.50
.0278
.0004
-
1889,
.38
-
-
.0499
.0273
.0213
.0060
0.45
0167
0003
-
1890,
.26
6.71
2.24
.0736
.0196
.0152
.0044
0.53
.0229
.0003
2.3
1891,
.24
7.48
2.35
.1106
.0384
.0234
.0150
0.72
.0308
.0006
2.2
1892,
.37
6.70
1.62
.1143
.0294
.0210
0084
0.63
0217
0002
2.0
1893,
.23
7.43
1.73
.0677
.0119
.0087
.0032
0.77
.0385
.0011
2.6
1894,
.47
8.42
2.16
.0510
.0172
.0139
.0033
0.89
0273
.0012
2.8
1895,
.51
8.67
2 55
.0356
.0233
.0180
.0053
0.90
0383
.0024
3.2
1896,
.35
8.53
1.69
0484
0237
.0180
.0057
0.97
.0413
.0027
3.3
1897,
.45
7.66
1.98
.0509
.0258
.0210
.0048
0.92
.0445
.0019
3.1
1898,
.51
7.12
2.17
0325
.0240
.0193
.0047
63
0240
.0023
2.5
1899,
.20
12.50
2.44
.1310
.0301
.0247
.0054
1.31
.0310
.0049
4.6
1900,
.29
9.33
1.'82
.1168
.0254
.0219
.0035
1.15
.0417
.0039
3.4
1901,
.31
8.62
2.13
.1420
.0288
.0227
.0061
0.87
.0155
0006
3.1
1902,
.28
9.43
2.24
.1623
.0284
0238
.0046
1.20
.0195
.0010
2.8
1903,
.33
8.46
1.85
.1397
.0233
.0189
.0044
1.10
.0192
.0010
2.9
1904,
.29
8.71
2.06
.1079
.0235
.0201
.0034
1.26
.0337
.0009
2.9
1905,
.28
10.76
2.03
.1956
.0311
.0222
.0089
1.67
.0207
.0008
2.9
1906,
.37
9.02
2.15
.1526
.0306
.0251
.0055
1.27
.0188
.0006
2.4
1907,
.37
10.43
2.21
.1521
.0240
.0181
.0059
1.61
.0247
.0014
3.1
1908,
.33
9.85
2.53
.1295
.0232
.0185
.0047
1.78
.0258
.0024
3.4
1909,
.24
11.87
3.17
.1595
.0267
.0220
.0047
2.27
.0225
.0019
-
1910,
.30
13.94
3.32
.2350
.0277
.0234
.0043
3.01
.0290
.0013
-
1911,
.33
14.35
2.79
.1787
.0268
.0222
.0046
2.94
.0355
.0051
-
1912,
.29
15.20
2.18
.2433
.0283
.0249
.0034
2.91
.0421
.0064
-
1913,
.37
12.92
2.38
.1031
.0281
.0237
.0044
2.44
.0345
.0063
-
Note. — The sewage purification works of the city of Worcester were put in opveration in 1S90, since
which time a portion of the sewage of the city has been treated. The works were enlarged in 1893, and
since that time practically all of the dry-weather flow of sewage has been treated.
220
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
Charles Eiver,
A general statement of the condition of this river in the year 1913 will
be found on page 23.
charles river.
Chemical Examination of Water from Charles River. — Averages for
Six Months, from June to November, inclusive.
Charles River, above Milford.
[Parts in 100,000.]
Residue on
Evaporation.
Ammonia.
Nitrogen
AS
3
i
3
3
albuminoid.
Year.
a
'i
T)
m
o
3
c-2
o.t:
6
"3
13
a
3
03
1
.1
a
a
d
e2
Qh-i
fo
^
Q
O
Z
iS c
1899,
.28
3.98
1.70
0017
0248
.0223
.0025
.27
0027
0003
48
6
1900,
.49
3.93
1.67
,0017
0251
0231
0020
.25
,0030
,0000
64
0.5
1901,
.46
4.30
2.48
.0066
0286
0247
.0039
.25
0060
,0002
65
0.6
1902,
.58
4.42
1.90
.0025
.0248
.0210
0038
.29
0057
0001
70
1.1
1903,1
.55
4.17
1.86
.0015
.0203
0171
0032
.28
,0080
,0001
68
0.8
1904,2
.49
3 95
1.83
.0117
,0267
,0209
0058
.33
0035
0001
62
1.1
1905,3
.55
3.77
1.62
.0020
.0229
0201
0028
.31
0033
0001
56
0.8
1906,3
.62
4 05
1.90
0032
.0257
02.30
0027
.30
0073
0001
68
6
1907,
.43
3.79
1.59
.0020
.0198
0173
,0025
.32
0047
0001
48
0.8
1908,
.36
3.11
1.43
0023
0198
0171
0027
.33
0025
0001
42
0.5
1909,
.31
3 52
1.62
,0030
.0207
.0176
,0031
.32
,0012
,0000
39
0.7
1910,
.37
3.47
1.34
.0042
,0231
,0204
0027
.37
,0011
,0001
46
0.8
1911,
.40
3.94
1.48
.0036
,0210
,0183
,0027
.42
0007
0000
56
1.1
1912,
.38
3.62
1 29
0037
0226
,0182
0044
.37
,0018
0001
45
1.0
1913,3
.47
4.40
1.50
.0060
.0245
.0222
0023
.39
.0023
0002
49
0.9
1 October omitted.
2 Two months.
3 Three months.
Charles River,
below Milford.
1898.
.63
10 47
3,08
,1195
,0597
,0422
.0175
2.47
,0473
0064
.69
2.4
1899,
.50
12 .52
3.12
,3487
1345
0803
.0542
3,00
0053
,0008
1 12
2.6
1900,
.56
12.85
2,65
,7123
,0764
,0563
,0201
2.74
,0140
0055
.93
3.1
1901,
.63
9 52
3.37
1419
0451
,0317
0134
1.40
,0422
0048
.86
2.6
1902,
.52
10 74
3.38
.2118
,0658
,0406
,0252
2,21
02.36
,0049
1.02
2.7
1903,1
.49
9 03
2.85
.2237
.0479
,0277
,0202
1,36
,0.396
0050
.66
2.5
1904,5
.50
9.20
2.94
.2105
0508
0350
.0158
1.44
0513
.0055
.63
2.6
1906,3
.68
8 76
2.90
. 1536
0568
.0427
.0141
1 64
.0160
0012
.92
2.0
1907,
.54
12 95
2,83
.4607
.0864
.0.525
.0339
2.94
0352
0021
.86
3.2
1908,
.48
10,81
3,48
3925
0.598
,0347
0251
1.79
,0218
0049
.64
-
1909,
.50
12 66
4,07
,.5658
.0479
,0399
,0080
1,89
0273
,0064
.72
-
1910,
.57
15.21
3,83
,8038
,0640
,0499
0141
3,01
,0248
0082
.88
4.2
1911,
.58
14 12
3.64
,2881
,0447
.0323
,0124
2,51
.0785
0114
.75
4.4
1912,
.47
15.99
3,24
5413
0480
.0370
0110
2 67
,0880
0101
.64
5.5
1913,
.58
13.58
3.65
,2918
.0536
.0361
0175
1.94
.0505
.0108
.96
3.8
1 November omitted.
2 Four months.
3 June omitted.
No. 34.]
EXAMINATION OF RIVERS.
221
CHARLES RIVER.
Chemical Examination of Water from Charles River, etc. — Concluded.
Charles River, opposite Pumping Station of Brookline Water Works.
[Parts in 100,000.]
"o
Residue on
Ammonia.
i
■u
Nitrogen
o
6
g
a
8
a
O
Evaporation.
1
V
ALBUMINOID.
AS
Year.
3
^
a
"5
o
H
>
Q
i
-a
a
o
ft
§
i
1
.1
1
1887,
1888,
1895,
1897,
1898,
1899,
1900,
1901,
1902,
1903,
1904,
1905,1
1906,1
1907,1
1908,1
1909,2
1910,
1911,
1912,
1913,
.83
.98
.74
1.02
.87
.46
.56
.92
.52
.71
.51
.84
1.05
.63
.55
.65
.60
.85
.56
.74
5.37
4.87
4 91
5 36
5.22
5.03
4.96
5 45
5.46
6.22
5.24
5 93
6.00
6 15
5.93
5 75
6.71
7.42
6 30
7.32
1.62
1.92
2.08
2.45
2 40
1 92
1.60
2 60
2.03
2 30
2.17
2.60
2.77
2.40
2.29
2 00
2.79
3.02
2.07
2.27
.0013
.0014
.0004
0012
.0012
.0011
.0018
.0020
.0031
.0031
.0021
.0029
.0039
0022
1.0035
0023
.0028
.0040
0043
.0053
.0282
.0264
.0237
.0288
0303
.0262
.0252
.0314
.0234
0240
.0224
0318
0294
0246
.0248
0254
.0289
.0302
0298
0342
.0240
0207
.0262
.0281
.0230
0229
.0275
.0211
0223
.0208
.0277
.0267
.0228
.0222
.0236
.0260
.0258
0237
.0300
.0024
.0030
.0026
.0022
.0032
.0023
0039
.0023
.0017
.0016
0041
.0027
0018
0026
.0018
.0029
0044
0061
0042
.44
.37
.48
.43
.39
.45
.46
.41
.57
.53
.55
,54
.53
.64
.65
.69
.83
.80
.85
.85
.0087
.0062
.0055
.0067
0035
.0025
.0020
0047
0045
.0065
0060
0056
.0032
.0026
.0036
0015
.0013
.0032
.0012
.0043
.0002
0001
.0001
.0001
0001
0000
.0001
.0001
0001
.0001
.0002
.0001
0001
.0002
.0001
.0001
.0001
.0001
.0002
.75
.86
.92
.62
.70
.95
.64
.80
.67
.92
1.17
.73
.61
.75
.72
1.10
.69
,86
1.5
1.5
14
1.5
1.4
1.4
1.6
15
16
1.5
1.4
1.7
1.7
15
1.8
2
2.1
2.0
1 Five months.
2 Two months.
Charles River,
opposite Pumping Station of Waltham Water Works.
1887,
.67
6.02
1 62 .
0029
.0274
_
_
.48
0043
_
_
_
1888,
.82
5.47
1.88
0035
.0310
.0265
0045
.41
.0087
.0002
-
-
1897,
.95
6.06
2.45
.0056
0322
.0299
.0023
.53
0073
.0002
.83
1.9
1898,
.81
5 74
2 46
0050
.0329
.0296
0033
.44
0043
.0001
.85
1.6
1899,
.41
5 50
1.81
.0047
.0264
.0248
0016
.51
.0051
.0002
.52
19
1900,
.52
5.93
1.68
.0064
.0282
.0259
0023
.53
.0070
.0002
.58
1.7
1901,
.82
5.93
2.72
.0065
.0322
.0289
.0033
.44
.0067
.0002
.85
1.8
1902,
.45
6.21
1.97
.0084
.0258
.0228
.0030
.62
.0077
0003
.59
2.0
1903,
.64
6.06
2.21 '
.0078
0267
.0239
.0028
.58
.0084
.0003
.71
2.0
1904,
.55
6.08
2.22
0062
.0317
.0266
0051
.62
.0095
.0002
.62
2,0
1905,
.79
6.29
2.54
.0077
0363
0.308
0055
.58
.0075
.0002
,80
l.V
1906,
1.00
6.70
2.58
.0063
0335
0297
.0038
.59
.0038
.0002
.98
1,8
1907, »
.58
6 22
2.24
.0067
.0278
.0247
0031
.63
.0058
.0002
.65
2,0
1908,
.62
6 50
2 49
.0048
0344
.0284
.0060
.69
.0027
0001
.64
1,9
1909,
.54
6.79
2 36
.0063
0349
.0298
.0051
.76
.0026
.0002
,53
2.0
1910,
.59
7.37
2.87
.0078
.0336
.0299
0037
.81
.0037
.0003
.56
2.4
1911,
.75
7 47
2.95
.0086
0343
0308
00.35
.85
0030
0003
.87
2.3
1912,
.57
7.59
2.32
.0095
.0320
.0280
0040
.92
.0038
.0002
.63
2.6
1913,2
.68
7.68
2.54
.0083
.0437
.0378
.0059
.91
.0041
.0003
.74
2.3
1 July omitted.
• June omitted.
222
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
Chicopee Eiyer.
A general statement of the condition of this river and its tributaries
during the year 1913 will be found on pages 23 and 28.
chicopee river.
Chemical Examination of Water from Chicopee River and its Tribu-
taries. — Averages for Six Months, from June to November, in-
clusive.
Ware River, below Ware.
[Parts in 100,000.]
Residue ox
evapokation.
Ammoni.v.
Nitrogen o
AS E
oi
3
3
8
Year.
a
tj
5
«•
a-2
'J
El
S
SR
o
o
"
o.-S
i
1
o
g
03
u
'E
®
7.
O
H
^-
&
H
Q
g
CO
o
z
^ c
a
1898,
.64
4.42
1.94
.0028
.0332
.0250
.0082
.19
.0025
,0003
77
1.0
1899,
.46
4.82
1.77
.0052
.0371
.0268
.0103
.25
.0015
.0004
66
0.9
1900,
.51
4.93
1.64
.0066
0321
.0243
.0078
.25
.0030
.0003
78
1.1
1901,
.73
4.79
2.15
.0082
.0300
.0242
.0058
.18
.0044
,0002
84
1.3
1902,
.76
4.86
2.17
0071
.0348
.0252
0096
.23
.0040
.0003
93
1.0
1903,1
.68
4.83
2.18
.0072
,0345
.0240
0105
.25
.0034
.0003
78
0.8
1904,1
.60
5.60
2.36
0043
0411
,0285
.0126
.29
.0046
,0004
72
1.1
1908,
.56
7.38
2 86
.0265
,0418
,0264
.0154
.37
.0033
.0005
80
-
1909,1
.61
8.63
3.05
.0354
,0.569
,0357
0212
.44
.0015
,0006 1
98
_
1910,
.57
9.82
4.39 1
.0655
,0622
,0426
0196
.60
.0040
,0011
84
-
1911,
.70
9.15
3.37 !
0396
0554
.0375
.0179
.48
.0015
,0003 1
98
_
1912,
.62
10 93
3.23
.0592
0717
0491
0226
.61
,0015
,0014 1
95
_
1913.
.66
9.74
2.97
.0525
0634
.0432
.0202
.51
.0023
,0005 i
!
96
-
1 September omitted.
Quaboag River, below Palmer.
1899, .
.35
4.54
1.68
.0048
.0252
.0208
.0044
.26
.0060
.0002
.44
1.1
1900,
.40
4.56
1,58
0038
.0218
.0176
0042
.26
,0062
0001
.48
1.2
1901,
.42
4 32
1.74
0043
,0255
.0202
.0053
.23
.0052
,0002
.53
1.1
1902,
.41
4,55
1 64
.0077
.0242
.0196
0046
.33
.0085
0002
.53
1.2
1903,
.44
4.36
1.67
0090
,0242
.0186
,0056
.27
.0092
,0033
.51
1,0
1904,
.40
4,68
1.70
,0191
.0253
0195
,0058
.31
0082
0002
.50
1.1
1908,
.36
5 31
1,98
0061
.0207
.0149
.0058
.40
.0070
0003
.42
-
1909,
.31
5.43
1.95
,0068
0211
,0165
.0046
.41
0058
,0003
.47
-
1910,
.44
6.05
2.28
.0043
.0238
.0168
.0070
.52
.0057
.0003
.73
-
1911,1
.39
5.94
2.08
0060
,0191
.0145
.0046
.44
0032
.0002
.53
_
1912,
.40
7.63
2.08
.0087
,0209
.0144
.0065
.46
.0068
0001
.58
-
1913,2
.58
7.67
1.81
.0108
.0278
.0164
.0114
.46
.0042
.0001
.61
~
1 Four months.
2 June omitted.
s
wijt River, beloio Bondsville.
1908,1 .
.34
5.45
2.42
.0047
0217
.0132
.0085
.21
.0013
.0002
.44
1909,2 .
.40
4.60
1.70
.0016
.0196
.0139
.0057
.22
.0000
.0001
.60
-
1910,
.33
5.28
2.05
.0031
.0261
0196
.0065
.25
.0010
.0001
.60
-
19il,
.48
5.05
2.12
0021
.0278
.0193
.0085
.21
.0007
0000
.74
-
1912,
.28
5.02
1.92
.0047
.0268
.0184
.0084
.21
.0008
.0001
.54
-
1913,
.36
5.32
1.95
.0024
.0296
.0204
.0092
.26
.0008
.0001
.58
~
1 Three months.
2 Two months.
No. 34.]
exa:vtinatiox of rivers.
223
chicopee river.
Chemical Ex.\mixation of Water from Chicopee River and its Tribu-
taries, ETC. — Concluded.
Chicopee River, at Indian Orchard.
[Parts in 100,000.]
o
6
Residue on
Ammonia.
6
a
_o
3
O
Nitrogen
•6
£
3
0!
a
8
a
>,
6
Ev.\P0R.\TION.
i
ALBUMINOID.
AS
Year.
1
g:l
i
e2
■6
>
G
-§
a
n
3
S
4>
C
S3
K
1908,1 .
.42
5.21
1.98
.0100
.0240
.0177
.0063
.33
.0056
.0003
.62
_
1909,2 .
.38
5.82
2.08
.0094
.0220
.0162
.0058
.36
.0046
.0004
.46
-
1910,
.45
6.14
2.06
.0099
.0239
0191
.0048
.44
,0052
0003
.50
-
1911,
.48
6.12
2.10
0081
.0275
0184
.0091
.42
.0067
0004
.57
-
1912,
.41
6.83
2.03 ,
.0159
.0287
.0221
.0066
.50
.0108
.0005
.47
-
1913,
.43
6.68
2.13
.0146
.0302
.0211
.0091
.44
.0067
.0006
.50
"
1 October omitted.
2 September omitted.
Concord Eiver.
A general statement of the condition of this river and its trilnitaries
during the year 1913 ^yill be found on pages .22, 23 and 27.
concord river.
Chemical Examination of Water from Concord River and its Tribu-
taries. — Averages for Six Months, from June to November, in-
clusive.
Sudbury River, below Saxonville.
[Parts in 100,000.]
Residue on
Evaporation.
Ammonia. |
Nitrogen
AS
HI
B
3
g
albuminoid.
Year.
d
'6
.2
^
O
3
J"
1
Eh
1
3
1
1
2
2
a
o
6
c5
1901,
.84
7.22
3.37
.0073
.0624
0431
.0193
.38
.0050
.0005
1.05
1.9
1902,
.38
6.39
2.57
.0150
.0424
0272
.0152
.60
.0103
.0005
.55
2.2
1903,
.52
7.77
2.78
.0028
0549
.0296
0253
.65
.0080
.0002
.83
2.1
1904,
48
9.58
3.57
.0569
.0587
.0385
.0202
.87
.0193
.0032
.88
2.5
1906,1
.67
6.88
2.90
.0258
.0525
.0381
.0144
.56
.0058
.0004
.92
1.9
1907,2
.65
9 07
3.28
.1357
.0653
.0347
.0306
.84
.0063
.0004
.84
2 1
1908,3
.44
9 67
3.72
,0039
0634
.0374
0260
1.06
.0128
.0009
.69
-
1909.
.43
6.81
2.59
.0174
.0330
.0256
0074
.64
.0043
.0005
.64
-
1910,
.49
9.78
3.45
.0454
.0606
.0345
.0261
.83
.0040
.0010
.65
-
1911,
.37
9.03
3.08
.0287
.0410
.0281
.0129
.92
,0120
.0009
.54
-
1912,
49
8.83
2.75
.0238
.0366
.0253
,0113
1.19
,0137
.0031
.72
-
1913,
.69
7.28
2.56
.0152
.0347
.0291
.0056
.90
.0185
.0023
.77
"
1 June omitted.
2 Three months
3 Augu.st omitted.
224
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
CONCORD RIVER.
Chemical Examination of Water from Concord River and its Tribu-
taries, ETC. — Continued.
Assabet River, above Westborotigh.
IParts in 100,000.]
a-
Residue on
Ammonia.
c
1
o
Nitrogen
-6
o
B
s
a
o
S
bD
>i
X
O
Evaporation.
albuminoid.
AS
Yeah.
1
e2
a
M to
13
i
>
1
s
■6
a
a
a.
s
i
1
1
2
i
a
1-^
1909,
.56
6.01
2.20
.0048
.0217
.0194
.0023
.36
.0015
.0001
.69
-
1910,
.90
7.37
3.12
.0029
.0251
.0229
0022
.38
.0035
.0001
.86
-
1911,
.97
8.02
3.39
.0061
.0441
.0354
.0087
.45
.0023
.0002
1.20'
-
1912,
.72
7.00
2.36
.0073
.0255
.0228
.0027
.44
.0061
.0002
.87
-
1913,
1.25
8.26
3.73
.0095
.0469
.0392
.0077
.46
.0007
.0002
1.55
-
Assabet River, below Westborough.
1909,
1.70
19.24
8.91
.4140
.2281
.1616
.0665
1.94
.0005
.0005
2.90
-
1910,
2.23
17.07
7.00
.2898
.1334
.1018
.0316
2.16
.0078
.0018
2.20
-
1911,
.83
12.09
4.01
.0556
.0460
.0373
.0087
1.87
.0967
.0121
1.24
-
1912,
.66
12 71
4.01
.0975
.0419
.0357
.0062
2.20
.1998
.0132
.95
-
1913,
1.15
9.67
4.21
.0152
.0448
.0401
.0047
1.08
.1078
.0016
1.37
-
Assabet River
above Hudson.
1908," .
.49
5.97
2.16
.0044
.0241
.0200
0041
.54
.0072
0003
.59
-
1909. .
.39
6.37
2.33
.0070
.0306
0261
.0045
.52
.0037
0002
.50
-
1910,
.57
6.90
3.08
.0058
.0346
.0296
.0050
.61
.0055
,0002
.67
-
1911,
.57
6.82
2 51
0059
.0295
.0248
.0047
.57
.0077
.0002
.81
-
1912,
.45
6.51
2.13
.0075
.0297
.0234
.0063
.62
.0108
.0002
.59
1913,2
.65
8.48
2.81
.0168
.0386
.0327
.0059
.70
.0046
.0002
.79
' September omitted.
November omitted.
No. 34.]
EXAMINATION OF RIVERS.
225
concord river.
Chemical Examination of Water from Concord River and its Tribu-
taries, ETC. — Continued.
Assabet River, below Hudson.
[Parts in 100,000.]
C
"o
Q
Residue on
Ammonia.
i
Nitrogen
E
3
a
8
§
>.
o
Evaporation.
i
fa
ALBUMINOID.
AS
Year.
"3
o
a
fl-2
sr
"3
13
O
>
■d
t
o
3
m
1
2
1
a
-a
1898,
1899.
1900,
1901,
1902,
1903,1
1904,2
1908,
1909,
1910,
1911,
1912,
1913,3
.79
.50
.48
.66
.64
.51
.44
.51
.51
.69
.64
.78
.76
5.61
8.30
8.05
5.47
7.06
5.71
7.67
9 17
8 81
13.83
12.83
18.08
13.29
2.38
3.01
2.05
2.38
2.69
2.17
2.60
3.50
3.26
3.83
4.30
3.99
3.34
0062
.0205
0382
.0193
.0189
.0092
.0329
.0198
.0161
.0413
.0817
.0939
.0727
.0335
.0457
.0501
.0375
.0464
.0287
.0375
.0396
.0403
.0428
.0532
.0752
.0704
.0291
.0383
.0362
.0295
.0330
.0222
.0312
0294
.0296
.0337
.0400
.0494
.0577
.0044
.0074
.0139
.0080
.0134
.0065
.0063
.0102
.0107
.0091
.0132
.0258
.0127
.39
.80
1.27
.79
.84
.56
1.43
1.32
.98
1.27
.90
1.02
1.07
.0063
.0020
.0028
0107
.0077
.0073
.0073
.0072
.0022
.0048
.0043
.0053
.0036
0003
0004
.0007
0005
.0005
.0006
0005
.0005
.0002
.0002
.0003
.0002
.0004
.87
.73
.72
.91
.74
.60
.64
.82
.64
1.24
1.06
1.28
1.28
1.6
2.1
2.0
1.8
1.9
1.7
1.9
June omitted.
.' Three months.
5 November omitted.
Assabet River, above Maynard.
1904, .
.53
5.65
2.30
.0046
.0275
.0231
.0044
.64
.0035
.0001
.63
1.6
1906,
.75
5.53
2.26
.0065
0290
0254
0036
.48'
0035
0002
.97
1.5
1907, »
.68
5.35
1.80
.0047
0255
.0211
.0044
.50
0043
.0002
.73
1.6
1908,
.52
6 91
2 32
.0093
0288
.0248
.0040
1.03
.0030
.0002
.62
-
1909,
.43
6.18
2.13
0068
0343
.0277
0066
.72
0023
.0001
.62
-
1910,
.54
7.70
2.82
.0098
.0337
.0291
.0046
.98
.0017
.0003
.64
-
1911,
.57
7.67
2.33
.0087
0327
.0277
0050
.85
.0065
.0004
.73
-
1912,
.57
7.92
2.15
.0058
0316
0242
.0074
1 06 1
0032
.0002
.65
-
1913,
.60
7.85
2.27
.0085
0372
.0296
0076
1.03
0028
0003
.73
-
1 Four months.
226
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
concord river.
Chemical Examination of Water from Concord
TARiES, ETC. — Concluded.
Assahet River, below Maynard.
River and its Tribu-
[Parts in
100,000.]
o
o
Residue on
Evaporation.
Ammonia.
13
■|
3
o
Nitrogen
AS
■6
<u
S
a
8
1
I
o
fe
albuminoid.
Year.
3
■i
o
H
■n
■6
a
IS
0,
3
1
1
'B
1
1898, .
.77
5.93
2 59
0020
.0387
.0301
0086
.43
0030
.0003
.89
1.5
1399, .
.51
6.70
2.21
0185
0414
0327
.0087
.73
.0043
0003
.62
1.7
1900,
.50
5.72
1 73
0217
0386
.0304
.0082
.70
0031
.0002
.59
1.4
1901, .
.73
6.57
2 67
0211
0428
0351
.0077 j
.45
0052
0002
.90
1.6
1902,
.69
7.27
2.87
.0099
.0592
.0381
.0211
.57
0033
.0002
.83
1.6
1903,
.61
6.40
2.58
.0170
0457
.0322
.0135
.48
0037
0003
.83
1.6
1904,
-
8.48
3.21
0143
0678
.0412
0266
.74
0043
.0002
1.05
17
1906,
.88
6.68
2.64
.0290
0448
.0312
.0136
.58
0047
0003
.91
1.6
1907,1
.79
7.64
2.76
.0299
.0391
.0274
.0117
.69
.0060
.0003
.86
1.6
1908,
.45
11.46
3.98
.0675
.0684
0381
.0303
1,37
.0028
.0012
.89
-
1909,
-
13.97
4.21
.1208
.0991
.0529
.0462
1.22
.0007
.0006
1.34
-
1910,
.59
13.15
4.68
.0708
.0685
.0446
.0239
1.82
0038
.0006
.85
-
1911,
.58
12.73
4.17
.0738
.0650
.0408
.0242
1 41
0060
0006
1.08
-
1912,
-
12.94
3.92
.1205
.0771
.0494
.0277
1.46
.0026
.0010
1.04
-
1913,
.60
10 60
3.01
.0746
.0597
.0394
0203
1.34
0311
.0007
.85
-
1 Four months.
Concord River, at Billerica.
1902, .
.68
5.98
2.18
.0091
,0347
,0272
0075
.53
0052
0004
.78
1,7
1903,
.64
5.71
2.26
0097
,0317
,0258
0059
.49
,0058
.0005
,72
1,8
1904,
.64
6.05
2 31
0077
,0341
0255
,0086
.55
0072
0002
.75
1.7
190S,
.37
8 04
2 65
0107
,0251
0216
,0035
.96
,0104
.0005
,54
-
1909,
.49
7.71
2.78
.0128
,0298
.0267
,0031
.75
,0058
,0013
.65
-
1910,
.49
7 31
3.00
0142
,0325
,0292
,0033
1.01
,0055
0004
,58
-
1911,
.45
11.14
4.05
,0181
,0525
,0287
.0238
1.16
0132
.0008
1.14
-
1912,1
.53
10 90
3 08
0187
0433
,0274
.0159
.97
,0140
,0008
,82
-
1913.
.57
7 63
2.38
0089
0355
.0312
.0043
,98
,0073
,0003
.77
-
1 September omitted.
No. 34.]
EXAMINATION OF RIVERS.
227
CoxxECTicuT River,
A general statement of the condition of this river during the year 1913
will be found on page 21.
connecticut river.
Chemical Examination of Water from Connecticut River. — Averages
FOR Six Months, from June to November, inclusive.
Connecticut River, at Northfield Farjns.
[Parts in 100,000.)
Residue on
Evaporation.
Ammonia.
Nitrogen
■6
3
1
Ye.vr.
a
i
o
.
i
3
n bo
i
"3
>
1
a
a
3
o
.2
B
a
>>
a
■E
O
^
,3"
^
^
Q
3
CO
■z
z
o
03
1899,
.30
7.32
2.17
.0016
.0189
0158
.0031
.11
.0023
0001
.85
3.6
1900,
.47
6.24
2 11
.0023
.0190
0154
0036
.09
.0030
.0001
.95
2 9
1901,
.31
6.12
2.39
0016
.0146
0122
.0024
.10
0037
.0002
.72
3.2
1902,
.30
5.57
2 02
0014
.0124
.0110
.0014
.08
.0057
0001
.60
2.9
1903,
.23
6 83
2.18
0037
.0169
.0143
0026
.14
,0028
,0002
.68
3.4
1904,1
.27
6 44
2.44
.0023
.0158
.0130
.0028
.12
,0038
,0001
.73
3 4
1906.
.34
6 50
2.17
.0040
.0201
.0181
.0020
.14
,0023
,0002
.76
3.2
1907, 2
.36
5 91
2.06
0020
.0141
.0122
.0019
.16
.0048
,0002
.66
3
1908,3
.28
8 33
2.78
0058
.0200
.0177
.0023
.22
.0018
,0001
.70
1909,
.29
7.32
2.89
0031
.0142
0124
.0018
.16
.0017
,0002
.82
_
1910.
.31
7 52
3.10
.0064
.0174
0152
0022
.17
,0018
,0001
.77
_
1911,
.32
7.28
2.44
0066
.0172
.0143
.0029
.16
.0022
0001
.70
_
1912,
.36
7.43
1.63
.0066
.0185
.0148
.0037
.16
0012
,0001
.70
_
1913,
.31
7.78
2 31
.0077
.0174
0131
.0043
.17
.0020
0002
.65
-
1 July omitted.
^ Four months.
' June omitted.
Connecticut River
, below Springfield.
1888,
.35
5 .34
1 24
0032
,0182
0143
.0039
.15
.0082
0002
1899.
.33
6 61
1 99
0093
0238
0195
.0043
.23
.0042
.0003
67
3 1
1900,
.44
6 64
1,90
0098
.0250
0176
.0074
.20
0034
,0002
89
3 1
1901,
.32
6.03
2,34
0061
.0190
.01.53
.0037
.18
.0048
.0003
65
3,0
1902,
.31
5 83
2,13
0062
.0180
0140
0040
.16
0055
0005
61
3
1903,
.30
6.12
2,04
,0098
.0202
0147
0055
.24
.0058
,0004
61
2,7
1904,'
.22
5 22
1 87
0098
.0187
0125
0062
.21
.0047
,0002
48
2 4
1906.2
.35
7.14
2 61
,0082
.0204
0161
0043
.24
.0026
.0004
71
2 8
1907,3
,38
6 27
2 46
0069
.0163
0131
0032
.24
.0050
.0003
67
2,9
1908,
.32
8,58
2 61
0214
.0223
0165
.0058
.38
0040
,0004
81
1909,
.29
6 02
2 25
0079
.0156
0118
0038
.22
0018
0003
65
_
1910,
.33
8,67
3.60
.0155
0241
,0188
.0053
.37
.0028
0003
89
_
1911.
.33
7,66
2.56
,0140
.0181
,0147
0034
.28
.0018
0005
70
_
1912.
.31 ,
8 22
3.02
,0136
.0228
,0161
.0067
.16
0022
0004
74
_
1913, <
.31 1
7,96
2.50
,0178
.0242
.0181
.0061
.35
0038
,0004
68
-
' Three months.
2 June omitted.
' Four months
♦ September omitted.
228
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
Deeefield Eiver.
A general statement of the condition of this river in the year 1913
will be found on page 28.
deerfield river.
Chemical Examination of Water from Deerfield River and Tributary.
— Averages for Six Months, from June to November, inclusive.
Deerfield River, at Shelhurne Falls.
[Parts in 100,000.]
o
6
Residue on
Ammonia.
6
a
_o
3
o
Nitrogen
■o.
o
E
a
8
a
g
O
Evaporation.
6
ALBUMINOID.
AS
Year.
1
a
a -2
o.t:
1 M
1
e2
-a
1
P
73
■d
1
1
.1
2
1901,
1902,
1903,1
1904,
1908,
1909,
1910,
1911,
1912,2
1913,
.34
.29
.26
.24
.33
.26
.26
.35
.29
.39
4.02
3.62
3.74
4.15
4.93
4.56
4.62
4.80
4.48
4 55
1.82
1.46
1.35
1.52
1.93
1.62
1.69
1.88
1.65
1.30
0057
.0051
0023
0040
.0017
,0009
.0025
0035
.0024
.0049
0200
.0151
.0131
0115
.0128
0150
.0141
.0156
.0149
0213
.0171
.0126
.0113
.0097
.0108
0129
.0108
.0119
.0122
.0164
.0029
.0025
.0018
0018
0020
0021
.0033
0037
.0027
.0049
.09
.08
.09
.11
.14
.12
.13
.13
.11
.12
.0078
.0055
.0038
0110
0030
0005
0010
0027
.0008
.0007
.0001
0002
.0002
0001
.0001
0001
0001
0000
0001
0000
.63
.51
.44
.39
.44
.47
.45
.59
.42
.53
1.7
1.7
15
2.1
1 Four months.
' October omitted.
Green River, below Greenfield.
1903,
.05
7.75
2.23
.0152
.0143
.0086
.0057
.21
0078
,0005
.15
3 9
1904,
.07
6 93
2.01
0151
.0382
.0138
.0244
.28
.0100
.0006
.22
3.8
1908,
.17
11 06
2.97
0665
.0337
0131
0206
.45
0043
.0011
.33
-
1909,
.14
7.82
2.54
.0459
.0333
0151
0182
.37
0038
0011
.23
-
1910,
.17
8 33
3.16
0775
.0284
0169
.0115
.37
0025
0012
.23
-
1911,
.21
9.23
2.44
.0684
0228
0115
0113
.48
.0033
.0014
.37
-
1912,
.17
18 02
2 71
0099
0352
.0092
0260
.23
.0017 .0003
.44
-
1913,
.12
8.25
2.25
0203
.0198
.0103
.0095
.26
0030 .0003
.22
"
Deerfield River, below Green River.
1908,
1909,
1910,
1911,
1912,
1913,
0075 .0154
0043 .0121
0093 1.0128
0078 I 0143
0070 1.0140
.0113 .0257
.0098
.0056
.20
.0025
.0002
.37
0104
.0017
.14
0012
0001
.41
0112
.0016
.16
0008
.0003
.31
.0106
.0037
.16
.0025
.0005
.52
.0107
.0033
.17
.0030
.0001 (
.37
.0183
0074
.17
,0063
.0002 ,
.39
No. 34.]
EXAMINATION OF RIVERS.
229
Frekch Eiver.
A general statement of the condition of this river in the year 1913
will be found on page 21.
FRENX'H RIVER.
Chemical Examination of Water from French River. — Averages for
Six Months, from June to November, inclusive.
French River, below Webster.
[Parts in 100,000.]
o
8
Residue on
Evaporation.
Ammonia.
i
3
o
Nitrogen
AS
(U
B
m
a
o
a
O
£
albuminoid.
Year.
3
d
1
Q
T3
1
§
02
1
1
1
2
1
a
1
1899,
.44
5.67
2.07
.0238
.0612
.0384
.0228
.42
.0024
.0007
.66
1.6
1900,
.52
5.79
2.10
.0202
.0475
.0357
.0118
.46
.0062
.0007
.78
15
1901,
.50
5.29
2.25
.0090
0390
0265
.0125
.33
.0044
.0002
.75
12
1902,
.42
4.92
1.99
.0057
.0391
.0264
.0127
.39
0038
.0002
.65
1.2
1903,
.48
4 67
1.88
.0049
.0352
.0241
.0111
.40
.0058
.0002
.72
0.9
1904,
.44
6.02
2.18
.0267
.0434
.0281
.0153
.58
.0042
.0004
.70
1.3
1906,
.61
5.08
2.19
.0063
.0353
0246
.0107
.40
0038
0003
.81
9
1907,1
.54
6.28
2.62
.0117
.0544
.0304
.0240
.49
.0035
0004
.69
1.2
1903,
.44
7.17
2.82
.0086
.0507
.0310
.0197
.61
0037
0010
.81
-
1909,
.50
7.42
2.61
0267
.0638
0385
.0253
.77
.0055
.0012
.72
-
1910,
.44
8.27
3 55
.0512
0527
0321
.0206
.78
.0016
.0021
.79
-
1911,
.57
10.23
3.17
0219
.0652
.0405
.0247
.89
0015
.0004
.94
-
1912,
.49
9 78
3.77
.0420
0745
0399
.0346
.82
0060
0021
.87
-
1913,
.53
8 42
2.93
.0345
.0641
0358
.0283
.72
.0042
0007
.86
-
' Four months.
230
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
HOOSTCK ElVER.
A general statement of the condition of this river in the vear 1913
will be found on page 24.
hoosick river.
Chemical Examination of Water from Hoosick River. — Averages for
Six Months, from June to November, inclusive.
Hoosick River, at Williamstoivn.
[Parts in 100,000.]
i
o
Residue on
Evaporation.
Ammonia.
6
a
o
Nitrogen
AS
T3
s
d
a
8
a
>i
X
O
8
albuminoid.
Year.
o
a
0.-
3
o
Q
1
1
3
CO
1
.1
i
o
a
1
1887, .
.22
12 05
1.22
.0065
.0190
-
-
.23
.0232
-
-
-
1888,
.12
10 82
1.90
.0026
0210
.0142
.0068
.27
.0247
.0015
-
-
1894,
.37
13 56
2.74
0166
.0361
.0224
.0137
.50
.0102
0014
.42
9
1895,
.34
14 20
3.26
.0190
0424
.0241
.0183
.63
.0090
.0020
.53
9
1896,
.21
11.71
2 39
0295
0267
.0172
.0095
.39
.0133
.0018
.33
8.6
1897,
.26
11.32
2.39
.0174
0312
.0173
.0139
.30
.0265
.0011
.31
7.9
1898,
.27
10 46
2.38
.0223
0311
.0210
.0101
.31
0170
.0007
.34
6.6
1899,
.30
15 21
3 31
.0252
.0622
.0379
.0243
.64
.0070
.0029
.62
8.3
1900,
.28
14.20
2.79
.0433
.0547
0301
.0246
.60
.0087
.0043
.58
7.8
1901,
.27
13 02
3.70
.0400
.0520
.0250
.0270
.43
.0152
0024
.53
7.3
1902,
.22
10 62
2,87
.0069
.0307
.0172
.0135
.34
0123
.0014
.40
6 4
1903,
.17
10 50
2 37
0272
.0264
0151
.0113
.29
.0183
0019
.33
7.5
1904,
.13
12 30
3 23
0677
0310
.0191
0119
.45
.0203
.0024
.29
8.3
1905,
.20
11.09
2 81
.0295
.0265
0156
.0109
.32
.0123
.0015
.31
5 6
1906,
.31
13.28
3 63
0415
.0489
.0252
.0237
.47
.0147
.0030
.43
6.0
1907,
.25
11 80
2 93
0431
.0390
.0231
.0159
.47
.0135
.0021
.39
7.9
1908,
.23
14 00
3.86
.0559
0323
.0195
.0128
.54
.0085
.0023
.37
-
1909,
.23
15 46
4 09
.0496
.0382
.0243
.0139
.62
.0060
.0035
.41
-
1910,
.30
13 06
4.43
0320
0336
.0219
.0117
.52
.0102
.0018
.41
-
1911,
.26
12.38
3.77
.1153
.0492
.0232
.0260
.58
.0065
.0022
.43
-
1912,
.24
15.05
3.35
0365
0464
.0280
0184
.73
.0058
.0025
.45
9 3
1913,
.13
17 57
3.78
.0638
0489
0310
.0179
.88
.0053
.0024
.49
9 2
No. 34.]
exa:\jination of rivers.
231
HOUSATONIC ElVER.
A general statement of the condition of this river in the year 1913
will be found on page 24.
housatonic river.
Chemical Examination of Water from Housatonic River and its
Branches. — Averages for Six Months, from June to November,
inclusive.
East Branch, below Pittsfield.
[Parts in 100,000.]
u
o
a
Residue on
Ammonia.
a
O
Nitrogen
-i
■a
3
a
8
a
s>
6
Evaporation.
i
ALBUMINOID.
AS
Year.
i
d
o
H
1
"o
Q
•a
a
0.
s
1
1
i
1903, .
.32
9.75
2 92
.0118
.0226
.0153
.0073
.25
.0142
.0006
.56
6.8
1904,1
.28
9 02
3.15
0117
0248
0175
0073
.26
.0113
.0005
.47
6.2
1907,2
.42
9.40
3 00
0286
0284
.0186
0098
.28
0060
.0010
.50
6.4
1908,5
.29
12.76
3.57
.0327
0250
0177
0073
.40
.0140
0011
.47
-
1909,
.26
12.60
4.37
.0431
.0305
.0215
.0090
.33
.0087
.0007
.44
-
1910,
.30
12.98
5.26
0437
0233
0182
.0051
.40
.0080
0012
.48
-
1911. >
.29
12.03
4.26
.0231
.0253
.0169
.0084
.37
0060
.0011
.54
-
1912, «
.28
13 08
3.18
0358
.0337
.0236
0101
.43
.0123
.0010
.62
-
1913,
.32
15.34
3.60
.0526
.0405
.0259
0146
.48
.0073
.0019
.69
-
1 Three months.
2 Two months.
' November omitted.
West Branch,
below Pittsfield.
1903,
.29
10.43
2.83
.0100
.0210
.0143
.0067
.23
0143
.0006
.46
7.4
1904,1 .
.15
12 27
3.50
.0137
.0423
.0217
.0206
.35
.0050
.0004
.35
7.8
1908,2 .
.20
13.28
3.68
.0210
0301
.0194
.0107
.26
.0026
.0009
.36
-
1909, .
-
11.00
2.87
.0070
0283
.0175
0108
.24
.0010
.0003
.25
-
1910,
.22
13.85
4 98
0218
0446
.0218
.0228
.40
.0012
.0011
.40
-
1911,' .
.19
12.73
4.70
0090
0317
0184
0133
.26
0030
.0005
.37
-
1912,' .
.17
12 60
2.70
0081
0360
.0197
0163
.29
.0037
.0005
.41
-
1913,
.30
18.72
5.10
0870
0779
.0397
0382
.78
0020
.0008
.82
-
' Three months.
2 November omitted.
232
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
HOUSATONIC RIVER.
Chemical Examination of Water from Housatonic River and its
Branches, etc. — Concluded.
Southwest Branch, at Pittsfield.
[Parts in 100,000.]
C
O
Residue on
Evaporation.
Ammonia.
■g
O
Nitrogen
i
8
a
>.
6
[S
ALBUMINOID.
AS
Year.
1
^
a
2"
1
T3
>
s
■a
a
a
3
1
1
i
a
d
1899, .
.17
14.92
2.58
.0040
.0353
.0211
.0142
.16
.0108
.0004
.37
9.2
1900,
.14
14.87
2.15
.0192
0335
.0229
.0106
.21
.0107
.0008
.35
10 2
1901,
.14
13.20
3.87
0051
0302
0197
.0105
.16
.0096
0004
.41
9.4
1902,
.11
12.30
3.09
0057
.0224
.0136
.0088
.12
.0108
.0005
.37
8.7
1903,
.10
11.63
2.37
0045
0162
.0109
.0053
.11
0115
.0003
.25
8.8
1904,1
.15
12.45
3.63
.0116
0455
.0223
.0232
.34
0040
.0018
.35
7.8
1907,2
.31
10.78
2.30
.0040
0258
0168
.0090
.20
.0025
0003
.39
8.2
1908,3
.18
15.17
4.89
.0216
.0269
.0159
.0110
.23
.0036
.0007
.38
-
1909,
.17
14 82
4.41
0041
0265
0153
0112
.23
.0082
.0005
.37
-
1910,
.17
14.45
5.25
0049
0196
.0135
.0061
.17
.0045
.0006
.30
-
1911,1
.14
12.62
3.35
.0013
.0224
.0131
0093
.19
.0110
.0005
.34
-
1912,1
.12
15.02
3.08
0017
0172
.0111
.0061
.21
.0170
.0007
.31
-
1913.
.13
15.97
3.34
.0037
.0221
.0157
.0064
.20
.0115
.0009
.32
-
1 Three montha.
' Two months.
' November omitted.
Housatonic River, below Ch'eat Barrington
1908,
.18
14 97
3.69
0106
.0269
0172
0097
.43
.0107
0011
.36
-
1909, .
.16
14.91
4.41
.0067
0247
0173
0074
.47
.0078
0012
.35
-
1910, .
.22
14.97
5.32
.0128
.0233
.0181
.0052
.51
.0090
0021
.34
-
1911, .
.19
14 42
5.29
.0178
.0217
.0157
.0060
.45
.0087 .0045
.40
1912,1 .
.22
14.56
3.79
0123
0272
0189
.0083
.47
.0120
0028
.42
-
1913, .
.21
18.60
5 48
.0117
.0444 .0265
.0179
.67
.0085
0030
.77
-
1 August omitted.
No. 34.]
EXAMIXATIOX OF RIVERS.
233
Merrimack River,
A general statement of the condition of this river during the year
1913 will be found on page 26.
merrimack river.
Chemical Examination of Water from Merrimack River. — Averages
FOR Six Months, from June to November, inclusive.
Merrimack River, above Lowell.
[Parts in 100,000.]
—
6
Residue on
Evaporation.
Ammonia.
01
a
o
Nitrogen
13
B
3
a
8
§
X
O
£
albuminoid.
A3
Year.
J"
i
o
■6
>
Q.
3
i
1
1
'B
2
i
X
1887,
.45
4.08
1.10
.0024
.0156
-
-
.17
.0078
_
_
_
1888,
.32
3.47
1.01
.0014
.0161
.0137
.0024
.16
.0082
0002
_
-
1889,
.37
-
-
.0028
0166
.0143
.0023
.17
.0067
.0001
_
_
1890,
.34
3.85
1.58
.0025
.0148
.0123
.0025
.14
.0106
.0002
_
14
1891,
.27
3.73
1.47
.0029
.0147
.0111
.0036
.17
.0080
.0002
-
14
1892,
.39
3.75
1.37
.0028
.0139
.0106
.0033
.15
.0097
0002
_
16
1893,
.25
3.47
1.13
.0028
.0141
.0110
.0031
.17
.0072
.0001
.38
11
1894,
.29
3.86
1.32
.0037
0140
.0114
.0026
.19
.0042
0001
.36
12
1895,
.43
3.97
1.61
.0019
.0197
.0151
.0046
.24
.0054
0001
.55
12
1896.
.44
3.85
1.41
.0049
.0181
.0149
.0032
.18
.0053
.0002
.66
10
1897,
.54
3.62
1.68
.0030
.0181
0148
.0033
.16
.0077
0001
.52
0.9
1898,
.39
3 93
1.74
.0032
.0197
.0171
.0026
.19
.0047
0001
.51
1.0
1899,
.20
3.88
1.45
.0050
.0205
.0166
.0039
.22
.0055
.0002
.38
12
1900,
.23
3.72
1.21
.0068
.0215
.0158
.0057
.23
.0038
.0002
.44
13
1901,
.38
4.32
1.98
.0060
.0208
.0172
.0036
.20
.0042
0002
.69
12
1902,
.38
3.81
1.59
.0056
.0163
.0142
.0021
.17
.0043
.0001
.64
9
1903,
.30
4.00
1.55
.0058
.0171
.0129
.0042
.23
.0040
.0002
.59
11
1904,
.33
4.61
1.92
.0077
.0194
.0153
.0041
.23
.0047
.0002
.69
13
1905,
.40
4.30
1.95
.0112
.0202
.0160
.0042
.25
.0038
.0002
.71
11
1906.
.37
4.64
1.84
.0100
.0201
.0174
.0027
.26
.0032
.0002
.71
12
1907,
.38
4.60
1.88
.0079
.0194
.0135
.0059
.28
.0043
.0002
.62
12
1908,
.29
4.67
1.80
.0125
.0195
.0141
.0054
.36
.0048
.0003
.64
13
1909.
.31
5.16
2.38
.0185
.0213
.0161
.0052
.36
.0018
.0002
.68
15
1910,
.37
5.11
1.78
.0242
.0221
.0180
.0041
.35
.0035
.0007
.68
14
1911.
.39
5.32
2.09
.0166
.0219
.0165
.0054
.36
.0033
.0006
.65
15
1912,
.40
5.16
1.94
.0165
.0223
.0175
.0048
.32
.0013
.0003
.88
2
1913,1
.36
5.56
1.66
.0162
.0277
.0189
.0088
.39
0030
0003
.70
18
' June omitted.
234
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
MERRIMACK RIVER.
Chemical Examination of Water from Merrimack River, etc. —
Concluded.
Merrimack River, above Lawrence.
[Parts in 100,000.]
o
Residue on
Evaporation.
Amm
ONIA.
.1
o
O
Nitrogen
Q
s
3
a
8
a
1
o
i
ALBUMINOID.
AS
Year.
5
^
a
a -2
o--
i
>
1
5
a
o
0.
B
CO
1
1
1
2
a
1887,
.47
4.82
1.24
,0027
.0211
-
-
.22
.0097
-
-
-
1888,
.32
3 64
1.13
0029
0197
0153
,0044
.18
.0074
.0003
-
-
1889,
.35
-
-
.0047
.0212
.0176
.0036
.20
.0053
.0002
-
-
1890,
.37
4 27
1.56
.0061
.0187
.0148
.0039
.19
.0068
0002
-
1.6
1891,
.21
4.06
1 37
.0066
.0179
.0138
.0041
.21
0090
0002
-
14
1892,
.46
4.25
1.50
.0054
.0186
.0155
.0031
.19
.0087
.0002
-
1.5
1893,
.40
4.25
1.62
.0084
.0172
.0138
.0034
.23
0057
0003
.52
1.3
1894,
.32
3 82
1.35
.0086
.0174
.0142
.0032
.25
.0043
.0001
.40
13
1895,
.52
4 45
1.97
.0068
.0251
.0194
.0057
.30
.0067
.0003
.60
15
1896,
.46
4 24
1.70
,0100
.0224
.0181
0043
.25
.0067
0005
.57
1.3
1897,
.58
4 06
1.67
.0061
.0222
.0190
.0032
.21
0053
.0002
.53
1.0
1898,
.44
4.46
1.87
.0076
.0262
.0208
.0054
.25
.0050
.0005
.59
1.3
1899,
.24
4 42
1.57
0138
0277
.0207
.0070
.32
0052
0004
.43
1.3
1900,
.27
4.22
1 35
0126
0249
,0190
.0059
.32
.0050
0003
.46
1.3
1901,
.44
4 73
1.90
.0100
0280
.0205
.0075
.28
.0070
.0006
.65
15
1902,
.42
4.40
1.85
.0110
0231
.0180
.0051
.26
.0038
.0003
.65
1.1
1903,
.37
4 66
1.73
.0111
.0226
,0166
.0060
.31
.0052
,0005
.64
1.4
1904,
.31
4.67
1.80
.0211
.0247
.0170
.0077
.33
.0053
.0004
.62
1.4
190.5,
.44
4 92
2.01
.0177
.0242
.0183
,0059
.38
.0040
.0005
.74
12
1906,
.39
5.30
2.12
.0170
.0263
.0215
.0048
.40
.0027
0005
.72
1.4
1907,
.40
4.92
1.80
.0293
.0253
.0175
.0078
.41
.0047
0005
.59
13
1908,
.33
5.61
2.19
.0354
.0303
0196
.0107
.57
.0052
0006
.74
1.5
1909,
.33
6.28
2.04
0336
.0262
.0196
.0066
.53
.0025
.0007
.67
1.7
1910,
.39
-
-
.0266
.0242
,0183
.0059
.53
0125
0008
.57
1.6
1911,
.23
8.22
3.10
.0240
.0286
,0227
.0059
.53
,0118
.0007
.65
1.6
1912,
.21
6.49
2.62
.0241
.0225
.0188
.0037
.52
0151
.0006
.59
1.3
1913,
.25
7.46
2.93
.0245
.0224
.0185
,0039
.57
.0167
0007
.61
1.5
No. 34.]
EXAMINATION OF RIVERS.
235
Miller's Eiver.
MILLER'S RIVER.
Chemical Examination of Water from Miller's River. — Averages for
Six Months, from June to November, inclusive.
Miller's River, below Miller's Falls.
[Parts in 100,000.
236
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
Nashua Eiver.
A general statement of the condition of this river in the year 1913
will be found on page 37.
nashua river.
Chemical Examination of Water from Nashua River. — Averages for
Six Months, from June to November, inclusive.
North Branch of Nashua River, below Fitchburg.
[Parts in 100,000. |
Residue on
Evaporation.
Ammonia.
a
1
o
Nitrogen
AS
S
s
13
O
a
<a
>>
O
ALBUMINOID.
Year.
"3
o
a
§1
3"
O
■6
>
Q
-d
g
0.
3
i
1
.1
a
1893, .
.70
8.32
2.38
.0562
.0405
.0289
.0116
.73
0097
0030
.73
2.2
1894,
.66
9.18
2.22
.0987
.0425
0308
0117
.99
0123
0034
.64
2.4
1895,
.71
9.42
2.72
.1387
.0493
.0381
0112
1.08
.0088
0014
.82
2.6
1896,
.57
9.27
2.62
0898
0537
0384
.0153
.95
0127
0030
.71
2.4
1897,
.67
7.62
2.50
0512
0518
.0389
0129
.71
.0112
0009
.79
2.1
1898,
.56
7.02
2 37
0688
.0629
.0399
0230
.56
.0097
0016
.72
1.8
1899,
.53
10.12
2.95
.1507
.0848
0537
.0311
1.03
.0055
0013
.83
2 4
1900,
.42
9 55
2 42
1575
0825
0479
0346
1.03
0080
J0015
.73
2 6
1901,
.42
8 45
2 58
.0964
.0508
.0347
.0161
.67
0080
.0013
.69
2 2
1902,
.39
7.83
2 42
.1070
0557
.0407
.0150
.68
.0072
.0012
.71
19
190.3,
.38
7.21
2.10
.1200
0471
.0281
.0190
.73
0095
0014
.62
17
1904,
.33
9.05
2.70
.1858
.0596
.0341
.0255
.88
0077
0015
.70
2.1
1905,
.48
7.66
2.33
.1284
.0568
.0354
0214
.73
.0053
.0008
.89
2.1
1906,
.47
7 68
2.16
1037
.0558
0356
0202
.75
0083
0020
.68
2.0
1907,
.50
10.77
2.72
.2180
.0654
.0350
.0304
1 24
0065
0012
.72
2.8
1908.
.52
15 05
3.60
.2605
.0861
.0494
.0367
1 58
0033
0016
1.04
-
1909.
.52
15 85
3.42
.3220
.0958
.0563
.0395
1.87
.0027
0014
1 02
-
1910,
.60
20.11
4.90
4047
.1235
.0789
0446
2 29
0017
0009
1 03
-
1911,
.51
19.38
5.57
.2848
.1035
.0566
0469
2.37
.0027
0015
1.15
-
1912,
.57
19.52
4.99
.2380
1007
0560
0447
2.20
0032
0019
1 22
-
1913,
.40
23 45
4.97
.2770
.1064
0561
0503
2.02
0028
0013
1 42
5
No. 34.]
EXAMINATION OF RIVERS.
237
NASHUA RIVER.
Chemical Examination of Water from Nashua River, etc. — Concluded.
North Branch of Nashua River, at Lancaster.
[Parts in 100,000.]
o
a
Residue on
Ammoni.\.
i
O
Nitrogen
-a
B
s
c
8
a
0)
6
EVAPOR.^TION.
£
ALBUMINOID.
AS
Year.
1
a
1
■a
-2
a
§
to
1
S
1
2
i
o
a
-0
=3
1892,
1894,
1895,
1896,
1897,
1898,
1899,
1900,
1901,
1902,
1903,
1904,
1905,
1906,
1907,
1908,
1909,
1910,
1911,
1912,
1913,
.48
.49
.51
.57
.65
.48
.39
.29
.37
.40
.36
.32
.34
.44
.44
.40
.44
.45
.51
.45
.43
9.75
8 07
8.28
6.97
5.45
6 33
7.60
7.17
6.72
7.96
6.95
8.01
7.20
7.34
8.34
10.69
12.26
13.44
15.64
12 65
15.45
2 10
1 97
2.39
2.17
2 03
2.10
2.33
1.55
2.14
2 66
2.35
2.18
2.13
2.12
2.33
2 73
3.41
3.82
4.10
3.10
3.02
.0422
0215
0318
0253
.0225
.0409
.0739
.0545
.0432
.0757
.0473
.0803
0616
.0519
.0600
.1075
.1556
.1655
.3067
.1252
2292
.0274
.0226
.0272
.0322
.0290
.0345
.0365
.0326
0329
0324
,0260
.0318
0296
.0311
.0294
0309
0330
0462
.0828
0438
.0533
.0237
.0182
.0214
.0253
0221
0263
0305
0264
.0240
0267
0201
0267
0227
.0240
0232
0259
,0284
,0366
,0408
.0275
.0386
.0037
.0044
.0058
0069
.0069
.0082
.0060
,0062
,0089
0057
.0059
.0051
0069
.0071
0062
.0050
,0046
.0096
.0420
0163
0147
1.11
.97
1.01
.66
.40
.56
.75
.81
.54
.70
.58
.80
.70
.72
.89
1.28
1.46
1.63
1.95
1.68
1.75
0450
.0295
0284
0167
0153
.0227
0153
.0202
.0087
0188
,0258
0267
0207
,0238
0333
.0405
.0360
.0388
,0208
,0343
.0133
.0010
,0011
,0034
0034
.0015
0033
.0028
.0039
.0021
.0043
.0034
.0040
,0044
.0027
0084
0090
0066
.0108
,0083
,0083
.0053
.49
.56
.60
.68
.51
.60
.52
.58
.58
.52
.53
.50
.56
.53
.58
.60
.70
.92
.72
.80
3.0
2.2
2 3
2
1 5
17
2
2.1
19
1.8
16
2.0
1.9
2
2 1
4.2
Nashua River, at Pepperell.
1899,
.28
6 91
2.19
.0167
.0248
.0221 .0027
.78
.0137
.0008
.46
2 1
1901,
.37
6.00
2.06
.0154
.0266
0230 0036
.45
.0092
.0005
.55
1,9
1902,
.37
5 81
2 07
0118
.0184
.0167 i 0017
.49
0162
.0006
.51
1,7
1903,
35
5.15
1 57
.0097
.0180
0152
.0028
.44
0128
0008
.55
1,6
1904,1
.30
6.23
1.93
0111
.0206
0171
.0035
.58
,0243
,0008
.44
1.9
1908,
.32
10 85
3.40
0317
.0295
.0202
0093
1 45
.0194
.0008
.63
-
1909,
.38
14.29
4.62
0354
,0376
.0291
,0085
1 95
,0211
.0017
.92
-
1910,
.37
14 77
4.14
.0128
,0329
.0252 ,0077
1 93
0207
,0008
.81
-
1911,
.40
12.10
3 77
0423
0393
,0293 1, 0100
1 1 31
0213
.0048
.02
-
1912,2
.48
12.52
3.28
,0223
0409
.0254
,0155
1,46
0204
.0017
.75
-
1913,3
.43
11.99
2.79
.0515
.0405
.0276
.0129
1 15
0164
0019
.73
"
1 Three months.
2 November omitted.
' Four months.
238
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
Nepoxset Eiver.
NEPONSET RIVER.
Chemical Examination of Water from Neponset River. — Averages for
Six Months, from June to November, inclusive.
Neponset River, at Hyde Park.
[Parts in 100,000.]
Year.
1887,
1888,
1893,
1894,
1895,
1896,
1897,
1898,
1899.
1900,
1901,
1902,
1903,
1904,
1905,
1906,
1907,
1908,
1909,
1910,
1911,
1912,
1913,
U
1.18
1.12
1.27
1.19
.97
1.26
1.30
1.28
1.14
1.10
1.43
1.02
1.29
1.08
1.22
1.35
.90
1.24
.82
1.02
Residue on
Evaporation.
8,20
7.77
8.60
12.87
10.01
10.41
11.64
8.82
16.24
10.59
13.26
12 57
14.21
16.22
21.88
13.47
22.58
25.40
28 69
31 37
18,82
26.02
26.13
2.22
2.37
2.68
3 03
3.07
3.12
3.34
3.52
4.51
2.99
5.09
4.19
4.95
5.68
6.68
4.42
6.31
7.19
9.08
10.16
5,49
6.45
6,22
Ammonia.
(^
ALBUMINOID.
0053
0040
0233
0196
0341
0162
0336
0161
0264
,0400
.0224
.0360
-0278
.0631
.0813
.0549
,1201
.1132
.1723
.1740
.0786
.1241
.0533
0402
0392
0370
0466
0440
0431
0494
0505
0936
.0576
.0802
.0640
.0811
.1007
.1043
.0875
.1412
.1209
.1218
.1333
.0727
.1020
.0757
0358
0282
0333
0373
0395
0417
0398
.0693
.0381
.0591
,0547
.0638
.0777
.0861
.0674
.0961
.0844
.0898
.1000
.0539
.0707
.0494
0034
0088
0133
0067
0036
0077
0107
0243
.0195
.0211
.0093
.0173
.0230
.0182
.0201
.0451
.0365
.0320
.0333
.0188
.0313
.0263
1.08
1.47
2.31
1 51
1.68
1.81
1.02
2.20
1.45
1.69
1.72
1 86
2,07
3 44
2.21
3.81
5.08
5 35
5.84
3 36
4.18
3.93
Nitrogen
0077
0074
0045
0033
0042
0033
0037
0023
0032
.0048
.0036
0035
.0034
.0037
0028
.0025
.0042
.0027
.0027
.0010
,0025
.0017
.0020
0003
0009
0002
0001
0001
0001
0002
,0002
0005
,0006
,0004
,0010
.0005
0006
.0008
.0004
0006
,0009
.0002
.0007
.0012
0007
1.00
1.03
1.05
1.26
1.31
1.30
1.76
1.07
1.82
1.29
1.71
1.67
2.22
1,85
1,94
2.01
2.02
2.96
1.86
2.31
2.29
2,6
4.1
3.7
3.3
4.0
2.7
5.7
3 2
4.2
4.0
4.5
5.6
6 6
3.9
6,9
8.8
10.0
10,4
7 1
No. 34.]
EXAMIXATIOX OF RIVERS.
239
QUIXEBAUG ElVEK.
QUINEBAUG RIVER.
Chemical Examination of Water from Quinebaug River. — Averages
FOR Six Months, from June to November, inclusive.
Quinebaug River, below Southbridge.
[Parts in 100,000.1
C
O
Re.sidce on
Evaporation.
Ammoni.a.
■§
NiTEOGBN
■6
«
B
w
a
8
a
S)
>>
6
f^
ALBUMINOID.
AS
Year.
4
o
•a
a
1
1
.1
1
c
■3
X
1898,
.64
4.18
2.00
.0064
0372
.0309
0063
.18
0050
.0003
.66
8
1899,
.44
4.32
1.72
0071
0298
.0229
0069
.23
.0048
0002
.54
12
1900,
.40
4.31
1 50
0168
0324
0211
0113
.25
0024
0003
.52
10
1901,
.42
4.52
1 67
0147
.0232
0158
0074
.19
.0050
0005
.45
1.7
1902,
.36
4 12
1.45
.0068
.0224
.0179
0045
.24
.0054
0002
.43
12
1903, t
.39
3.84
1.37
.0076
0225
.0181
0044
.24
0043
0002
.52
1.0
1904,
.40
4.17
1 57
0086
0247
.0189
0058
.26
.0068
0002
.53
12
1908,
.46
6.82
2 31
_0075
.0277
.0174
.0103
.33
0038
0003
.57
-
1909,
.40
5.48
1 99
.0087
.0275
.0219
.0056
.37
.0077
0003
.56
-
1910,
.40
6.20
2 27
0104
0334
0246
.0088
.42
0032
.0004
.53
-
1911,1
.50
5.92
2.09
0180
0308
.0240
.0068
.41
0067
.0002
.66
-
1912,2
.41
7.35
2.40
.0152
0397
.0272
.0125
.52
0025
.0004
.59
-
1913,1
.39
6.08
1.88
0201
0283
0219
.0064
.59
.0075
.0007
.53
-
' Four months.
2 Two months.
240
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
Taunton Eiveb.
A general statement of the condition of this river and its tributaries
in the year 1913 will be found on pages 27 and 28.
taunton biver.
Chemical Examination op Water from Taunton River. — Averages for
Six Months, from June to November, inclusive.
Taunton River, below Taunton.
[Parts in 100,000.]
"o
O
Residue on
Evaporation.
Ammonia.
6
a
■§
3
o
Nitrogen
AS
i
s
a
8
a
So
>>
6
o>
1
ALBUMINOID.
Year.
1
^
a
m a
1
T3
o
>
1
-a
o
-a
a
1
02
1
1
'S
§
■H
1898,
1.56
6.64
3.30
.0109
.0345
.0314
0031
.61
.0082
.0003
1.51
1.3
1899,
.93
6 31
2.48
.0176
.0317
.0279
.0038
.72
.0060
.0004
1.04
1.2
1900,
.71
6.89
1.91
0205
0286
-0258
.0028
1 06
0112
0006
.76
1.5
ISOl,
1.01
6 15
2 45
0293
0275
.0255
0020
.76
.0134
.0005
.92
1.6
1902,1
.94
6 92
2 36
.1902
.0363
.0308
0055
1.29
.0116
.0012
.90
1.4
190.3,
.96
7.06
2.60
.0542
.0270
.0234
0036
1.10
0177
.0013
1.02
1.7
1904,
.95
6.49
2.60
.0855
.0319
.0264
.0055
.94
0137
.0008
1.06
1.3
1906,2
1.41
7.37
3.11
.0401
.0385
.0331
.0054
.95
0162
0008
1.36
1.4
1907,3
.94
7.16
2 62
.1031
.0343
.0282
.0061
1.05
.0115
.0009
1.05
1.7
1908,
.73
7 66
2.52
.0469
.0278
.0226
.0052
1.31
.0108
.0011
.74
-
1909,
.90
12.97
3.87
.0416
.0303
.0263
.0040
3.49
.0105
.0014
.88
-
1910,
1.04
19.62
5.69
0658
.0376
.0305
.0071
6.82
.0110
.0027
.93
-
1911,
1.04
9 65
2.80
.0385
.0330
.0270
.0060
1.73
.0205
.0015
1.04
-
1912,
1.17
10 35
2 95
.0461
.0366
.0295
.0071
1.76
0173
.0015
1.03
-
191.3,
1.09
18.58
4.24
.0506
.0377
.0334
0043
5.94
.0130
.0015
1.07
-
September omitted.
2 June omitted.
3 Four months.
No. 34.
exajviination of rivers.
241
Ten Mile Rivee.
A general statement of the eoudition of this river in the year 1913
will be found on page 28.
TEJf MILE RIVER.
Chemical Examination op Water from Ten Mile River. — Averages
FOR Six Months, from June to November, inclusive.
Ten Mile River, below Attleborotigh.
[Parts in 100,000.)
o
o
O
Residue on
Evaporation.
Ammonia.
Nitrogen
AS
•6
o
B
3
C
8
a
1
O
6
ft)
albuminoid.
6
a
1
Year.
1
rn a
1
-a
o
5
■a
o
■V
a
a
1
1
o
a
•H
a
1899,
.71
6.39
2.15
.0072
.0379
.0288
.0091
.62
.0133
.0004
.74
1.7
1900,
.47
6.19
1.60
.0125
.0363
.0241
.0122
84
.0155
.0004
.49
1.8
1901,
.46
6.09
2.12
.0084
0290
.0202
.0088
71
.0222
.0004
.51
1.8
1902,
.41
6.49
1.83
.0073
.0394
.0237
.0157
88
.0212
.0004
.52
1.9
1903,
.36
7.48
2.39
.0282
.0346
.0200
.0146
84
.0315
.0020
.53
1.8
1904,
.44
8.89
2.97
.0931
.0527
.0332
.0195
03
.0532
.0033
.58
3 5
1906,1
.48
17.57
6.45
.1586
.0914
.0490
.0424
07
.0638
.0121
.92
7.9
1907, 1
.42
19.07
6.14
.6036
.1471
.0830
.0641
73
.2014
.0100
1.18
7.5
1908,
.40
10.89
3.27
.1108
.0483
.0294
.0189
37
.0364
.0035
.61
-
1909,
.47
11.23
2.88
.4322
.0626
.0380
.0246
51
.0263
.0086
.78
-
1910,
.29
12.05
3.32
.2422
.0545
.0330
.0215
98
.0357
.0051
.48
-
1911,
.76
11.94
3.58
.0604
0506
0302
.0204
55
.0382
.0036
.94
-
1912,
.39
28.98
11.42
.1056
.0750
.0287
.0463
92
.0368
.0075
.75
3.6
1913,
.64
13.55
3.33
.0951
.0630
.0303
.0327
90
.0242
.0069
.84
-
1 June omitted.
242
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [P. D. No. 34.
"WeSTFIELD PiIVEIl.
A general statement of the condition of this river in the year 1913
will be found on page 28.
westfield river.
Chemical Examination of Water from Westfield River. — Averages
FOR Six Months, from June to November, inclusive.
Westfield River, below Westfield.
[Parts in 100,000.]
"o
O
Residue on
Evaporation.
AlVtJMONIA.
a
3
o
Nitrogen
AS
-a
S
3
a
8
a
>>
O
6
£
ALBUMINOID.
Year.
"a
o
a
"3
o
o
>
5
a
a
3
m
1
1
1
1
i
a
03
1902,
.22
4 21
1.60
.0062
.0144
.0118
.0026
.14
.0062
.0002
.39
1.9
1903,
.15
3 68
1.30
.0037
.0127
.0105
.0022
.16
.0088
.0003
.28
18
1904,
.21
4.16
1.59
.0067
.0152
.0119
.0033
.16
.0068
.0001
.38
19
1906,1
.21
4 65
1.48
.0086
.0161
.0135
.0026
.18
.0035
.0003
.29
2.1
1907,
.24
4 49
1.63
.0053
.0137
.0111
.0026
.21
.0075
.0003
.31
2.0
1908,
.17
5 27
2-19
.0218
.0161
.0116
.0045
.27
.0063
.0006
.28
-
1909,
.22
5 56
1.68
.0179
.0187
.0143
.0044
.26
0075
.0005
.34
-
1910,
.13
6 71
2.39
.0214
.0143
.0120
.0023
.30
.0304
.0010
.21
-
1911,
.25
5.86
2.03
.0272
.0162
.0133
.0029
.28
.0077
.0008
.38
-
1912,2
.13
6 40
2.08
.0286
.0189
.0130
.0059
.34
.0204
.0014
.24
-
1913,
.23
6.75
1.78
.0247
.0215
.0147
.0068
.30
.0292
.0012
.36
-
I Four months.
' September omitted.
WATER SUPPLY STATISTICS;
EECORDS OF EAINFALL AND FLOW OF STREAMS.
[243]
WATER SUPPLY STATISTICS.
During the year 1913 public water supplies were introduced into the
towns of East Longmeadow (population 1,553), Egremont (population
605), Mattapoisett (population 1,233), AYarren (population 4,188), and
West Brookfield (population 1,337). The works in East Longmeadow,
Mattapoisett and West Brookfield are owned by the town, but those in
Egremont are owned by the South Egremont Water Company and water
is supplied only in the village of South Egremont, while in Warren the
works are owned by the Warren Cotton Mills and supply water only in
the village of West Warren. A public water supply was also introduced
into the town of Agawam (population 3,501), a very small portion of
which had previously been supplied with water by a private company.
Of the 353 cities and towns in Massachusetts, all of the 33 cities and
17-1 of the towns are provided with public water supplies. The follow-
ing table gives a classification by population of the cities and towns
having and not having public water supplies at the end of the year: —
Population, 1910.
Number of
Places of Given
Population
having
Public Water
Supplies.
Total
Population of
Places
in Preceding
Column.
Number of
Places of Given
Population
not having
Public Water
Supplies.
Total
Population of
Places
in Preceding
Column.
Under 500, .
500-999,
1,000-1,499, .
1,500-1,999, .
2,000-2,499, .
2,500-2,999, .
3,000-3,499, .
3,500-3,909, .
Above 4,000,
7
21
13
21
12
8
5
120
5,538
26,237
22,798
46,583
33 ,.334
26,167
18,164
3,027,014
39
40
29
20
12
2
1
2
1
13,020
29,344
35,526
35,293
26,710
5,726
3,078
7,506
4,378
Totals, .
207
3,205,835
146
160,581
From the above table it will be seen that although but 59 per cent,
of the cities and towns in the State have a public water supply, the
total population of the places supplied is 95 per cent, of the total popu-
246
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
lation of the State. The populations given in this table were obtained
by using the total population of the cities and towns supplied and are
somewhat greater than the actual number of persons to whom the public
water supply is available, but the difference is not great. All of the
towns in the State having a population in excess of 5,000 are now sup-
plied with water, and there are only 6 towns having a population in
excess of 2,500 which are not provided with public water supplies. These
towns are as follows : —
Town.
Population,
1910.
Town.
Population,
1910.
Dartmouth,
Templeton,
Tewksbury,
4,378
3,756
3,750
Sutton,
Westport
Somerset,
3,078
2,928
2,798
At the present time the water works are owned either by the munic-
ipality or by a water, water supply or fire district in all of the cities
and 131 of the towns, while in 43 towns the works are owned by private
companies. The following table gives the classification by population
of the cities and towns which own their water works and those which are
supplied with water by water companies : —
Population, 1910.
Number
of Places of
Given
Population
owning Water
Works.
Total
Population of
Places
in Preceding
Column.
Number
of Places of
Given Popula-
tion supplied
with Water by
Private
Companies.
TotaH
Population of
Places
in Preceding
Column.
Under 1,000,
1,000-1,999, .
2,000-2,999, .
3,000-3,999, .
4,000-4,999, .
5,000-5,999, .
6,000-6,999, .
7,000-7,999, .
Above 8,000,
Totals, .
2,251
35,804
52,273
27,212
55,128
87,513
52,608
36,945
2,696,170
3,287
13,231
27,644
17,119
22,675
15,939
7,688
52,348
164
3,045,904
1.59,931
No. 34.] WATER SUPPLY STATISTICS. 247
From the above table it will be seen that the total population of all
places supplied by private companies is only 5 per cent, of the total
population of all of the cities and towns supplied with water, and there
are only 9 towns having a population in excess of 5,000 which are sup-
plied by private companies, namely, Milford, Southbridge, Dedham,
Xorthbridge, Palmer, Bridgewater, Grafton, Pairhaven and Amherst.
Consumption of Water.
Eecords of the consumption of water are kept in nearly all of the cities
and towns where water is pumped, and in several places supplied by
gravity Venturi meters are used to measure the quantity supplied.
The following table gives statistics with regard to the consumption
of water in the year 1913 in those cities and towns from which records
■could be obtained. The populations for the year 1913 as given in the
table were obtained by adding ihree-fifths of the increase in population
between 1905 and 1910 to the population as determined by the census
of the latter year. The daily consumption of water per inhabitant has
been obtained by dividing the average daily consumption by the esti-
mated total population of the city or town in 1913. The quantity ob-
tained in this manner is somewhat less than the actual consumption per
person using the water because there are in all cities and towns a greater
01- less number of persons who do not use the public supply. The dif-
ference between the number of inhabitants and the number of consumers
would account to a large extent for the low rate per inhabitant in some
of the towns which contain villages to which the public water supply
has not been extended and in towns where works have been in operation
but a short time, and where, in consequence, water has not come into
general use. In some towns the population during the summer months
is much greater than that shown by the census returns, and in such
cases the consumption per inhabitant as given in the table is higher
than it would be if allowance were made for the increased population
in the summer. \Yith a few exceptions, however, the difference is not
orreat.
248
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
Statistics relating to the Consumption of Water in Various Cities and Toims.
City or Town.
Esti-
mated
Popu-
lation,
1913.
Average
Daily
Consump-
tion
(Gallons),
1913.
Daily
Con;
sumption
per In-
habitant
Gallons),
1913.
City or Town.
Esti-
mated
Popu-
lation,
1913.
Average
Daily
Consump-
tion
(Gallons),
1913.
Daily
Con--
sumption
per In-
habitant
(Gallons),
1913.
Metropolitan Water
District: i —
Arlington,
1,149,752
12,098
106,737,000
786,000
93
65
Cambridge, .
Chelmsford, .
109,282
5,464
10,549,000
56,000
97
10
Belmont,
6,251
464,000
74
Clinton,
13,057
613,000
47
Boston, .
731,813
79,391,000
108
Concord,
7,021
505,000
72
Chelsea, .
37,758
2,880,000
76
Danvers and Mid-
dleton.
Dedham,
10,779
1,237,000
115
Everett, .
36,108
2,436,000
07
10,190
1,121,000
110
Lexington,
5,151
359,000
70
Dudley,
4,536
152,000
34
Maiden, .
48,224
2,226,000
46
Easton, .
5,277
145,000
27
Medford, .
25,228
1,234,000
49
Edgartown, .
1,201
57,000
47
Melrose, .
16,567
1,137,000
69
Fairhaven,
5,654
395,000
70
Milton,
8,446
332,000
39
Fall River, .
127,415
5,636,000
44
Nahant, .
1,341
169,000
126
Falmouth,
3,086
475,000
154
Quincy, .
35,382
2,699,000
76
Foxborough, .
4,162
230,000
55
Revere, .
21,555
1,385,000
64
Framingham,
13,788
775,000
56
Somerville,
82,014
5,958,000
73
Franklin,
5,879
307,000
52
Stoneham,
7,545
414,000
55
Gardner,
16,311
774,000
47
Swampseott, .
6,842
420,000
61
Gloucester,
23,430
1,263,000
54
Watertown,
13,845
869,000
63
Grafton,
6,097
123,000
20
Winthrop,
11,991
690,000
58
Groton, .
2,096
97,000
46
Abington and Rock
12,992
706,000
54
Holliston,
2,740
64,000
23
land.
Amesbury,
10,526
503,000
48
Holyoke,
62,408
6,900,000
111
Andover,
7,702
676,000
88
Hudson,
7,059
296,000
42
Ashland,
1,733
24,000
14
Ipswich,
6,120
285,000
47
Athol, .
9,339
748,000
80
Lancaster,
2,499
100,000
40
Attleborough,
18,323
995,000
54
Lawrence,
95,397
3,898,000
41
Avon,
2,080
92,000
44
Lincoln,
1,207
207,000
172
Ayer,
3,044
171,000
56
Littleton,
1,235
41,000
33
Bedford,
1,245
33,000
27
Lowell, .
113,137
5.799,000
51
Beverly,
20,706
1,827,000
88
lyynn and Saugus,
105,836
6,366,000
60
Billerica,
2,757
166,000
CO
Manchester, .
2,706
383,000
142
Braintree,
8,778
545,000
62
Mansfield,
5,746
502,000
87
Bridgewater and
East Bridgewater.
Brockton,
11,728
62,328
325,000
2,585,000
28
41
Marblehead, .
Marion, .
7,415
1,719
479,000
125,000
65
73
Brookline,
30,406
2,708,000
89
Marlborough,
14,883
561,000
38
1 Including Newton, which is within the district but supplied from independent works.
No. 34.
WATER SUPPLY STATISTICS.
249
Statistics relating to the Consumption of Water in Various Cities and Towns —
Concluded.
City or Town.
Esti-
mated
Popu-
lation,
1913.
Average
Daily
Consump-
tion
(Gallons),
1913.
Daily
Con-
sumption
per In-
habitant
(Gallons),
1913.
City or Town.
Esti-
mated
Popu-
lation,
1913.
Average
Daily
Consump-
tion
(Gallons),
1913.
Daily
Con-
sumption
per In-
habitant
(G.-illons),
1913.
Maynard,
6,737
267,000
40
Reading,
5,900
244,000
41
Merrimac,
2,393
97,000
41
Rockport,
4,069
303,000
74
Methuen,
13,111
600,000
46
Rutland,
1,761
109,000
62
Middleborough,
9,010
338,000
38
Salem, .
47,339
3,889,000
82
Milford and Hope-
dale.
Millbury,
15,897
4,805
854,000
166,000
54
35
Sharon, .
Shirley, .
2,445
2,407
145,000
66,000
59
27
Montague and Erv-
7,957
607,000
76
Southbridge, .
13,547
744,000
55
ing.
Nantucket, .
2,981
223,000
75
Springfield, .
99,458
10,710,000
lOS
Natick,
10,020
556,000
55
Stoughton,
6,530
282,000
43
Needham,
5,471
344,000
63
Taunton,
36,234
2,338,000
65
New Bedford,
110,026
7,761,000
71
Wakefield, .
12,086
684,000
57
Newburyport,
15,113
1,130,000
75
Walpole,
5,426
564,000
104
Newton,
41,593
2,889,000
69
Waltham,
28,765
2,714,000
94
North Andover,
6,078
251,000
41
Ware, .
8,882
455,000
51
North Attleborough,
10,572
447,000
42
Wareham,
4,367
184,000
42
North Brookfield, .
3,350
202,000
60
Webster,
12,404
478,000
39
Norton, .
2,823
104,000
37
Wellesley,
4,947
389,000
79
Norwood,
8,784
708,000
81
West Bridgewater, .
2,366
65,000
27
Oak Bluffs,
1,052
195,000
185
Westfield,
17,504
1,822,000
104
Orange, .
5,104
133,000
26
Weston, .
2,115
126,000
60
Peabody,
17,295
2,587,000
150
Whitman,
7,755
252,000
32
Pepperell,
2,764
115,000
42
Winchendon, .
5,525
171,000
31
Plainville,
1,436
31,000
22
Woburn,
15,852
1,744,000
110
Plymouth,
12,754
1,308,000
103
Worcester,
156,697
11,749,000
75
Provincetown,
4,373
196,000
45
Wrentham,
1,932
93,000
48
Randolph and Hol-
brook.
7,461
476,000
64
PiAINFALL.
The normal rainfall in Massachusetts, as deduced from long-continued
observations in various parts of the State, is 44.73 inches. The average
rainfall for the year 1913 in these places was 41.18 inches, a deficiency
of 3.55 inches. The year was the tenth in succession in which the rain-
fall was less than the normal, the accumulated deficiency at the end of
250
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
the year being 41.95 inches. There was an excess of precipitation in
the months of March, April and October, and a deficiency in the other
nine months. The greatest excess in any month occurred in October,
when the rainfall was 7.21 inches, or 3.33 inches greater than the normal,
and the greatest deficiency occurred in June, when the rainfall was 1.06
inches, or 2.18 inches less than the normal.
The following table gives the normal rainfall in the State for each
month, as deduced from observations at various places for a long period
of years, together with the average rainfall at those places for each month
during the year 1913 and the departure from the normal: —
Month.
Normal
Rainfall
(Inches).
Rainfall
in 1913
(Inches).
Excess or
Defi-
ciency in
1913
(Inches).
Month.
Normal
Rainfall
(Inches).
Rainfall
in 1913
(Inches) .
Excess or
Defi-
ciency
in 1913
(Inches) .
January, .
3.73
3.15
—0 58
August, .
4.23
3.22
—1.01
February,
3.60
3 03
—0 57
September,
3.50
3.38
—0.12
March,
3.94
5 04
+ 1.10
October, .
3.88
7.21
+3.33
April,
3 59
3 99
+ 0.40
November,
3.90
2.42
—1.48
May,
3 71
3.24
3.44
1 06
—0.27
—2.18
December,
Total,
3.67
3.49
—0.18
June,
44.73
41.18
—3.55
July,
3.74
1.75
—1.99
Flow of Streams.
Sudbury River.
The average fiow of the Sudbury Eiver during the year 1913 was
733,000 gallons per day per square mile, or 73 per cent, of the normal
flow for the past thirty-nine years. The flow was in excess of the normal
in the months of Apiil and October but less than the normal in the
other ten months of the year. The greatest excess occurred in the month
of April and the greatest deficiency in the months of February, March
and June. During the months of July and August the flow was less than
the evaporation from the water surfaces of the reservoirs, so that the
fiow in those months is represented by a minus quantity. The average
flow for the driest six months, June to November, inclusive, Avas 180,000
gallons per day per square mile, which is the largest flow recorded for a
similar period since 1907.
In order to show the relation between the flow of the Sudbury Eiver
during each month of the year 1913 and the normal flow of that stream,
as deduced from observations during thirty-nine years, from 1875 to
No. 34.]
WATER SUPPLY STATISTICS.
251
1913, inclusive, the following table has been prepared. The area of the
watershed of the Sudbury Eiver above the point of measurement is 75.3
square miles.
Table sJwiving the Average Monthly Flow of the Sudbury River for the Year 1913,
in Cubic Feet -per Second per Square Mile of Drainage Area, and in Million
Gallons per Day per Square Mile of Drainage Area; also, Departure from
the Normal Flow.
"
Normal Flow. |
Actual Flow in 1913. |
Excess or Deficiency.
Month.
Cubic Feet
per
Second
per Square
Mile.
Million
Gallons per
Day
per Square
Mile.
Cubic Feet
per
Second
per Square
Mile.
Million
Gallons per
Day
per Square
Mile.
Cubic Feet
per
Second
per Square
Mile.
Million
Gallons per
Day
per Square
Mile.
January
1.844
1.192
1.611
1.041
—0.233
—0.151
February,
2.625
1.696
1.166 .
0.754
—1.459
—0.942
March,
4.302
2.780
3.233
2.090
—1.069
—0.690
April, .
3.097
2.002
3.453
2.232
+0.356
+0.230
May. .
1.644
1.063
1.342
0.867
—0.302
—0.196
June, .
0.756
0.489
0.230
0.149
—0.526
—0.340
July, .
0.238
0.154
—0.096
—0.062
—0.334
—0.216
August,
0.351
0.226
—0.083
—0.054
—0.434
—0.280
September,
0.363
0.235
0.136
0.088
—0.227
—0.147
October, .
0.678
0.438
0.749
0.484
+0.071
+0.046
November,
1.205
0.779
0.743
0.480
—0.462
—0.299
December, .
1.540
0.995
1.132
0.732
—0.408
— 0.2G3
Average
forw
'hole
year
1.548
1.000
1.134
0.733
—0.414
—0.267
In the annual report of the State Board of Health for the year 1911
(pages 254 to 260) and for the year 1912 (page 258) tables were pre-
sented giving the record of the rainfall upon the Sudbury Eiver water-
shed and the yield expressed in inches in depth on the watershed (inches
of rainfall collected) for thirty-eight years, from 1875 to 1912, inclusive.
The corresponding record for the year 1913, together with the average
for tlie whole period of thirty-nine years, is given in the following
table : —
252
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
Rainfall, in Inches, received and collected on the Sudbury River Watershed.
For
THE Year 1913.
Mean fob
Thirty-nine Years,
1875-1913.
Month.
Rainfall.
Rainfall
Per Cent.
Rainfall.
Rainfall
Per Cent.
collected.
collected.
collected.
collected.
January
3.17
1.857
58.5
4.08
2.126
52.1
February,
2.82
1.215
43.1
4.13
2.756
66.7
March,
5.75
3.727
64.8
4.46
4.959
111.2
April, .
4.25
3.852
90.6
3.54
3.456
97.7
May, .
3.97
1.547
39.0
3.33
1.895
57.0
June, .
1.98
0.257
13.0
3.03
0.843
27.8
July, .
3.60
—0.111
—3.1
3.55
0.274
7.7
August,
3.64
—0.095
—2.6
3.85
0.404
10.5
September,
3.77
0.152
4.0
3.46
0.405
11.7
October,
5.53
0.863
15.6
3.92
0.782
19.9
November,
2.65
0.828
31.3
3.82
1.345
35.2
December,
3.18
1.305
41.1
3.82
1.775
46.5
Totals ai
ida\
erag(
JS,
44.31
15.397
34.8
44.99
21.020
46.7
The following table gives the record of the yield of tlie Sudbury Eiver
watershed for each of the past thirty-nine years, the flow being expressed
in gallons per day per square mile of watershed, in order to render the
table more convenient for use in estimating the probable yield of water-
sheds used as sources of water supply : —
Yield of the Sudbury River Watershed in Gallons per Day per Square Mile.^
Month.
1875.
1876.
1877.
1878.
1879.
1880.
January, .....
February, ....
March, .....
April, .....
May,
June,
July
August
September, ....
October, .....
November, ....
December, ....
Average for whole ye.ir, .
Average for driest six months.
103,000
1,496,000
1,604,000
3,049,000
1,188,000
870,000
321,000
396,000
207,000
646,000
1,302,000
584,000
643,000
1,368,000
4,435,000
3,292,000
1,139,000
222,000
183,000
405,000
184,000
234,000
1,088,000
454,000
658.000
949,000
4,813,000
2,394,000
1,391,000
597,000
202,000
121,000
60,000
632,000
1,418,000
1,289,000
972,000
574,000
1,135,000
384,000
1,214,000
502,000
1,810,000
2,465,000
3,507,000
1,626,000
1,394,000
506,000
128,000
475,000
160,000
516,000
1,693,000
3,177,000
700,000
1,711,000
2,330,000
3,116,000
1,114,000
413,000
158,000
395,000
141,000
71,000
206,000
462,000
1,121,000
1,787,000
1,374,000
1,168,000
514,000
176,000
177,000
119,000
80,000
101,000
205,000
175,000
1,452,000
532,000
894,000
230,000
578,000
143,000
' The area of the Sudbury River watershed used in making up these records included water surfaces
amounting to about 2 per cent, of the whole area, from 1875 to 1878, inclusive, subsequently increasing
by the construction of storage reservoirs to about 3 per cent, in 1879, to 3.5 per cent, in 1885, to 4 per cent,
in 1394 and to 6.5 per cent, in 1893. The watershed also contains extensive areas of swampy land, which,
though covered with water at times, are not included in the above percentages of water surfaces.
No. 34.]
WATER SUPPLY STATISTICS.
253
Yield of the Sudbury River Watershed in Gallons -per Day -per Square Mile —
Continued.
Month.
1881.
1882.
1883.
1884.
1885.
1886.
January
February, ....
March
April
May,
June,
July,
August,
September, ....
October,
November, ....
December, ....
Average for whole year, .
Average for driest six months.
415,000
1,546,000
4,004,000
1,546,000
965,000
1,338,000
276,000
148,000
197,000
186,000
395,000
775,000
1,241,000
2,403,000
2,839,000
867,000
1,292,000
529,000
86,000
55,000
306,000
299,000
210,000
314,000
979,000
330,000
862,000
211,000
335,000
1,033,000
1,611,000
1,350,000
938,000
300,000
115,000
78,000
91,000
186,000
205,000
193,000
995,000
2,842,000
3,785,000
2,853,000
1,030,000
417,000
224,000
257,000
44,000
83,000
175,000
925,000
1,235,000
1,354,000
1,572,000
1,815,000
1,336,000
426,000
62,000
240,000
121,000
336,000
1,178,000
1,174,000
1,461,000
4,800,000
2,059,000
1,947,000
720,000
203,000
115,000
94,000
118,000
146,000
673,000
1,020,000
533,000
145,000
1,129,000
200,000
901,000
391,000
1,087,000
223,000
Month.
January,
February, ....
March, .....
April,
May,
June, .....
July,
August
September, ....
October
November, ....
December
Average for whole year, .
Average for driest six months,
1887.
1888.
1889.
1890.
1891.
1892.
2,589,000
2,829,000
2,868,000
2,620,000
1,009,000
414,000
114,000
214,000
111,000
190,000
368,000
643,000
1,053,000
1,951,000
3,237,000
2,645,000
1,632,000
422,000
117,000
380,000
1,155,000
1,999,000
2,758,000
3,043,000
2,782.000
1,195,000
1,339,000
1,410,000
880,000
653,000
633,000
1,432,000
824,000
1,230,000
1,941,000
2,241,000
1,254,000
1,529,000
3,643,000
1,875,000
1,366,000
568,000
108,000
132,000
458,000
2,272,000
1,215,000
997,000
3,018,000
3,486,000
4,453,000
2,397,000
582,000
414,000
149,000
163,000
203,000
210,000
305,000
544,000
1,870,000
943,000
1,955,000
871,000
1,259,000
428,000
214,000
280,000
229,000
126,000
697,000
485,000
1,154,000
234,000
1,697,000
953,000
1,383,000
944,000
1,285,000
747,000
1,315,000
239,000
781,000
327,000
254
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
Yield of the Sudbury River Watershed in Gallons per Day per Square Mile —
Continued.
Month.
1893.
1894.
1895.
1896.
1897.
1898.
January, .
433,000
693,000
1,034,000
1,084,000
845,000
1,638,000
February,
1,542,000
991,000
541,000
2,676,000
1,067,000
3,022,000
March,
3,245,000
2,238,000
2,410,000
3,835,000
2,565,000
2,604,000
April,
2,125,000
1,640,000
2,515,000
1,494,000
1,515,000
1,829,000
May,
2,883,000
840,000
636,000
360,000
915,000
1,246,000
June,
440,000
419,000
174,000
399,000
962,000
530,000
July,
158,000
161,000
231,000
95,000
658,000
231,000
August, .
181,000
209,000
229,000
57,000
591,000
1,107,000
September,
108,000
150,000
89,000
388,000
182,000
369,000
October, .
221,000
374,000
1,379,000
592,000
94,000
1,160,000
November,
319,000
836,000
2,777,000
659,000
909,000
1,986,000
December,
797,000
716,000
1,782,000
657,000
1,584,000
1,799,000
Average for whole year.
1,037,000
770,000
1,152,000
1,019,000
991,000
1,450,000
Average for driest six months.
237,000
356,000
460,000
314,000
564,000
777,000
Month.
1899.
1900.
1901.
1902.
1903.
1904.
January,
2,288,000
794,000
437,000
1,763,000
1,736,000
477,000
February,
1,381,000
3,800,000
300,000
1,674,000
2,279,000
882,000
March,
4,205,000
3,654,000
2,755,000
4,199,000
3,454,000
2,999,000
April,
2,521,000
1,350,000
4,204,000
1,885,000
2,261,000
3,294,000
May,
511,000
1,312,000
2,954,000
743,000
351,000
1,745,000
June,
66,000
316,000
753,000
303,000
1,987,000
419,000
July,
19,000
—18,000
306,000
66,000
445,000
62,000
August, .
—35,000
—34,000
424,000
135,000
307,000
170,000
September,,
94,000
65,000
305,000
178,000
130,000
397,900
October, .
115,000
186,000
412,000
506,000
492,000
191,000
November,
304,000
663,000
474,000
444,000
363,000
289,000
December,
220,000
1,096,000
2,695,000
1,779,000
582,000
269,000
Average for whole year.
973,000
1,082,000
1,342,000
1,140,000
1,190,000
931,000
Average for driest six months.
93,000
194,000
445,000
271,000
388,000
228,000
No. 34.]
WATER SUPPLY STATISTICS.
255
Yield of the Sudhury River Watershed in Gallons per Day per Square Mile —
Concluded.
Month.
Januarj-, .....
February, ....
March,
April
May
June,
July,
August, .....
September, ....
October,
November, ....
December, ....
Average for whole year, .
Average for driest six months,
1905.
1906.
1907.
1908.
1909.
1910.
1,410,000
330,000
2,497,000
1,643,000
297,000
467,GC0
177,000
114,000
1,246,000
158,000
279,000
887,000
1,128,000
1,041,000
2,409,000
1,949,000
1,059,000
707,000
398,000
180,000
19,000
301,000
483,000
659,000
1,351,000
624,000
1,658,000
1,607,000
888,000
761,000
9,000
—104,000
541,000
741,000
1,998,000
2,032,000
1,925,000
1,536,000
2,257,000
1,117,000
1,046,000
194,000
—14,000
102,000
-82,000
47,000
71,000
136,000
795,000
403,000
860,000
341,000
1,010,000
471,000
694,000
44,000
392,000
2,286,000
1,734,000
1,721,000
1,004,000
239,000
—121,000
-^5,000
149,000
—51,000
82,000
263,000
1,490,000
1,849,000
1,954,000
667,000
277,000
516,000
—102,000
—73,000
5,000
—51,000
176,000
221,000
625,000
40,000
570,000
29,000
Month.
1911.
1912.
1913.
Mean for
Thirty-nine
Years,
1875-1913.
January,
519,000
728,000
1,041,000
1,192,000
February,
700,000
1,197,000
754,000
1,696,000
March,
1,144,000
3,092,000
2,090,000
2,780,000
April,
1,426,000
2,235,000
2,232,000
2,002,000
May,
318,000
1,447,000
867,000
1,063,000
June,
213,000
148,000
149,000
489,000
July,
—14,000
—77,000
62,000
154,000
August, .
20,000
—29,000
54,000
226,000
September,
76,000
—28,000
88,000
235,000
October, .
296,000
—14.000
484,000
438,000
November,
593,000
165,000
480,000
779,000
December,
908,000
494,000
732,000
995,000
Average for whole year,
514,000
779,000
733,000
1,000,000
Average for driest six months.
152,000
26,000
180,000
385,000
Note. — The recorded yields, subsequent to the year 1S97, are less accurate than those for previous
years, particularly durin? months of small yield, due to unavoidable inaccuracies in the measurement
of large quantities of water received from the Wachusett Reservoir.
256
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
Nashua Biver.
The average flow of the South Branch of the Nashua Eiver above
Clinton during the year 1913 was 879,000 gallons per clay per square
mile, or 81 per cent, of the normal flow for the past seventeen years.
The flow was in excess of the normal in the months of January and
October, but less than the normal in the other ten mouths of the year.
The greatest excess occurred in the month of January, and the greatest
deficiency in the months of February, March and June. The average
flow for the driest six months, June to November, inclusive, was 318,000
gallons per day per square mile, or 60 per cent, of the normal flow for
such a period during the last seventeen years.
In order to show the relation between the flow of the Nashua Eiver
during each month of the year 1913 and the normal flow of that stream,
as deduced from observations during seventeen years, from 1897 to 1913,
inclusive, the following table has been prepared. The area of the water-
shed of the Nashua River above the point of measurement was 119 square
miles from 1897 to 1907, inclusive, and 118.19 square miles since the
latter year.
Table showing the Average Monthly Flow of the South Branch of the Nashua River
for the Year 1913, in Cubic Feet per Second per Square Mile of Drainage
Area, and in Million Gallons per Day per Square Mile of Drainage Area;
also, Departure from the Normal Flow.
—
Normal Flow.
Actual Flow in 1913.
Excess or
Deficiency.
Month.
Cubic Feet
per
Second
per Square
Mile.
Million
Gallons per
Day
per Square
Mile.
Cubic Feet
per
Second
per Square
Mile.
Million
Gallons per
Day
per Square
Mile.
Cubic Feet
per
Second
per Square
Mile.
Million
Gallons per
Day
per Square
Mile.
January, ....
1.854
1.198
2.188
1.414
+0.334
+0.216
February, .
2.115
1.367
1.342
0.867
—0.773
—0.500
March,
4.136
2.673
3.501
2.263
—0.635
—0.410
April, .
3.334
2.154
3.224
2.083
—0.110
—0.071
May. .
1.829
1.182
1.607
1.038
—0.222
—0.144
June, .
1.161
0.750
0.433
0.280
—0.728
—0.470
July. .
0.582
0.376
0.030
0.019
-0.552
—0.357
August,
0.590
0.382
0.092
0.060
—0.498
—0.322
September,
0.556
0.359
0.338
0.219
—0.218
—0.140
October,
0.824
0.532
1.049
0.678
+0.225
+0.146
November,
1.237
0.800
1.021
0.660
—0.216
—0.140
December, .
1.879
1.214
1.478
0.955
—0.401
—0.259
Average for w
hole
year
1.672
1.081
1.360
0.879
—0.312
—0.202
No. 34.]
WATER SUPPLY STATISTICS.
257
In the annual report oi' the State Board of Health for the year 1911
(pages 265 to 367) and for the year 1912 (page 264) table? were pre-
sented giving the record of the rainfall upon the Xashua River water-
shed and the yield expressed in inches in depth upon the watershed
(inches of rainfall collected) for sixteen years, from 1897 to 1912, in-
clusive. A corresponding record for the year 1913, together with the
average for the entire period of seventeen years, is given in the following
table : —
Rainfall, in Inches, received and collected on the Nashua River Watershed.
For THE Year 1913.
Me.^n for Seventeen Ylars.
1897-1913.
Month.
Rainfall.
Rainfall
collected.
Per Cent,
collected.
Rainfall.
Rainfall
collected.
Per Cent,
collected.
January, ....
Februarjs ...
March, ....
April,
May, ....
June,
July,
August,
September, ....
October, ....
November
December
3.38
2.55
5.58
3.90
3.71
0.90
2.37
3.05
4.44
6.02
2.59
2.73
2.522
1.397
4.037
3. 597
1.852
0.483
0.034
0.107
0.377
1.209
1.139
1.704
74.7
.54.7
72.4
92.2
49.9
53.5
1,4
3.5
S.5
20.1
43.9
62.5
3.65
3.73
4.38
3.88
3.48
3 . Ii4
3.92
4.15
3.81
3.56
3.43
4.21
2.137
2.216
4.768
3.719
2.109
1.295
0.670
0.681
0.620
0.950
1.381
2.166
58.5
59.4
108.8
96.0
60.6
35.5
17.1
16.4
16.3
20.7
40.3
51.5
Totals and averages, .
41.22
18.458
44.8
45.84
22.712
49.5
The following table gives a record of the yield of the Nashua Eiver
watershed for each of tlie past seventeen years, the i\o\v being ex])ressed
in gallons per day per square mile of watershed : — •
Yield of the Nashua River Watershed
//( (iallo
ns per Day per
Square
Mile. »
Month.
1897.
1898.
1899.
1900.
1901.
1902.
January, .......
796,000
1,563,000
2,092,000
796,000
519,000
1,676,000
February, ......
931,000
1.635,000
1,090,000
4,0.54,000
356,000
1,401,000
March, ......
2,760,000 3,088,000
2,776,000
3,722,000
2,718,000
3,992,000
April,
1,632,000 12,027,000
3,376,000 1 1,580,000
4,986,000
2,159,000
May,
l,163,fK)0
1,. 390,000
862,000
1,382,000
2,729,000
1,031,000
June,
1,181,000
828,000
561,000
578,000
985,000
410,000
July,
1,442,000
333,000
354,000
217,000
477,000
292,000
August,
896,000
1,. 325,000
236,000
197,000
512,000
297,000
September,
380,000
676,000
250,000
127,000
320,000
241,000
October,
243,000
1,. 509,000
245,000
282,000
647,000
950,000
November,
1,283,000
2,170,000
430,000
875,000
517,000
635,000
December,
2,275,000
2,061,000
359,000
1,570,000
3,234,000
1,848,000
Average for whole vear, .
1,253,000
1,551,000
1,051,000
1,264,000
1,507,000
1,248,000
Average for driest six months.
886,000
1,013,000
312,000
377,000
576,000
471,000
' The area of the watershed used in making up these records included water surfaces amounting to
2.2 per cent, of the whole area from 1897 to 1902, inclusive, to 2.4 per cent, in 1903, to 3.6 per cent, in 1904,
to 4.1 per cent, in 1905, to 5.1 per cent, in 1906, to 6 per cent, in 1907, to 7 per cent, in 1908, 1909 and 1010,
to C.5 per cent, in 1911, to O.S per cent in 1912 and to 6.9 per cent, in 1913.
258
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
Yield of the Nashua River Watershed in Gallons per Day per Square Mile —
Concluded.
Month.
1903.
1904.
1905.
1906.
1907.
1908.
1,265,000
659,000
1,266,000
1,132,000
1,458,000
1,738,000
2,133,000
927,000
452,000
1,027,000
692,000
1,736,000
3,423,000
3,008,000
3,004,000
1,860,000
1,697,000
2,192,000
2,238,000
2,984,000
1,617,000
2,109,000
1,436,000
1,269,000
569,000
1,498,000
445,000
1,533.000
965,000
1,415,000
2,131,000
762,000
542,000
1,184,000
773,000
403,000
Jiily,
624,000
497,000
365,000
728,000
335,000
220,000
474,000
355,000
321,000
591,000
87,000
443,000
375,000
494,000
1,228,000
277,000
810,000
88,000
October, .......
689,000
347,000
367,000
530,000
1,382,000
158,000
634,000
343,000
442,000
749,000
2,540,000
125,000
December
954,000
440,000 i 1,018,000
794,000
1,961,000 387,000
Average for whole year, .
1,285,000
1,025,000 1 926,000
1,043,000
1,180,000
847,000
Average for driest six months.
626,000
413,000 541,000
613,000
725,000
238,000
Mean for
Month.
1909.
1910.
1911.
1912.
1913.
Seventeen
Years,
1897-1913
592,000
1,846,000
773,000
780,000
1,414,000
1,198,000
2,556,000
1,845,000
625,000
927,000
867,000
1,367,000
March, ,....••
2,129,000
2,639,000
1,339,000
2,831,000
2,263,000
2,673,000
2,422,000
1,034,000
1,393,000
2,281,000
2,083,000
2,154,000
1,212,000
608,000
461,000
1,797,000
1,038,000
1,182,000
632,000
824,000
351,000
331,000
280,000
750,000
July
233,000
62,000
57,000
135,000
19,000
376,000
193,000
186,000
188,000
125,000
60,000
382,000
208,000
145,000
181,000
89,000
219,000
359,000
October, ......
90,000
68,000
718,000
145,000
678,000
532,000
363,000
354,000
1,035,000
442,000
660,000
800,000
December,
537,000
391,000 j 1,067,000
793,000 955,000
1,214,000
Average for whole year.
918,000
828,000
682,000
891,000
879,000
1,081,000
Average for driest six months.
271,000
201,000
327,000
210,000
318,000
532,000
Merrimack River.
The flow of the Merrimack Eiver has been measured for many years
at Lawrence, above which place the river has a total watershed area
of 4,663 square miles, which includes 118 square miles on the South
Branch of the Nashua Eiver, 75 square miles on the Sudbury Eiver and
18 square miles tributary to Lake Cochituate, or a combined area of
211 square miles from which water is drawn at the present time for the
supply of the Metropolitan Water District. The flow as measured at
Lawrence includes the water wasted from these three watersheds, which,
in the wet months of the year, is very considerable, but which becomes
very small in the dry months. Becords of the quantity of water wasted
have been kept by the Boston Water Board and by the Metropolitan
No. 34.]
WATER SUPPLY STATISTICS.
259
Water Board, and these quantities have been deducted from the flow as
measured at Lawrence. The area of the three watersheds has also been
deducted from the watershed area at Lawrence, so that the net area was
4,570 square miles up to 1898, at which time the Nashua Eiver was
diverted, 4,451 square miles from March 1, 1898, to Jan. 1, 1908, and
4,452 square miles since the latter date.
The average flow of the Merrimack Eiver during the year 1913 was
83 per cent, of the normal flow for the past twenty-six years for which
records are available. The flow was in excess of the normal in the months
of January and March, but less than the normal in the other ten months
of the year.
In order to show the relation between the flow of this stream during
each m^onth of the year 1913 and the normal flow as deduced from ob-
servations during twenty-six years, from 1888 to 1913, inclusive, the
following table has been prepared : —
Table showing the Average Monthly Flow of the Merrimack River for the Year 1913
in Cubic Feet per Second per Square Mile of Drainage Area; also, Departure
from the Normal Flow.
Month.
Normal
Flow.
Cubic Feet
per
Second
per Square
Mile.
Actual Flow
in 1913.
Cubic Feet
per
Second
per Square
Mile.
Excess or
Deficieno" .
Cubic Feet
per
Second
per Square
Mile.
January,
February,
March,
April,
May, .
June, .
July, .
August,
September,
October,
November,
December,
-
1.323
1.278
2.911
3.641
2.188
1.214
0.685
0.622
0.670
0.920
1.194
1.306
1.775
0.987
3.372
2.490
1.442
0.899
0.393
0.306
0.387
0.791
0.967
1.046
+0.452
—0.291
+0.461
—1.151
—0.746
—0.315
—0.292
—0.316
—0.283
—0.129
-0.227
-0.260
Averag
i for whol
; yea
r,
1.496
1.238
-0.258
260
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
The following table gives the record of the net flow of the Merrimack
River for each of the past twenty-six years, the flow being expressed in
cubic feet per second per square mile of drainage area : —
Floio of the Merrimack River at Lawrence in Cubic Feet per Second per Square
Mile of Drainage Area.
Month.
1888.
1889.
1890.
1891.
1892.
1893.
1894.
January,
1.388
2.619
1.492
2.823
1.836
0.645
0.661
February,
1.818
1.345
1.656
2.851
0.888
1.081
0.933
March,
2.168
2.385
3.326
5.042
1.562
2.281
3.115
April,
5.377
2.408
3,728
4.645
1.774
3.359
2 401
May, .
4.539
1.437
3.096
1.601
2.215
4.202
1.525
June, .
1.228
1.164
1.716
0.990
0.834
0.963
1.317
July. .
0.548
0.782
0.G91
0.633
1.040
0.522
0.498
August,
0.577
1.087
0.745
0.538
1.051
0.564
0.370
September,
1.540
0.750
1.833
0.556
0.863
0.608
0.400
October,
2.656
1.220
2.648
0.467
0.467
790
0.493
November,
2.896
1.924
1.918
0.540
1.420
0.736
0.772
December,
3.181
2.812
1.418
0.899
0.859
1.166
0.661
Average for whole year.
2.326
1.661
2.022
1.799
1.234
1.410
1.095
Average for driest six months, .
1.574
1.073
1.542
0.606
0.946
0.697
0..532
Month. 1895.
1
1896.
1897.
1898.
1899.
1900.
1901.
January,
0.626
1.419
0.745
1.613
1.657
0.748
0.753
February,
0.507
1.941
1.000
1.638
1.032
3.520
546
March,
1.258
4.510
2.294
4.043
2.479
3.441
2.0M
April,
4.289
3.967
3.839
3.317
5.758
4.088
5.569
May, .
1.360
0.971
2.209
2.400
2.121
2.185
3.335
June, .
0.664
0.769
2.769
1.417
0.667
0.878
1.657
July, .
0.565
0.446
2.359
0.585
0.556
0.407
646
August,
0.477
0.441
1.105
0.776
0.468
0.420
989
September,
0.366
0.683
0.603
0.636
0.447
0.338
0.588
October,
0.863
1.142
0.482
1.371
0.401
0.564
0.913
November,
2.047
1.454
1.274
2.094
0.625
1.304
0.663
December,
■
2.025
0.952
2.262
1.871
0.622
1.498
2 053
Average for whole year,
1.254
1.558
1.745
1.813
1.403
1.616
1.648
Average for driest six months, .
0.716
0.741
1 347
1.146
0.520
0.652
0.909
No. 34.]
WATER SUPPLY STATISTICS.
261
Flow of the Merrimack River at Laurence in Cubic Feet per Second per Square
Mile of Drainage Area — Concluded.
Month.
1902.
1903.
1904.
1905.
1906.
1907.
1908.
January, .
2.268
1.684
0.584
0.855
1.696
1.411
1.946
February.
1.195
1.979
0.644
0.503
1.133
0.667
1.648
March,
6.011
6.032
2.719
2.350
1.678
1.728
2.499
April,
3.801
3.375
4.495
3.616
3.591
2.923
2.652
May, .
2.256
0.979
3.844
1.169
2.269
2.034
2.570
June, .
1.187
2.224
1.032
0.931
2.262
1.190
0.932
July, .
0.971
1.032
0.624
0.600
1.106
0.749
0.522
August ,
0.S44
0.734
0.573
0.606
0.741
0.431
0.668
September,
0.774
0.530
0.653
1.706
0.422
0.664
0.379
October,
1.600
0.823
0.816
0.727
549
1.433
0.330
November,
1.285
0.665
0.604
0.760
0.707
2.914
0.354
December,
1.756
0.825
0.408
1.274
0.567
2.177
0.420
Average for whole >'ear,
1.996
1.740
1.416
1.258
1.393
1.527
1.243
Average for driest six months,
1 no
0.767
0.613
0.888
0.682
1.083
0.445
Mean for
Month.
1909.
1910.
1911.
1912.
1913.
Twenty-
six years,
1888-1913.
January,
0.677
1.043
0.624
0.802
1.775
1.323
February,
1.563
0.973
0.482
0.706
0.987
1.278
March.
1.695
3.611
1.248
2.773
3.372
2.911
April, .
3.404
2.445
3.045
4.323
2.490
3.641
May,
1.951
1.509
1.360
2.297
1.442
2.188
June,
0.948
1.077
0.551
1.304
0.899
1.214
July.
0.447
0.398
0.266
0.412
0.393
0.685
August,
0.376
0.458
0.328
0.499
0.306
0.622
September, .
0.369
0.397
0.435
0.485
0.387
0.670
October,
0.422
0.300
0.918
0.733
0.791
0".920
November, .
0.388
0.457
1.049
1.2,39
0.967
1.194
December,
0.504
0.335
1.284
1.069
1.046
1 306
Average for whole year.
1 1.062
1.084
0.966
1.387
1.238
1.496
Average for driest six months.
0,418
I,
0.391
0.591
0.740
0.624
0.884
262
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [P. D. Xo. 34.
Sudbury, Nashua and Merrimaclc Rivers.
The following table shows the weekly fluctuation during the year 1913
in the flow of the three streams just described, namely, the Sudbury
Eiver at Framingham, the South Branch of the Nashua Eiver above
Clinton, and the Merrimack River at Lawrence. The flow of these
streams, particularly that of the Sudbury and of the South Branch of
the Xashua River, serves to indicate the flow of other streams in eastern
Massachusetts. The area of the Sudbury River watershed is 75.3 square
miles and of the South Branch of the Nashua River 118.19 square miles.
The net watershed area of the Merrimack River is 4,452 square miles.
Table shoioing the Average Weekly Flow of the Sudbury, South Branch of the Nashua
and Merrimack Rivers for the Year 1913 in Cubic Feet -per Second per Square
Mile of Drainage Area.
Flow in Cubic Feet per
Flow in Cubic Feet per
Second
PER Square Mile.
Week ending
Second
PER Square Mile.
Week ending
South
Branch
South
Branch
Sunday.
Sudbur>'
Merri-
mack
River.
Sunday.
Sudbury
Merri-
mack
River.
River.
Nashua
River.
River.
Nashua
River.
Jan. 5,
2.939
3.321
1.984
July 6,
—0.074
0.039
0.381
12,
1.815
2.431
1.766
13.
—0.273
—0.082
0.454
19,
1.532
2.146
1.512
20,
—0.178
—0.031
0.424
26,
1.373
2.071
1.970
27,
—0.113
—0.063
0.338
Feb. 2,
0.971
1.514
1.373
Aug. 3,
0.287
0.282
0.326
9,
0.827
1.085
1.124
10,
—0.121
0.062
0.348
16,
0.526
0.867
0.781
17,
—0.419
—0.034
0.327
23,
1.328
1.555
0.802
24,
—0.178
0.094
0.327
31,
—1.022
0.291
0.252
Mar. 2,
2.643
2.378
1.228
9,
1.696
1.639
1.142
Sept. 7,
1.433
0.340
0.364
16,
2.763
3.135
2.247
14,
—0.169
—0.066
• 0.323
23,
2.752
2.696
4.726.
21,
0.044
0.553
0.273
30,
5.636
6.487
5.870
28,
0.492
0.606
0.549
Apr. 6,
3.241
3.215
3.627
Oct. 5,
0.138
0.340
0.472
13,
3.471
4.515
2.371
12,
0.223
0.507
0.553
20,
5.649
3.969
2.730
19,
0.438
0.432
0.492
27,
2.225
1.791
1.770
26,
1.542
2.270
0.996
May 4,
1.831
1.746
1.746
Nov. 2,
1.136
1.295
1.377
11,
0.500
0.918
1.180
9,
0.427
1.035
0.776
18,
0.710
0.753
0.846
16,
0.937
1.170
1.446
25,
2.148
2.196
1.130
23,
0.661
1.052
0.909
30,
0.965
0.939
0.779
June 1,
1.598
2.713
2.649
8,
1.040
0.718
1.487
Dec. 7,
0.788
1.756
0.908
15,
0.309
0.290
0.764
14,
1.392
1.443
1.426
22,
0.085
0.415
0.593
21,
0.679
0.899
0.946
29,
—0.154
0.198
556
28,
1.831
1.938
0.908
REPORT
OF THE
Lawrence Experiment Station
1913.
[263]
Work of the Lawrence Experiment Station for
1913— THE Purification of Sewage and Water
AND Investigations upon Allied Subjects.'
Bv H. W. Clark and Stephen DeM. Gage.
During the year ending Xov. 30, 1913, the following main lines of
work and study were carried on at the experiment station : ( 1 ) Studies
upon the aeration of sewage in a new form of tank. These studies showed
that by aeration in tanks constructed and operated like the one described
beyond, a remarkable reduction of suspended and colloidal matters in
sewage can be obtained at a cost certainly no greater than by chemical
precipitants and probably considerably less. The sewage, owing to a
reduction of its suspended and colloidal matters and partial oxidation
by aeration, can be purified at very high rates of filtration througli sand
and trickling filters. The sewage, moreover, after aeration has lost its
offensive odor and filtration can proceed without nuisance from the dis-
semination of these odors in the neighborhood of the filters. If sufficient
aeration is given, the sewage is rendered nonputref active and stable. (2)
Studies upon clarification of sewage by the ordinary methods of sedi-
mentation, chemical precipitation and straining. (3) Studies of the dis-
posal of sludge in tanks from 17 to 30 feet in depth. These studies were
made with sewages of various kinds and had for their chief object
the determination of the physical character and the odor of the sludge
when drawn from such tanks after varying periods of storage and de-
composition. It was shown by these studies that the deeper the tank,
other things being equal, the less the odor of the sludge and the more
easily it is handled, drained and dried owing to improvement in its
physical character. Other features of this study are described beyond,
such as the effe#t of added iron and lime, of fermentation, agitation, the
1 The work has been carried on under the general supervision of Hiram F. Mills, A.M., C.E., member
of the State Board of Health, with Mr. H. W. Clark, chemist to the Board, in direct charge. Mr. Stephen
DeM. Gage, biologist, and Mr. George O. Adams, chemist, are the principal assistants at the station. A
full account of the experiments at the Lawxence Experiment Station during the years 1888 and 1889 is
contained in a special report of the State Board of Health upon the purification of sewage and water (1890).
A similar account for the years 1890 and 1891 is contained in the report of the Board for 1891. Since 1891 the
results have been published yearly in the annual reports. A review of twenty-one years' experiments
upon the purification of sewage was published in the report for 1908 and a similar review of experiments
upon the purification of manufactural wastes was published in the report for 1909.
266 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
destruction of fatty matters, the percentage of water in the various
sludges after treatment, the loss of nitrogen, changes in nitrogenous mat-
ters, etc. (4) A study and review of the fertilizer value of sewage and
sewage sludge, including studies of the availability of the fertilizing ma-
terials in agriculture. (5) Continued studies of intermittent sand, con-
tact and trickling filter methods of purifying sewage. This included,
besides the operation of sand, contact and trickling filters, an investiga-
tion concerning the relative capacity for purification and volume of
sewage filtered per acre daily of trickling filters with depths of from 4
to 10 feet. (6) Studies of manufacturing wastes. These studies in-
cluded an interesting investigation in regard to a new method for the
disposal of tannery sewage. (7) Studies of the oxygen requirement of
different sewages and the point to which dissolved oxygen in a stream can
be reduced by sewage matters without producing a nuisance. (8)
Studies of the influence of carbon in sugar and other carbohydrates upon
nitrification with reference to the disposal of wastes from breweries,
sugar refineries, etc. (9) Studies of water filtration by different types
of filters, together with special laboratory studies of the tolerance for
considerable amounts of hypochlorite disinfectants which certain types
of bacteria apparently acquire in swimming pools. (10) Studies to de-
termine the effect of various amounts of CO2 and other constituents of
water upon the length of life of fecal and other bacteria in water. (11)
Bacterial examinations of 1,800 samples of water forwarded to the station
by the engineering department of the Board.
At the station, moreover, typical examples of the various established
processes for the treatment of water and sewage are kept in operation,
and their method of procedure and relative efficiency is often demon-
strated to city and town officials who are concerned with the installation
and management of water or sewage purification works and to students
and others who are interested in the subject. That this feature is appre-
ciated is evident from the large number of persons who visit the station
each year in search of information and from the number of engineering
schools in this State that have made a visit to the station a regular part
of their instruction to students in sanitary engineering.
Character of the Sewage used in the Experiments.
The sewage used at the experiment station is pumped through a 21/2-
inch pipe about 4,400 feet long, from the Lawrence Street sewer which
drains the streets, houses and stores of the most densely populated sec-
tion of the city of Lawrence. The inlet to this pipe is located well above
the entrance of any of the large mills, and is provided with a strainer
No. 34.
PURIFICATION OF SEWAGE.
267
with perforations about % of an inch in diameter, by which paper, rags,
etc., are largely strained out of the sewage. As received at the station
the sewage is a strong domestic sewage in which the suspended matters
have been quite thoroughly disintegrated during passage through the pipe.
'■ Lawrence Street sewage " is the average of samples collected weekly
from the sewer near the point where the sewage enters the pipe through
which it is drawn to the experiment station ; " regular station sewage "
is the average of samples collected four times each day of the sewage as
it reaches the experiment station ; " sewage applied to Filters ISTos. 1, 6
and 9A " is the average of daily samples of all the sewage applied to the
large intermittent filters situated out of doors.
The average analyses of the various representative samples of sewage
collected during the year are shown in the following table : —
Lawrence Street Sewage.
[Parts per 100,000.]
fe
Ammonia.
Kjeldahl
Nitrogen
-a
B
IS
Nitrogen.
AS
o
05
ALBUMINOID.
a
d
.2
6
.
S
o
e
^
"3
1
3
"o
w
a
i
a
o
o
1
1
>>
X
O
so
PQ
64
2.08
.59
.38
2.23
1.60
11.45
.07
.0061
6.86
2,707,000
Regular Station Sewage.
3.67 .58 .28 1.20 0.55 13.36
4.73 3,724,000
Sewage applied to Filters Nos. 1, 6 and 9 A.
3.79 .52
1.07
12.57
Average Solids.
Regular Sewage.
[Parte per 100.000.1
Unfiltered.
Filtered.
In Suspension.
Total.
Loss on
Ignition.
Fixed.
Total.
Loss on
Ignition.
Fixed.
Total.
Losson pj^gj
Ignition.
71.4
31.6
39.8
48.0
15.4
32.6
23.4
16.2
7.2
208
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
Preliminary Treatments for the Clarification of Sewage.
Studies upon the clarification of sewage as a preliminary to filtration
by sedimentation in open tanks and in a tank filled with layers of slate,
by straining through a layer of anthracite coal and by chemical precipita-
tion with sulphate of alumina, were continued during 1913. Studies
were also made upon the clarification of sewage by aeration and sedi-
mentation.
Sedimentation in Open Tanks.
The chief settling tank at the station is cylindrical in form with a bot-
tom sloping at an angle of 60°. Sewage enters this tank near the bottom
and rises slowly to an outlet near the top, the period of sedimentation
while sewage is flowing through being about two hours and the vertical
velocity about 1 inch per minute. About 1,000 gallons of sewage were
treated daily in this tank throughout the year. The sludge deposited
in the tank is drawn off through a blow-off valve at the bottom three
times each week. The average removal of suspended matter occurring
in this tank during the year was about 46 per cent., as shown by
Kjeldahl nitrogen in suspension, and about 0)8 per cent., as shown by
the total and organic solids in suspension. The total removal of organic
matter from the sewage was about 31 per cent., as shown by total
Kjeklahl nitrogen, and about 35 per cent., as shown by the total organic
solids. The composition of the wet sludge was as follows : —
Average Sludge.
[Parts per 100,000.1
Average.
Maximum.
Minimum.
.Solids: —
Total,
Organic,
2,766
1,678
4.316
2,891
545
278
Insoluble matters: —
Total,
Organic,
2,529
1,601
4,121
2,769
471
250
Organic nitrogen: —
Total,
Insoluble,
66 .■)
59 3
115 3
101.0
11.7
9.5
Free ammonia,
14 f>
24.0
5 2
Oxygen consumed
201
310
47
Fats
422
805
70
Xo. 34.] PURIFICATION OF SEWAGE. 269
Sedimentation in Tanks filled with Layers of Slate.
Tank N'o. 376, having a superficial area of /^ooo of '^^^ acre, was first
put into operation on July 9, 1909, and contains 37 horizontal layers
of roofing slate spaced % of an inch apart, separated hy small concrete
hlocks, the exposed surface available for the deposition and destruction of
sludge being about -'Jl-i square inches for each gallon of sewage contained
within the tank. During December this tanlc was dismantled and the
amount of sludge present and its distribution upon the various slate
layers were determined. At this time the total amount of sludge present
was equivalent to about 354,000 pounds per acre, or about 594 pounds for
each million gallons of sewage which had been passed through the tank.
The tank was then rebuilt and a portion of the sludge which had been
removed was uniformly redistributed over the various slate layers, the
amount of sludge returned being equivalent to about 50,000 pounds per
acre. Operation was begun again on Jan. 1, 1913, the tank being oper-
ated like a contact filter as in previous years. It was completely filled
with sewage once each day, allowed to stand one hour, then drained
f^lowly and allowed to rest one week in every six. During the year there
was a loss of open space in the tank of about 13 per cent. During three
of the one-week resting periods there was no appreciable change in the
capacity, but during each of the other resting periods there was a small
decrease in the proportion of the open space occupied by deposited mat-
ters, the increase in open space during these periods averaging about
2 per cent.
As has been explained in previous reports, although this tank is
operated like a contact filter, other than in the removal of matters in
suspension there is comparatively little change in the character of the
sewage which is passed through it. For this reason, this process has
been classed with the clarification processes rather than with the contact
filters. During February and March, after the tank was rebuilt, a small
amount of nitrification was noticed, the average amount of nitrates pro-
duced averaging .18 and .31 parts per 100,000, respectively. During fol-
loM'ing months, however, nitrification was very feeble and at no time
during the year was a stable effluent obtained. So far as actual purifi-
cation was concerned, the practice of resting the tank one week in six
appeared to have little effect. In a settling tank as usually constructed
and operated, the outlet is so located that the sludge is not distributed to
any extent by the outflowing sewage or by the flow of sewage over it.
In a tank of this kind, however, the sludge deposited upon the slates is
very likely to be disturbed by the sewage flowing across it while the tauk
270 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
is being emptied, this being especially true of any sludge which has been
deposited on the bottom of the tank in the vicinity of the outlet. For
this reason sewage clarified by this method usually contains somewhat
more suspended matters than ordinary settled sewage, while the effluent
is frequently heavily charged with suspended matters for a short time
after the outlet is opened.
Precipitation with Sulphate of Alumina.
Throughout the year sewage was treated daily with sulphate of alumina
in the proportion of 1,000 pounds per million gallons (7 grains per gal-
lon) and allowed to stand for four hours before the clarified supernatant
sewage was drawn off from the precipitated sludge. The average removal
of suspended organic matters from the sewage by this process was about
71 per cent., as shown by determinations of loss on ignition, and about
66 per cent., as shown by Kjeldahl nitrogen determinations. The total
removal of organic matters averaged about 47 per cent., as shown by
loss on ignition, and 37 per cent., as shown by Kjeldahl nitrogen determi-
nations.
Precipitation with Ferrous Sulphate.
During December and January the experiments upon the precipitation
of sewage with ferrous sulphate and caustic soda were continued. As
explained in the last report these experiments were primarily designed
to furnish a sludge of high iron content and larger amounts of coagulant
were used than would ordinarily be considered necessary had clarification
of the sewage been the only object in view. The ferrous sulphate used
was the form commercially known as sugar sulphate of iron, containing
about 65 per cent, of actual ferrous sulphate, and caustic soda was used
instead of lime to produce the necessary alkalinity on account of the
greater ease with which its strength can be controlled in experiments
where small amounts of caustic alkalinity are needed. The average
amount of ferrous sulphate added during these two months was about
877 pounds per million gallons (6 grains per gallon), and the average
amount of caustic used was about 738 pounds (5.1 grains per gallon).
As the chemicals were added in excess of the amounts needed for
clarification, the removal of suspended matters was very complete, aver-
aging about 90 per cent., as shown by the total solids in suspension; and
the removal of organic matters in suspension was about 95 per cent., as
shown by loss on ignition, and about 91 per cent., as shown by Kjeldahl
nitrogen determinations.
No. 34.]
PURIFICATION OF SEWAGE.
271
Straining through Anthracite Coal.
Strainer E. — This strainer, containing 13 inches in depth of buck-
wheat coal, and first put into operation on Feb. 1, 1901, was continued
in operation throughout the year at a rate of 1,000,000 gallons per acre
daily. As has been explained in previous reports, this strainer continues
to be operated at this rate year after year without renewal of material
or any appreciable amount of surface treatment being necessary, and at
the same time removes a considerably greater amount of suspended mat-
ters from the sewage than is the case with any of the other preliminary
clarification processes which are under investigation. During 1913 sur-
face treatment was required but once, the strainer being raked to a depth
of 3 inches on February 14. The average removal of suspended matters
during the year was about 76 per cent., as shown by total solids, and
the removal of organic matters in suspension was about 74 per cent., as
shown by loss on ignition, and about 72 per cent., as shown by Kjeldahl
nitrogen determinations.
Average Analyses.
Settled Station Sewage.
[Parts per 100,000.]
P^
Ammonia.
Kjeldahl
Nitrogen
E
3
Nitrogen.
A3
u
ALBUMINOID. ,
o S
X
M
e
.2
.2
<0
o
S
i
1
3
"o
CO
c
"3
1
3
s
6
1
1
1
6
11
CQ
65
3.76
.43
.25
.83 .48
13.37
-
-
3.19
2.301.000
Effluent from Slate Tank No. 376.
.52
.97
12.96
.11
.0002
3.25
2.707,000
Sewage precipitated with Sulphate of Alumina.
4.93
12.28
2.62
1,383.000
Effluent from Strainer E.
3.86
.40
.30
.57
13.12
2.78 3,257.500
Sewage precipitated with Ferrous Sulphate.
4.62
.16
.40
.32
11.90
1.72
I Two months, December and January.
272
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
Average Solids.
Settled Station Sewage.
[Parts per 100,000.]
Unfiltered.
Filtered.
In Suspension.
Total.
Loss on
Ignition.
Fixed.
Total.
Loss on
Ignition.
Fixed.
Total.
Loss on
Ignition.
Fixed.
56.6
20.7
35.9
49.0
15.6
33.4
7.6
5.1
2.5
Sewage precipitated with Sulphate of Alumina.
16.9
35.6
33.9
6.4
1.7
Effluent from Strainer E.
54.8
19.1
14.9
34.3
5.6
Sewage precipitated with Ferrous Sulphate. *
14.0
65.0
53.1
3.1
> Two months, December and January.
Studies of the Effect upon Sewage Sludge of Storage ix Deep
Tanks.
The first suggestion in regard to the retention of shidge in compart-
ments separated from the main settling or septic tank was made at tlie
Lawrence Experiment Station in 1899,i and tanks constructed after
this manner were operated there in that and the following years and
have been described in the Lawrence reports. From this early Lawrence
work, the Hampton tank of Travis and the so-called ImhofE tank have
been developed. This was stated many years ago by Dr. Travis and more
recently by Dr. Imhoff in a paper read last year before the International
Congress of Demography and Hygiene at Washington.
The imperial patent office of Germany in the case of Imhoff v. Travis,
more than a year ago, made the following statements regarding the claims
presented in this case and quoted below : —
Claim J'. — Process for the biological treatment of sewage bv means of
separate treatment of the solid and liquid constituents characterized by the
following: The sewag-e passing through one or more closed or open settling
si^aces at such a speed as to permit the lighter particles to come to the sur-
face and the heavier to sink to the bottom and to pass through openings in
1 H. W. Clark. Report of Lawrence Experiment Station, 1899-1900, etc.
No. 34.] PURIFICATION OF SEWAGE. 273
it with a portion of the liquid into a liquefying space situated below the set-
tling spaces, in which they are partly decomposed and liquefied through bio-
logical action, whence the liquid passes out of the liquefying space over
weirs, etc.
Claim 2. — Apparatus for carrying out Claim 1 characterized as follows :
Combining the settling chamber (a) and the liquefying chamber (h) in a
closed tank, etc.
Tliese and other contentions of the various parties to this suit are long
and need not be quoted here. The judgment rendered a year ago, how-
ever, states in part as follows : —
It need not be settled here whether these differences are material or not,
as it is clear that compared with the purification plant described in the
report of the experimental station at Lawrence of the State Board of Health
of Massachusetts, Boston, 1899 (thirty-first annual report, page 422), the
protected process contains nothing new, which is contended by the claimant.
The purification process there employed according to this report is exactly
the same as that of the patent attacked. The sewage was passed through or-
dinary settling tanks and the sludge collected at its bottom was at the same
time flushed into a septic tank, where alone it was subject to septieization.
The defendants contend, however, from the fact that only ordinary settling-
spaces are mentioned in the Boston report, and that nothing is said about
the continuous removal of the sludge out of the settling spaces, it must be
concluded that the process described in the report was only worked inter-
mittently and that a continuous flow through the plant as in the case of the
patent attacked, had not taken place. These contentions are, however, not
justified, etc.
In many published data in regard to the results of the Imhoff tank,
claims are made that the sludge from tanks of this construction is more
easily disposed of than sludge from ordinary settling and septic tanks,
and that it is almost invariably odorless. WHiile it is true that sludge
from any sewage may under some conditions become odorless by long-
continued bacterial decomposition whereby the organic and mineral mat-
ters are rendered of a humus-like consistency, it has seemed possible
that the lack of odor noted in the sludge from many Imhoff tanks is due
rather to the composition of the sewage entering these tanks than to the
construction and operation of such tanks. Attention was called some
years ago ^ to the fact that the sludge from the septic tanks at Birming-
ham, England, was odorless and the theory was advanced that this char-
acteristic was due largely to the fact that large quantities of copper and
iron salts entered the Birmingham sewage owing to the main industries
» H. W. Clark. Some Observations of Methods, Cost and Results of Sewage Purification Abroad.
274 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
of the city. Eecently, attention has been called to this, also, by Mr.
A7atson, engineer of the sewage-disposal works of Birmingham. Essen,
Germany, where the Imhoif tank was first used, and the surrounding
district are devoted to iron industries, and much iron must be present
in the sewage. At "Worcester, Mass., also, the sludge from an acid iron
sewage has been successfully treated experimentally by this process.
Certain studies upon this subject of differences in sludge were begun
at the station early in 1912, five tanks IT feet in depth being put into
operation, , each receiving sludge from a different sewage or sludge to
which iron had been applied. These tanks are not claimed to be Imhoff
tanks but seemed suitable for this study, and into each of them sludge
was introduced through a pipe reaching some distance below the surface.
This sludge when introduced contained from 93 to 99 per cent, of water,
as will be explained later.
A portion of the data obtained during 1912 was presented in the report
for tliat year. These experiments were continued through 1913 with
various additional tanks, and the complete results covering the studies
during both years are summarized in the following pages.
Operation of Sludge Tanhs.
Ten of the tanks used in the experiments were 17 feet in depth and
one, Tank S, 30 feet in depth. Each was completely filled with wet
sludge from the sedimentation or chemical precipitation of sewage or
with sludge to which certain chemicals were added and, after filling,
portions of wet sludge of the same kind were added to the tanks at
\\eekly intervals, displacing an equal volume of the supernatant liquid
which collected above the sludge formed by the settlement of the heavy
solid matters. These weekly additions to the tank were made through a
pipe extending well below the surface, thus effectively preventing any
of the suspended matters of the wet sludge added from being carried off
with the overflowing liquid. After the sludge had been held in the tank
for a period of two months, and at regular monthly intervals thereafter,
portions of the heavy sludge were withdrawn from the bottom of the
tank for examination. By this procedure the conditions were similar to
those obtained in the Imhoff tank, the sludge being subjected to storage
and decomposition action under gradually increasing pressure as it
worked its way to the bottom of the tank. The details of operation of
tlie various tanks were as follows : —
Tanl: I was operated from Jan. 17, 1912, to April 19, 1913, with
sludge from the settling tank receiving Lawrence sewage at the experi-
ment station. During the last eight months of the experiment a small
No. 34.] PURIFICATION OF SEWAGE. 275
amount of water was forced in at the outlet at intervals to stir up the
sludge and to help the elimination of matters which had been rendered
soluble. Fermentation became active in this tank after it had been in
operation about seven months.
Tanl- J was operated from Jan. 20, 1912, to Jan. 8, 1913, receiving
sludge obtained by precipitation of Lawrence sewage with copperas and
caustic soda. As applied to the tank this sludge contained iron (Fe02H2)
equivalent to about 20 per cent, of the total solids, and had the odor of
hydrocarbons so noticeable when cast iron is dissolved in acid. Fermenta-
tion became established in this tank during the first two months and
continued until the experiment was stopped.
Tank K, operated from Feb. 4, 1912, to Jan. 8, 1913, received sludge
from the sedimentation of the waste liquors from a tannery. As applied
to this tank this sludge contained a large amount of chemicals from the
tanning process. Little or no active fermentation was observed in this
tank although there was a marked change in the character of the sludge.
Tank L was operated from March 22, 1912, to Jan. 8, 1913, with a
mixture of three parts of the settled sewage sludge applied to Tank I
and one part of the iron-precipitated sludge applied to Tank J. The
amount of iron (FeOoHo) in this sludge was equivalent to about 8 per
cent, of the total solids. Fermentation occurred in this tank, but never
became very active.
Tanl- .¥ was operated from May 3, 1912, to Oct. 29, 1913, with sludge
from the settling tank at the Andover filtration area. On December 16
lime equivalent to about 1 per cent, by weight was mixed with the sludge
in the tank, and after that date a similar amount of lime was added to
the sludge entering the tank, to increase the alkalinity of the sludge and
hasten the breaking down of insoluble organic matters. After April 10,
1913, a small amount of water was forced in through the outlet at in-
tervals to stir up the sludge and to remove some of the organic matter
which had been rendered soluble. Active fermentation was not observed
in this tank at any time during the period of about eighteen months it
was in operation.
Tanl- N was operated from Jan. 17 to May 9, 1913, with sludge from
the settling tank at the experiment station, to which hydrate of alumina
had been added. In the amounts added the AIO3H3 produced a similar
alkalinity to that produced in the sludge for Tank J by the ferrous
hj'drate present, but unlike the latter the aluminum does not form com-
binations with the sulphur compounds. Fermentation became active in
this tank after about four months.
Tank was operated from Jan. 20 to April 10, 1913, with sludge from
the Andover settling tank. In this tank the experiment was tried of
276 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
blowing air in at the outlet for a short time each day to stir up the sludge.
The experiment proved unsuccessful. No fermentation was noted in
this tank at any time and the sludge drawn from it was always in a very
oifensive condition.
Tanl- P was operated from Jan. 20 to Oct. *29, 1913, with sludge from
the Andover settling tank. A small amount of water was forced in at
the outlet occasionally to stir up the sludge and assist in the elimination
of soluble matters. No active fermentation occurred at any time in this
tank, but after the first four or five months more or less gas came to the
surface when the tank was jarred.
Tanl- Q was operated from April 11 to Oct. 29, 1913, with sludge fiom
the settling tank at the experiment station, to which lime in the pro-
portion of about 154 grains per gallon had been added. Fermentation
became active in this tank during the second month and continued until
the experiment was discontinued.
Tank R was operated from April 18 to Oct. 29, 1913, with sludge
from the Andover settling tank, to which sufficient copperas and caustic
soda had been added to make the amount of Fe02H2 in the sludge
equivalent to about 20 per cent, of the total solids. Although no notice-
able fermentation occurred in this tank there was a marked improve-
ment in the character of the sludge withdrawn after the first two months.
Tanl S was operated from May 23 to Oct. 29, 1913, with sludge from
the settling tank at the station. In order to study the effect of higher
pressures this tank was made 30 feet in depth instead of 17 feet in depth,
as was the case with the tanks previously described, thus doubling the
hydrostatic pressure upon the sludge in the bottom of the tank. Fermen-
tation became active in this tank during the second month of operation.
Effect of Storage upon Odor of Sludge.
As a result of these experiments it was evident that the production of
an inoffensive sludge by storage in deep tanks is in a considerable meas-
ure dependent upon the character of the sludge placed in the tanks, but
that in certain cases, at least, slight changes in the operation of the tank
or the addition of certain chemicals to the sludge may be sufficient to
make the process effective so far as the production of a comparatively
odorless sludge is concerned. In practically every instance where an
odorless sludge was produced, fermentation was more or less active within
the tank. In Tank S, which was 30 feet deep and started during warm
weather, sludge from the settling tank at the experiment station always
became odorless after two months' storage. In Tank I sludge from the
same source continued to be decidedly offensive through seven months'
operation of the tank, and although the latter part of this period was in
No. U.] PURIFICATION OF SEWAGE. 277
warm weather, feniientation was not active. When the contents of Tank
1 were agitated occasionally, however, by forcing a small quantity of
water in at the bottom of the tank, fermenting action increased and the
sludge drawn from the tank was odorless, but whether the fermentation
started as the result of the agitation or whether it would have started as
the result of warmer weather, could not be determined. Storage was
not effective in producing any appreciable reduction in offensiveness of
the sludge from the Andover settling tank, and even stirring the contents
of this tank, as was tried in Tanks M and P or by forcing air up through
the tank as was tried in Tank 0, also caused no appreciable decrease of
odor. The presence of considerable amounts of chemicals appears, in
some cases at least, to have assisted in the production of a nonodorous
sludge during storage. The tannery sludge which contained large
amounts of the chemicals from the tanning process became odorless after
a short storage in Tank K, and the sludge obtained by precipitation of
Lawrence sewage with iron and caustic soda became practically odorless
during storage in Tank J. The addition of iron to the sludge from the
Andover settling tank before treatment in Tank E, and the addition of
lime to the sludge from the Lawrence settling tank before treatment in
Tank Q, also appeared to assist in the production of odorless sludges,
while the Lawrence sludge to which hydrate of alumina was added de-
veloped a benzol-like odor and became inoffensive after storage in Tank
N. In the case of the mixed sludges of relatively low iron content
treated in Tank L and in the case of addition of lime to the Andover
sludge treated in Tank M, the odor became somewhat ammoniacal and
less offensive than previously, but in neither case was an odorless sludge
produced.
Sulphides in Sludge.
It is well known that many organic compounds found in sewage con-
tain sulphur, and that the offensive odors resulting from putrefying or-
ganic matter are in a greater or less measure due to the breaking down
of these sulphur compounds and to the liberation of hydrogen sulphide
or other ill-smelling sulphur compounds. As already stated, it is quite
possible that the fact that an odorless sludge is produced by bacterial
forces in certain cases and an offensive sludge is produced under similar
conditions at other places may be due to the fact in the first case that the
sewage or sludge contains certain substances such as hydrate of iron,
which will combine with and fix these malodorous sulphur compounds
as fast as they are liberated. Throughout these experiments samples of
the various sludges were treated with acid, and the HoS driven off and
determined by absorption with standard iodine solution. By this method.
278
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
both H2S and sulphur present as sulphides are shown as HoS, but other
forms or combinations of sulphur which might be present in the sludge
are not shown.
From the results of these tests little or no relation between the amount
of sulphides present in the sludge and the offensiveness or nonoffensive-
ness of that sludge is apparent. The Andover sludge after treatment in
Tanks M and P contained very small amounts of H2S, but was always
very offensive, while the sludge from the Lawrence sewage after treat-
ment in Tanks I and S was practically odorless, although yielding more
than three times as much H2S as the sludges from Tanks M and P. The
amounts of HoS found in the sludges from Tanks J and E, which were
of high iron content, were considerably larger than the amounts found
in the same sludges after treatment in other tanks, but without the ad-
dition of chemicals. Both of these sludges were comparatively odorless.
The sludge from Tank L, containing some iron, never became inoffensive,
but yielded about three times the amounts of H2S as the sludges from
Tanks J and R, which were practically odorless and contained about
four times as much iron. The sludge in Tanks N and Q contained large
proportions of aluminum hydrate and lime, respectively, the latter of-
which would combine with H2S to form stable sulphides, while the former
would not form such combinations. Both of these sludges became odor-
less, and the H2S found in each was practically the same and much less
in amount than was found in sludges from Tanks I and S which con-
tained no added chemicals.
The average amount of sulphides in each of these various sludges was
as follows : —
Tank.
Parts
per 100,000
(H.S).
Tank.
Parts
per 100,000
(H28).
I
J
K
L
M
35
51
27
120
15
N,
P
Q
R,
S,
27
11
29
17
36
Water Content and Ease of Draining.
A point of very practical importance when considering the disposal
of sludge is the amount of water carried by that sludge, and the pro-
portion of that water which may be eliminated when the sludge is drawn
off onto draining beds. A reduction in the water content of a sludge
No. 34.] PURIFICATION OF SEWAGE. 279
from 98 per cent, to 96 per cent, will result in a reduction of about
50 per cent, in the bulk of that sludge, while a further reduction in
water content to 90 per cent, will cause a shrinkage in the amount of
sludge to be handled to about one-tenth its original volume. Throughout
these experiments careful determinations have been made of the amount
of water in the various sludges before and after storage in the different
tanks, and in the sludge draA\Ti from the tanks after draining for a
period of ten days on a filter of coarse sand.
There are two different methods used in expressing the moisture con-
tent of sludge. Most writers upon sewage treatment consider the water
and the soluble matters which it contains as component parts of the
sludge, and in determining water content include the matters dissolved
in the water as a part of the dry sludge. Other writers, however, con-
sider the suspended or nonsoluble matters only as sludge, and include
everything in solution in the water as part of the water content of the
sludge. As to which method is correct depends upon the viewpoint and
the purpose of the results. The soluble matters add a certain weight to
the sludge if it has to be handled in a wet condition, but in draining a
certain proportion of the loss of weight is due to the soluble matters
which have drained away with the water. The amount of soluble matters
in ordinary sewage sludge is such a small proportion of the total weight
that the difference in the water content expressed upon either basis is
relatively small, but in order that the results obtained in different places
may be compared, the basis on which those results were computed should
be known.
The percentage of water in the sludges applied to the various tanks
at different times varied from 93 per cent, to over 99 per cent., the average
water content of most of them being about 98 per cent. After storage in
the tanks, the percentage of water in each sludge was always much re-
duced, the greatest reduction during storage occurring in the tannery
sludge treated in Tank K, in which the water content was reduced to
about 88 per cent., corresponding to a reduction in bulk of about Td per
cent. This sludge was of such consistency after tank treatment that,
when piled up in irregular heaps upon the draining bed, it would retain
its form, — a condition which was obtained with none of the other sludges
studied. A much smaller compaction and reduction of water content
occurred when considerable proportions of iron were present, and the
same fact was observed in the case of the Lawrence sludges, to which
considerable amounts of lime or aluminum hydrate had been added.
The average water content of the untreated sludges after storage was
about 91 per cent., and the average proportion of water in the heavily
chemically treated sludges after storage was about 93 to 94 per cent.
280
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
The occurrence or nonoccurrence of active fermentation in these tanks,
which as previously pointed out was an important factor in the production
of an inoffensive sludge, apparently had little effect upon the water con-
tent of the sludge as drawn from the tanks. On the other hand, an im-
provement in the drainability of the sludge almost always followed the
occurrence of fermentation in any of the tanks. Stirring the sludge and
removal of soluble matters by forcing water in at the outlet also appears
to have favorably affected the drainability of the sludge in the case of
Tanks I and M, although it apparently was of little effect in the case of
Tank P. The lowest water content obtained after draining any of the
sludge drawn from the various tanks was about 55 per cent., this being
the proportion of moisture in the drained sludge from Tank K, in Novem-
ber, 1912, and in that from Tank L in July, 1912. The lowest average
moisture content was obtained in the case of the tannery sludge from
Tank K, which contained about 61 per cent, water after draining. The
chemically treated sludges from Tanks L, N and Q, and the natural
sludge from the 30-foot Tank S, all averaged less than 68 per cent, water
after draining. On the other hand, the heavily iron-treated sludge from
Tank J and the natural sludges from the Andover and Lawrence sewages
treated in Tanks M and I, respectively, averaged 77 and 78 per cent,
water even after being drained for ten days.
The water content of the various sludges before and after storage and
after draining are shown in the following table : —
Per Cent.
Water in Sludges.
Tank.
SLTTDGE
ENTERING TANK.
SLUDGE DRAWN FROM
TANK.
SLUDGE
AFTER DRAININO
TEN DAYS.
Aver-
Maxi-
Mini-
Aver-
Maxi-
Mini-
Aver-
Maxi-
Mini-
age.
mum.
mum.
age.
mum.
mum.
age.
mum.
mum.
I, . . .
98 3
99 5
95 1
91 3
93 2
89.7
76 6
84.0
70 8
J.
98.2
99 8
95
93 3
96 5
85 7
76.8
84.0
54 9
K,
97.7
99 2
93 3
88.1
96 6
84.4
69 3
78
55 2
L,
98 2
99.6
96
91.1
95 8
88.7
67 1
75.0
55 7
M.
98.8
99 4
98.1
91.6
98 6
89 2
77.6
81 8
68
N,
96 9
97 4
96 4
94 3
97
91 6
63 8
65
62 7
P.
98 7
99 2
98 1
91 2
92 7
90 3
72 5
77
63 1
Q.
97 9
99.6
95 9
93 7
95 5
92.1
63 6
65
62 7
R.
98 1
98 1
98.1
95 2
97 8
92 6
60 9
617
60
s,
97.9
98.8
96.4
91 3
92 1
90 1
65 9
68
64 6
No. 34.] PURIFICATION OF SEWAGE. 281
Changes in the Composition of Sludge during Storage.
The changes occurring in the composition of sewage sludge during
storage result from two entirely different causes, one mechanical and the
other biochemical. During storage the particles of sludge in the bottom
of the tank, under the influence of gravity and the pressure of the sludge
and water above, are compacted and pressed together and more or less
water and water-soluble matters are squeezed out mechanically. At the
same time, bacteria and other microscopical life may be active in breaking
down the complex-suspended solids into simpler forms, some of which are
soluble in water and others of which are in the form of free gases, which,
when sufficiently large in amount, tend to overcome the mechanical
effect of gravity and pressure and to loosen up and in some cases float
the sludge. The two forces, mechanical and biolytic, or biochemical,
are at work simultaneously, and it is impossible to entirely separate the
results of one process from the other. The major effect of the mechani-
cal forces is in the reduction of the water content, which is discussed
in another chapter, although even in the change in the water content
the biolytic action undoubtedly plays an important part by changing
the size and shape and also the specific gravity of the particles of in-
soluble matter which make up the sludge mass. The composite effect
of these two forces is to be noted in the analyses of the sludge before and
after storage in the various tanks. In every case a large increase is to
be observed in the total and suspended solids and in the organic nitrogen,
oxygen consumed and fats in the sludge after passage through the tank,
which are due in a large measure to the concentration of the sludge and
the elimination of water. In every case, also, there was a large increase
in the soluble organic matters and in the free ammonia in the sludge
after storage, which must be attributed to the breaking down of the
organic matter by biolytic action.
In order to determine the whole amount of decomposition occurring
in the various tanks, it is necessary to take into consideration, also, the
average composition of all the sludge which remained in the tank at the
end of each experiment and of the supernatant liquid displaced by the
addition of fresh sludge to the tanks, and also the soluble matters
washed out of the sludge by the introduction of water at the outlet
where such practice was tried. These various factors have been included
in the computations of the efficiency of the various sludge tanks, as
shown in a following table. There was a great difference in the effect
of storage in the different tanks. The total reduction of suspended solids
in the untreated Lawrence sludge in 16-foot Tank I was about 19 per
cent., and in 30-foot Tank S was nearly 30 per cent. Fermentation was
282 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
more active in the latter tank, so that the superior results obtained can-
not be entirely attributed to the use of the deeper tank. In the case
of Tank I, breaking down of the suspended matters was apparently has-
tened to some extent during the latter portion of the experiment by the
occasional introduction of water at the outlet. In the case of the Law-
rence sludges containing hydrate of iron in Tanks J and L, and the
sludge containing hydrate of alumina in Tank N, the reduction in in-
soluble matters during storage was somewhat less than in the case of
the sludges from the same source without added chemicals. Treatment
with lime, however, appears to have helped the breaking down of the
suspended matters, the average reduction in Tank Q being over 50 per
cent. In the case of the Andover sludge in Tanks M and P, there was
practically no reduction in the amount of insoluble matters, and addi-
tion of lime in the case of Tank M, and the introduction of water at the
outlet in the case of Tank P, apparently had little effect. In the Andover
sludge which had been treated with hydrate of iron (Tank E), how-
ever, the reduction in insoluble matters was about 78 per cent., the
largest reduction observed in any of the tanks.
The changes in the fat content are of particular interest, as the fats
are among the most resistant to hydrolytic action of the organic com-
pounds in sewage, while their presence in considerable amounts un-
favorably affects the consistency and drainability of the sludge. With
one exception there was a considerable reduction in fat content of the
different sludges during storage. In the case of the tannery sludge in
Tank K, there is an apparent increase in fat content which cannot be
satisfactorily explained. In Tanks M and E the proportion of fats
destroyed was between 30 and 44 per cent., in Tanks I and L it was
between 40 and 50 per cent., while in Tanks J and iST the destruction of
fats amounted to about 70 per cent., and in Tanks Q and S about 80
per cent, of the fats in the sludge was destroyed. So far as can be de-
termined from the results, there is little apparent relation between the
character of the sludge treated or the method of operation and the de-
struction of fats in the various tanks.
While there was a marked change in the nitrogenous constituents of
the various sludges, there was much less variation in the reduction of
total and insoluble inorganic nitrogen in the various tanks than was the
case in the total insoluble matters and fats. The smallest reduction in
total organic nitrogen was about 22 per cent, in Tanks M and S, and the
largest was about 48 per cent, in Tank E. In seven of the tanks the
reduction in insoluble organic nitrogen was between 30 and 40 per cent.,
while in Tanks P and S the reduction was about 26 and 23 per cent.,
respectively, and in Tank Q the reduction was about 42 per cent. The
No. 34.]
PURIFICATION OF SEWAGE.
283
presence of lime, aluminum hydrate and ferrous hydrate in considerable
amounts appears to a certain extent to have assisted in the breaking down
of the insoluble organic matters of the sludges, in each case the chemical
sludge showing a greater reduction in insoluble organic nitrogen than
the same sludge without added chemicals. Judging from the results, lime
was somewhat more effective in this respect than either of the other
chemicals, and in the one case where it was tried, the aluminum hydrate
was somewhat more effective than the ferrous hydrate. In nearly all
of the tanks more than half of the nitrogen released by the breaking
down of organic nitrogen was found as free ammonia either in the water
mixed with the sludge or in the overflow from the tank. In the case
of the aluminum-treated sludge in Tank N, however, only about one-
sixth of the nitrogen from the decomposition of organic matters was
found as free ammonia, while in Tanks P and S there was an increase
in free ammonia considerably larger than can be accounted for by the
reduction in the organic nitrogen. In six of the ten tanks included in
the computations there was apparently an increase in total nitrogen. In
every case except one, this apparent increase is small and might have been
due to sampling errors. The results on Tank P, however, show an ap-
parent increase in total nitrogen in the tank of about 19 per cent., which
is too large to be attributed to sampling errors, but which cannot be
otherwise explained. In the case of Tanks M, Q, R and N there Avas a
loss in total nitrogen of about 10, 14, 18 and 25 per cent., respectively.
The average analysis of the various sludges before and after storage
in the different tanks, and the amount of decomposition effected in those
tanks, are shown in the following tables : —
Sludges Applied to Tanks.
[Parts per 100,000.]
Solids.
Kjeldahl
1
Nitrogen.
TOTAL. 1
IN SOLUTION. 1
Free
Am-
Oxygen
; con-
Tank.
Fats.
Loss on
Loss on
monia.
In So-
sumed.
Total.
Ig-
nition.
Total.
Ig-
nition.
Total.
lution.
!
i
I,
1,783
1,151
67 4
28 5
8 46
48 1
0.72
133
294
J.
1,867
882
76
24 3
7.46
39 6
0.34
216
108
K,
2,483
1,342
170
53 7
11.29
50 3
82
238
274
L,
1,858
1,075
69 9
26 7
8 37
42 1
52
155
210
M,
1,361
978
138 9
62 7
9 16
45
3 71
120
240
N,
3,217
1,953
104 9
30 4
11 37
77 9
67
211
479
P,
1,455
1,151
109 2
61 7
7.50
45
2.80
106
407
Q.
2,209
1,154
106 9
45 7
13 35
48 4
2 92
163
262
T?
2,509
1,306
642 8
110 4
8 00
54 6
11 74
172
552
s,
2,148
1,082
59 1
20.9
10 86
49 8
0.61
189
251
284
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
Effluent from Sludge Tanks.
[Parts per 100,000.]
Solids.
Free
Am-
monia.
KjELDAHL
Oxygen
con-
sumed.
TOTAL.
IN SOLUTION.
Nitrogen.
Tank.
Total.
Loas on
Ig-
nition.
Total.
Loss on
Ig-
nition.
Total.
In So-
lution.
Fats.
I. •
8,908
5,244
240.1
120.0
52.00
192.9
1.99
619
1,015
J.
6,848
2,912
126.4
64.2
40 20
123 9
1 67
732
236
K,
12,269
6,677
385.6
182,8
54.00
170.3
2.40
924
2,137
L.
9,003
3.875
131.1
68.3
52 74
141.6
1.65
708
426
M.
8,788
5,825
588.8
324.5
49 86
163.6
23.56
571
1,031
N,
5,094
2,823
123 5
53 9
18.83
87.7
1.00
299
302
P,
7,603
5,439
210.6
100.6
30 50
179.7
2.29
618
1,756
Q,
7,230
3,346
195.9
89.2
70.25
135.9
1.61
577
873
R.
4,121
2,056
470 3
175.7
33.53
68.8
0.76
295
806
s.
7,465
2,992
163.6
39 6
53.00
150.0
1
1.34
625
451
Efficiency of Various Sludge Tanks.
Per Cent. Reduction.
Per Cent.
Organic
Tank.
Total
Insoluble
Matters.
Total
Organic
Nitrogen.
Insoluble
Organic
Nitrogen.
Fats.
Nitrogen
changed to
Free
Ammonia.
I,
18 6
28 9
30.3
49.0
19
J,
11.6
32 9
33.7
69 8
27 9
K,
16 8
31 6
32 5
13 2'
19 7
L,
14 3
29.1
30
43 4
19 7
M,
3 6
22 4
37.7
30 5
11 1
N.
16 9
34 5
36.0
71.7
6
P,
3 2
23.6
26.2
17.9
45
Q.
51.5
42.2
42.3
80.5
31 1
R,
s.
78 1
29 9
48 3
21.7
35 7
22 7
33 1
79.3
28 3
30 8
' Increa.se.
No. 34.] PURIFICATION OF SEWAGE. 285
Bacteriology of Sludges.
Throughout the investigation counts have been made of the total num-
bers of bacteria and of anaerobic bacteria on agar after four days at room
temperature and of the total and red colonies on litmus-lactose agar after
twenty-four hours at body temperature on the various sludges before and
after treatment in the tanks, and tests for B. coli have been made on
all samples in successive dilutions.
There was a large fluctuation in the bacterial content of the various
sludges which may be attributed in part to the fact that the sludges not
only contained large numbers of bacteria but were also of such consistency
that it was difficult to obtain representative samples. In all but two of
the tanks the average bacterial results show a reduction in the numbers
of bacteria in the sludge during storage ranging from about 73 per cent,
in the case of Tank S to nearly 99 per cent, in the case of Tank P. A
similar reduction is also to be noted in the numbers of anaerobes in these
sludges, and a somewhat larger reduction in the numbers of bacteria of
the types growing at body temperature. In the case of Tanks Q and E,
not only was the reduction in body temperature bacteria much less than
in the other tanks, but there was an increase in the total bacteria in the
sludge in both tanks and a small increase in the anaerobic bacteria in the
case of Tank E. From a sanitary viewpoint the most interesting fact is
the marked reduction in bacteria of the colon type. The greatest de-
stniction of B. coli is to be observed in the case of Tank M. In nearly
40 per cent, of the samples of sludge applied to this tank, 1,000,000 or
more bacteria of this type were found, while in the tank effluent, B. coli
could not be found in 1 cubic centimeter in over 40 per cent, of the
samples examined and was absent in 10 cubic centimeters in about one-
fourth of the samples. Even in the case of Tank Q, from which no
sample of the stored sludge was obtained containing less than 100 B. coli,
the average reduction was about 99.6 per cent.
On certain of the sludge samples counts were also made of the num-
bers of sulphide-producing bacteria by the use of agar to which a sus-
pension of bismuth subnitrate had been added. The number of such
samples was much smaller than those analyzed by the regular procedure
and for this reason the average results of these special tests are not
strictly comparable with the other bacterial averages. In the majority
of instances the numbers of bacteria determined on the bismuth media
were very much smaller than on the regular media, and this fact must
also be taken into account in considering the results of these tests, as it
is quite probable that the sulphide-forming bacteria may also have been
reduced in similar proportion. In the sludge from Tank P, however, the
286
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
numbers of bacteria on the bismuth media were higher than on the regu-
lar media. In general, omitting the apparently abnormal results obtained
in the case of Tank P, the sludges in which the largest numbers of
sulphide bacteria were found were also those in which the largest amounts
of sulphides were found by analysis. Furthermore, in the case of the
sludges from Tanks I and S from which 35 and 36 parts HoS were
obtained, the numbers of sulphide bacteria found were about 11 and 16
per cent., respectively, of the total bacterial count, while in the case of
sludges M and E from which only about one-half as much HoS was
obtained, the numbers of sulphide bacteria were only 6 and 3 per cent.,
respectively, of the total numbers of bacteria in the sludge.
The average results of the various bacterial examinations are shown in
the following tables : —
Average Numbers of Bacteria.
Bacteria per Cubic Centimeter.
Tank.
20°
C.
40"
C.
Sulphide-
Total.
Anaerobes.
Total.
Red.
producing
Bacteria.
I, .
f Applied,
19,019,000
8,461,500
1,372,200
1,183,600
1,600,000
I Effluent,
473,600
516,800
9,400
5,300
120,000
J. .
f Applied,
" [ Effluent,
3,681,000
838,100
157,700
133,900
383,500
51,500
8,400
3,500
-
K, .
f Applied,
' [ Effluent,
9,370,000
1,419,300
914,200
16,600
676,100
42,100
262,300
16,800
-
L, .
[■ Applied,
" [ Effluent,
12.257,000
4,058,500
661,800
599,000
-
732,500
47,600
8,800
2,800
-
M, .
1 Applied,
' [ Effluent,
19,057,000
13,658,600
5,452,400
4,863,600
1,200
1,239,500
158,200
25,700
19,300
950
f Applied,
" 1. Effluent.
25,514,000
17,457,000
1,124,000
912,900
-
1,045,000
792,500
12,200
850
69,000
P. .
f Applied,
39,083,000
26,867,000
8,652,000
7,632,000
-
, 1. Effluent,
474,500
347,.300
9,700
1,425
128,000
Q, .
f Applied,
i Effluent,
8,063,000
6,759,000
210,500
161,800
235,000
9,090,000
5,663,000
166,500
45,800
1,305,000
R, .
f Applied,
360,000
620,000
52,000
36,000
-
■ ■!
[ Effluent,
528,800
660,700
22,200
13,900
20,000
S, .
f Applied,
11,580,000
15,540,000
626,000
514,000
657,500
' 1 Effluent,
3,090,000
6,993,000
112,600
74,100
750,000
No. 34.]
PURIFICATION OF SEWAGE.
287
Summary
of Bacterial Results.
Per Cen-t. Reditction.
Per Cent, of
Tank.
■20"
C.
40'
C.
Bacteria in
Stored Sludge
Total.
Anaerobea.
Total.
Red.
producia?
Sulphides.
I
97.5
99.3
99 6
93 9
16
J.
89 6
94.7
97 4
93 9
-
K,
84 9
93.8
93 6
98 2
-
L.
94 1
98 7
99 5
98 8
-
M,
93 5
98 8
99 5
99 6
5 9
N.
95.9
95 5
98 9
99.9
6 6
P.
98.8
98.7
99 9
99 9
73 61
Q.
12 8 =
16 2
20 8
71.8
8 1
R.
47.02
6.6«
57 3
61 4
3 1
s,
73.4
55.0
82.0
85 6
11 1
Pro
babb
• abn
or
mal.
2 Increase
Results of B. Coll Tests.
Per Cent, of S.vmples containing B. Coli.
Tank.
10
c. c.
1
c. c.
1
c. c.
.01
c. c.
.001
c. c.
.0001
c. c.
.00001
c. c.
.000001
c. c.
I, .
Applied, .
100
100
100
96
96
93
44
11
. Effluent,
100
73
27
18
9
J. .
f Applied,
' [ Effluent,
100
100
100
78
100
67
100
44
88
22
59
11
6
K. .
f Applied,
" (, Effluent,
100
100
78
67
33
11
100
86
29
14
14
14
L, .
f -Applied,
t Effluent,
100
100
100
100
100
74
42
5
100
100
50
17
M, .
1 .Applied,
I. Effluent,
100
88
81
75
69
63
56
38
75
58
25
8
N, .
f Applied,
100
100
100
100
100
100
72
[ Effluent,
100
100
100
P, .
f Applied,
' [ Effluent,
100
72
43
29
29
14
100
100
Q. .
f Applied,
' [ Effluent,
100
100
88
75
63
50
25
13
100
100
100
100
50
R, .
f .A.pplied,
100
72
43
29
29
14
[ Effluent,
100
100
50
25
25
S, .
f Applied,
100
100
80
80
80
80
60
20
' 1 Effluent,
100
100
100
75
25
288 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
Aeration of Sewage.
During an investigation on the effect of pollution of water on fish life
during 1911 and 1912, it was observed that a marked clarification resulted
after air had been blown through sewage for a time, and that when
growtlis of certain green algse occurred in the aerated sewage, it remained
saturated wath oxygen without further aeration. The results of certain
preliminary experiments which were made during 1912 for the further
study of these points were described on pages 290 to 292 of the report
for that year. During 1913 experiments along this line were continued
and a method of treating sewage by aeration in tanks containing layers
of slate was evolved, by which not only was the putrescibility of the sew-
age very largely reduced but a very complete removal of suspended and
colloidal matters was also obtained. This aerated, clarified sewage can
be further purified by filtration at higher rates than have hitherto been
practical in sewage disposal. Furthermore, the sludge resulting from the
collected suspended and other matters is nonoffensive, easily drainable
and can be readily disposed of without creating a nuisance.
Former Studies.
The idea of using mechanical aeration in sewage purification is not
new. More than thirty years ago the value of aeration in connection with
precipitation with lime was extensively studied by Dr. Angus Smith, and
in his report to the Local Government Board (England) in 1882, he
shows that putrefaction is delayed and the subsequent formation of
nitrates is facilitated by agitation of the treated sewage with a current
of air.
In 1884 aeration of sewage was studied by Dupre and Dibdin,^ who
concluded that aeration had comparatively little effect upon the sewage
and waters with which they experimented. In 1888 a British patent was
issued to Messrs. Hartland and Kaye-Parry for a process of sewage treat-
ment which included a chamber in which air was blown through the
sewage. In 1890 and 1891 investigations on the effect of agitation and
aeration upon the organic content of water and of mixtures of water and
sewage were made by the late Dr. Drown - in the laboratories of the Mas-
sachusetts State Board of Health, and by Mason and Hine ^ at Rensselaer
Polytechnic Institute, and studies of the change in the character of the
Niagara River after passing over Niagara Falls were made by Professor
Leeds.* In each of these investigations it was concluded that the oxi-
1 Report of Royal Commission on Metropolitan Sewage Discharge, Vol. 2, 1884.
2 Twenty-third Annual Report of Massachusetts State Board of Health, 1891.
3 Journal of American Chemical Society, Vol 14, 1891.
< Quoted by Mason.
No. 34.] PURIFICATION OF SEWAGE. 289
dation of organic matters in water was not hastened to any great extent
by agitation and aeration. The late Colonel Waring/ after a series of
experiments at Newport, E. I., from 1892 to 1894, constructed a plant
at Wayne, Pa., in which sewage in a tank had a current of air blown
through it for several hours, and was then passed through filters which
were also artificially aerated.
Investigations on the value of artificial aeration of sewage filters of
coarse material were begun at the Lawrence Experiment Station - in
1891 and continued until 1898, and similar experiments were made by
Lowcock ^ in England in 1892. These experiments were upon the aera-
tion of filters, however, and not of sewage held in tanks.
In 1910 experiments upon aeration of sewage were made upon a
somewhat larger scale by Black and Phelps * in connection with investi-
gations on the discharge of sewage into New York harbor. In these lat-
ter studies a change in the degree of stability or putrescibility rather
than a change in the organic content of the sewage appears to have
been the principal object, and it was shown that under proper condi-
tions of aeration a considerable reduction in putrescibility could be ac-
complished. In none of these various investigations does any change in
the character of the suspended matters or any clarification of the sewage
appear to have been noted.
Development of the Lawrence Process.
The process developed at the Lawrence Experiment Station, however,
as regards its efficiency in collecting suspended and colloidal matters
and thereby producing a clarification of the sewage, which is fully as
important as the reduction in putrescibility, is entirely new.
Method and Results of First Aeration Experiments.
On April 16, 1912, new experiments were started at Lawrence to study
the effect of aeration of sewage and also the effect of aeration combined
with the action of green algfe. At the same time, three small sand filters
were started to determine the efi^cct of these preliminary treatments upon
the subsequent purification of the sewage by filtration, one of the filters
being operated as a control with unaerated sewage and the other two re-
ceiving sewage after treatment by these different methods. For con-
venience the sewage prepared according to each of these different methods
will be designated by the number of the filter to which it was applied.
1 Rafter and Baker. Sewage Disposal in the United States, 1894, p. 535.
2 Reports of Massachusetts State Board of Health, 1891 to 1898, inclusive.
3 Proceedings of the Institute of Civil Engineers, 1893.
* Report to Board of Estimate and Apportionment on Discharge of Sewage into New York Harbor,
March 23, 1911.
290 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
Sewage clarified by straining was used. The sewage for Filter No. 446
was aerated continuously for twenty-four hours and then allowed to settle
for one hour, and the sewage for Filter No. 447 was seeded with 20
per cent, of sewage containing a strong growth of green algae (mainly
Scenedesmus and Protococcus), the mixture being aerated for twenty-
four hours, and then allowed to stand an additional twenty-four hours
to permit further growth of algae. Throughout this experiment, aeration
was carried out in gallon bottles, air being supplied by an ordinary
Eichards pump. During the first three months the bottles used were
cleaned at frequent intervals but during the greater part of the experi-
ment the bottles used in aerating the sewage for Filter No. 446 were
cleaned only when green growths occurred on the glass, while after these
first months those used in aerating the sewage for Filter No. 447 were
not cleaned.
The effect upon the sewage of aeration and of aeration combined with
algal inoculation was quite different, especially during 1912, when the
culture of algae was active. From April 16 to July 28, when settled
sewage was used, aeration reduced the free ammonia 32 per cent, and
the Kjeldahl nitrogen 38 per cent., while inoculation and aeration gave
a reduction of about 44 per cent, in free ammonia and about 23 per cent,
in Kjeldahl nitrogen. In both processes the reduction in oxygen con-
sumed was about 43 per cent. The reduction in soluble nitrogen, however,
in both sewages during this period was remarkable, averaging about 45
per cent, in the aerated sewage and about 50 per cent, in the inoculated
sewage. During this period, nitrification of the sewage in either set of
bottles was not suspected, and no tests were made for nitrates and nitrites.
During August, however, the aerated sewage contained nitrites and small
amounts of nitrates, and the inoculated sewage contained over 1.5 parts
per 100,000 nitrates, and judging from the low free ammonia, it is evi-
dent that nitrification was active in the "^ green growth '' bottles during
the greater part of this period. After July 29 settled sewage was used
instead of strained sewage for these experiments. Up to Feb. 4, 1913,
the aerated sewage v-as prepared as before, but after October 2 the
extra twenty-four-hour period allowed for the growth of algae after
aeration of the inoculated sewage was discontinued, a large number
of experiments having shown that practically all of the oxidation and
nitrification of this sewage occurred during the twenty-four-hour aeration
period. Comparing the effect of these two treatments during the
period from July 29, 1912, to Feb. 4, 1913, it will be noted that the
purification of the sewage by combined aeration and algal inoculation
was somewhat better than wlien aeration alone was practiced. In
the oxidation of carbonaceous matters, as shown by the oxygen con-
No. 34.] PURIFICATION OF SEWAGE. 291
sumed, both processes were of equal efficiency, the average reduction
in oxygen consumed being about 64 per cent, in each ease. The re-
duction in total nitrogen and in free ammonia in the inoculated sew-
age, however, — about 66 per cent, and 39 per cent., respectively, — is
somewhat greater than the reduction in these constituents, 61 and 31 per
cent., respectively, in the plain aerated sewage. A considerable part of
the greater efficiency of the combined process in the reduction of nitrog-
enous matters can be attributed to the much greater amount of nitrifica-
tion which occurred in the sewage containing algae, the average amount
of nitrates in the aerated sewage being about 0.13 parts per 100,000,
while in the inoculated and aerated sewage the nitrates averaged 1.14
parts per 100,000, or nearly nine times as high. In August, 1912, when
the nitrates in the inoculated sewage averaged 1.68 parts per 100,000,
there was a reduction of over 86 per cent, in the free ammonia and over
60 per cent, in the organic nitrogen and oxygen consumed.
Owing to a decrease of vigor in the culture of algse used to inoculate
the sewage, the growths during the greater part of 1913 were very feeble,
and during this period nitrification was much less active in the in-
oculated sewage. Notwithstanding the less active nitrification, however,
the reduction in free ammonia in this sewage during the period from
February to November, inclusive, averaged 52 per cent., or about 13
per cent, higher than during the preceding period. The reduction in
other forms of unoxidized nitrogen and in carbonaceous matters during
this last period, although better than during the first period when
strained sewage was used, was someAvhat less than in the second period
when nitrification was most active. -It was particularly noted in this
experiment that the heavier the green growth on the sides of the
aerating bottles, the clearer the aerated sewage; in fact, in many in-
stances the sewage prepared by this process compared favorably in
appearance with effluents from sand filters.
On February 4 the period of aeration for the sewage for Filter No. 446
was reduced from twenty-four to twelve hours. On March 1 the aeration
period was reduced to eight hours, and on May 1 it was further reduced
to six hours. The change from twenty-four hours' to twelve hours'
aeration was manifested by a reduction in oxidized nitrogen (that is,
nitrates and nitrites together) from about 0.38 parts per 100,000 to about
0.06 parts per 100,000, and with the further reduction in aeration to
eight hours or less, the amount of oxidized nitrogen in the aerated
sewage became inappreciable. The reduction in free ammonia became
successively less with the reduction in the amount of aeration, the per-
centage removal of this body dropping from 31 to 24 per cent, with the
change from twenty-four hours' to twelve hours' aeration and to 14 per
292 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
cent, with the change to eight hours' aeration. Little change is to be
noted in the removal of organic nitrogen or carbonaceous matters as the
results of cutting the aeration period to twelve hours, but with the change
in aeration from twelve hours to eight hours and then to six hours, the
elimination of organic nitrogen dropped from 67 per cent, to 42 per
cent, and then to 24 per cent., and the elimination of carbonaceous mat-
ters as shown by oxygen consumed dropped from 63 per cent, to 48 per
cent, and then to 24 per cent.
Aerating Tanlc.
Following up the observation that an extremely well clarified sewage
was obtained when there was a heavy growth upon the sides of the
aerating bottles, a new aeration tank was put into operation on January 2
in order to study the effect of aeration upon a somewhat larger scale and
to furnish a supply of aerated sewage for the operation of a trickling
filter. This tank as originally constructed contained layers of roofing
slate placed in a horizontal position 1 inch apart for the deposition and
collection of suspended and colloidal matters. The air, supplied by a
small motor-driven blower, is distributed through a perforated pipe laid
on the bottom of the tank. At the start the sewage was aerated twenty-
four hours. On February 10 the aeration period was reduced to ten
hours. On March 20 and again on April 22 the deposits on the slates
were washed off with a stream of city water. On May 1 the period of
aeration was reduced to eight hours, and on May 9 it was further reduced
to seven hours. On May 13 the slates were again washed off with city
water. On May 17 the aeration period was reduced to six hours. Up to
June 26 the volume of air used was equivalent to about 200,000 cubic feet
per hour per million gallons. On June 27 the aeration period was re-
duced to five hours and the flow of air was reduced to 100,000 cubic feet
per million gallons of sewage. On July 8 the tank was reconstructed,
the slates being removed, washed and replaced in a vertical position 1 inch
apart. About 1/2 inch of sludge was found deposited on each of the
slates, this sludge being well fermented and nonoffensive. After recon-
struction the tank was operated as before, the sewage Taeing aerated five
hours with a volume of air equivalent to about 150,000 cubic feet per
million gallons per hour. On September 9 the volume of air applied was
reduced to 25,000 cubic feet per million gallons per hour. After Septem-
ber 9 the sewage entering the tank was passed through an aerator of the
dash-plate type in order that there might be some dissolved oxygen in the
sewage when the air-blast was started.
The various changes in the methods of operating this tank produced
far less difl'erence in the efficiency of the process than might be expected
No. 34.] PURIFICATION OF SEWAGE. 293
from the wide difference in the period of aeration, and in the volume of
air used at different times. At no time during the year was the efficiency
of this tanl<: equal to the efficiency of- the similar process carried out in
bottles described above. The greatest efficiency was obtained during the
second period when the sewage was aerated for ten hours with air equiva-
lent to 200,000 cubic feet per million gallons of sewage. During this
period the average reduction in free ammonia was about 20 per cent., and
the reduction in Kjeldahl nitrogen and in oxygen consumed was about
56 and 61 per cent., respectively. The fact that the efficiency was greater
during this period than during the preceding period when the sewage
was aerated for twenty-four hours can probably be attributed to the fact
that the period of five weeks was insufficient for the establishment of the
gelatinous film upon the slates upon which the efficiency of the process in
a large measure depends. With the gradual reduction in the length of
aeration from ten hours to six hours, a lessening of the proportion of free
ammonia and organic matters removed from the sewage is to be observed.
During July and part of August, after the slates had been placed in a
vertical position and the aeration reduced to five hours with air equivalent
to 100,000 cubic feet per hour per million gallons, the reduction in free
ammonia was about 15 per cent., but the reduction in organic nitrogen
and in carbonaceous matters was less than during any of the previous
periods. Here again the value of the gelatinous growths is to be ob-
served, ilie reduction in Kjeldahl nitrogen during the part of August
after the gelatinous film had been re-established being more than five
times as great as in July when the slate surfaces were comparatively
clean. During the last four months otthe year when only 25,000 cubic
feet of air per million gallons were used for five hours, the reduction in
Kjeldahl nitrogen was about 56 per cent., or equal to the best of any of
the preceding periods, and there was also a slight increase in the elimina-
tion of carbonaceous matters.
Stability of Tanh Effluent. — Progressive Effect of Aeration.
During the early part of the operation of this tank, when the aeration
period was ten hours or more, a considerable proportion of the samples
of the aerated sewage showed no signs of putrefaction even after incu-
bation. During the latter part of the experiment, however, with greatly
reduced aeration, the results of stability tests were less satisfactory.
Unlike the bottle experiments there was never any appreciable amount
of nitrification within this tank, the largest amount of nitrates found
in any sample being .07 parts per 100,000.
A number of series of samples have been collected from this tank at
294
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
hourly intervals in order to study the progressive effect of aeration. The
results of two such series, one with a rather weak sewage and one with a
sewage of about average strength .are shown in the following table. It
will be noted that there was a progressive reduction in both albuminoid
ammonia and oxygen consumed in each series, but that the greatest re-
duction was obtained during the first few hours. On the other hand there
was little or no change in the free ammonia for some hours, and only
during the latter part of the aeration period is any reduction to be ob-
served. These results serve to confirm and explain the very different
results obtained with different periods of aeration in both this tank and
in the bottle experiments.
Progressive Change in Sewage during Aeration.
[Parts per 100,000.]
Weak Sewage.
Average Sewage.
Free
Ammonia.
Albuminoid
Ammonia.
Oxygen
consumed.
Free
Ammonia.
Albuminoid
Ammonia.
Oxygen
consumed.
Start,
1.40
.57
3.80
4.70
.46
3.70
Per Cent
Reduction
After one hour, .
16
21
5
30
After two hours,
35
38
13
41
After three hours,
46
49
26
45
After four hours.
7
53
55
41
After five hours.
14
58
58
44
After six hours.
29
58
59
4
44
51
Ejfed of Tanh on Clarification.
Soon after the tank was put into operation the slates and sides of the
tank became covered with a heavy brownish gray growth of a gelatinous
consistency, which appeared to collect mechanically the suspended mat-
ters and a large part of the colloidal matters of the sewage. After aera-
tion was stopped, clear sewage could be drawn from the tank immedi-
ately, the suspended matters being practically held by the growth upon
the slates. Without taking into consideration the value of oxidation,
which is amply shown in the results of the filtration of this sewage, the
process as carried out in this tank produced a much better clarification
of the sewage than did any of the clarification processes operated at the
station with the single exception of the one in which the sewage was
precipitated with excessively large quantities of copperas and lime. The
smallest average removal of total and organic matters in suspension was
No. 34.] PURIFICATION OF SEWAGE. 295
over 77 per cent., and during the earlier portions of the experiment
when air was applied at a high rate for from ten to twenty-four hours,
the removal of suspended matters averaged over 90 per cent. During
the last four months of the year when only 25,000 cubic feet of air per
million gallons of sewage was applied for only five hours, the removal
of total and organic matters in suspension averaged 82 and 80 per cent.,
respectively.
Character of Sludge in Tank.
With the slates in horizontal position it was necessary to remove the ac-
cumulated matters from them by flushing at intervals, but during the
latter portion of the experiment with the slates in a vertical position the
jelly-like masses sloughed ofE from time to time in large flakes and
settled almost immediately to the bottom of the tank. The sludge which
is contained in the last inch or so of sewage in the bottom of the tank
has been run to waste in these experiments. This sludge, owing to the
fact that it is formed under strictly aerobic conditions, is inoffensive, of
much lower water content than the sludge from other clarification proces-
ses, and resembles quite closely the sediment discharged from trickling
filters. In practice it should be possible to dispose of this sludge with
much less trouble than is the case with the sludges resulting from the
usual preliminary treatments.
Depth of Sewage and Cost of Treatment.
In this experimental tank the working depth of sewage was only about
15 inches. In practice, however, it would probably prove more economical
to use tanks of greater depth, since the increased cost of power to force
the air through a deeper layer of sewage would probably be more than
offset by the reduced cost of construction and by the fact that a given
volume of air would be brought in contact with a much greater volume
of sewage. For this reason the volumes of air used in these experiments
have been computed and stated on the basis of a working depth of sewage
of 5 feet. "With this depth of sewage, assuming electric power at 4 cents
per kilowatt, it would cost about $1.85 to treat 1,000,000 gallons of
sewage for five hours with 25,000 cubic feet of air per hour.
The average results of these various experiments are shown in the
f ollowinsf tables : —
296
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
Relative Efficiency of Different Aeration Processes.
Aerated Sewage ajjplied to Filter No. 446. '
Period.
Hours.
Aerated. Settled
April 16 to July 28, 1912, .
July 29, 1912 to Feb. 3, 1913,
Feb. 4 to 28, 1913, .
March 1 to April 30, 1913, .
May 1 to Nov. 30, 1913, .
Volume of
Air used. 2
Unlimited
Unlimited
Unlimited
Unlimited
Unlimited
Per Cent. Reduction.
Free
Am-
monia.
KJELDAHL NITRO-
GEN.
Total.
37
61
67
42
24
In So-
lution.
Oxygen
con-
sumed.
Inoculated and Aerated Sewage applied to Filter No. 447. ^
April 16 to July 28, 1912, .
July29, 1912, toJan. 31, 1913,
Feb. 1 to Nov. 30, 1913,4 .
24
Unlimited
44
23
50
43
24 3
Unlimited
39
66
67
64
Unlimited
52
59
55
59
Effluent Aeration Tank applied to Filter No. 449.^
Jan. 2 to Feb. 9, 1913,
24
200,000
7
41
30
59
Feb. 10 to April 30, 1913, .
10
200,000
20
56
27
61
May 1 to May 16, 1913, .
7i'
200,000
3
51
7
41
May 17 to June 26, 1913, .
6
200,000
8
42
25
51
July 1 to Aug. 31, 1913, .
5
100,000
15
37
29
41
Sept. 1 to Nov. 30, 1913, .
5
25,000
13
56
35
44
1 Strained sewage used up to July 29; settled sewage after that date.
2 Cubic feet per million gallons per hour based on tank 5 feet in depth.
3 Extra twenty-four hours allowed for growth of alg£e until Oct. 3, 1912.
4 Algae culture very feeble.
6 Raw sewage used throughout.
6 Eight hours' aeration May 1 to 8; seven hours' aeration May 9 to 16.
No. 34.]
PURIFICATION OF SEWAGE.
297
Average Analyses of Seicages before and after Aeration.
Strained Sewage before Aeration applied to Filter A'o. 445.
[Parts per 100,000.]
Ammonia.
Kjeldahl N.
Free.
ALBUMINOID.
Oxy-
gen
Period.
Total.
In So-
lution.
Total.
In So-
lution.
Ni-
trates.
Ni-
trites.
con-
sumed.
Aprilieto July 28, 1912, .
3.08
.33
.25
.65
.54
-
2.24
Settled Sewage before Aeration applied to Filter No. 44o.
July 29, 1912, to Nov. 30, 1913,
3.59
40 .26
75 .48
Raw Sewage before Aeration applied to Filter No. 449.
Jan. 2 to Nov. 30, 1913,
3.83
34 1.17
Aerated Sewage applied to Filter No. 446.
April 16 to July 28, 1912, .
July 29, 1912, to Feb. 1, 1913,
Feb. 4 to 28, 1913,
March 1 to April 30, 1913, .
May 1 to Nov. 30, 1913,
2.08
2.47
2.28
3.08
2.92
.22
.16
.20
.26
.28
.17
.12
.14
.18
.17
.41
.29
.32
.44
.54
.30
.20
.22
.34
.32
0.13
0.06
0.02
0.02
.2547
.0020
.0040
.0003
Inoculated and Aerated Sewage applied to Filter No. 447.
April 16 to July 28, 1912, .
1.73
.25
.13
.50
.27
-
-
1.27
July 29, 1912, to Jan. 31, 1913,
1.46
.15
.10
.25
.17
1.14
.0542
1.05
Feb. 1 to Nov. 30, 1913,
1.72
.17
.11
.31
.21
0.69
.0505
1.16
Effluent Aeration Tank applied to Filter No. 449.
Jan. 2 to Feb. 9, 1913,
4.63
.43
.34
.98
.62
0.02
.0001
2.20
Feb. 10 to April 30, 1913,
2.84
.30
.23
.56
.41
0.02
.0000
1.89
May 1 to 16, 1913,
3.70
.25
.23
.42
.39
0.02
.0000 i
1.76
May 17 to June 26, 1913,
4.95
..33
.25
.63
.48
0.03
.0001
1 82
July and August, 1913,
2.75
.23
.17
.45
.32
0.04
.0015
1.72
September, October and Novem-
ber. 1913.
3.15
.31
.26
.51
.44
0.01
.0001
2.09
298
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
Average Solids.
Raw Sewage before Aeration applied to Filter No. 449.
[Parts per 100,000.]
Unfilterbd.
Filtered.
Period.
Total.
Loss
on Igni-
tion.
Fixed.
Total.
Loss
on Igni-
tion.
Fixed.
Jan. 2 to Nov. 30, 1913, ....
66.6
27.1
39.5
48.7
16.4
32.3
Effluent from Aeration Tank applied to Filter No. 449.
Jan. 2 to Feb. 9, 1913
-
-
-
-
-
-
Feb. 10 to April 30, 1913,
41.3
13.2
28.1
39.5
11.8
27.7
May 1 to 16, 1913,
44.3
13.4
30.9
40.9
11.8
29.1
May 17 to June 26, 1913,
47.4
13.6
33.8
45.7
12.2
33.5
July and August, 1913, ....
42.4
10.5
31.9
41.1
9.5
31.6
September, October and November,
1913.
48.6
15.3
33.3
45.7
13.3
32.4
FiLTEATION OF AeEATED SeWAGE.
Intermittent Sand Filters Nos. U5, Ji.k6 and W and Trickling Filter
No. U9.
On April 16, 1912, three small filters, each containmg 43 inches in
depth of sand of an effective size of 0.25 millimeter, Avere put into opera-
tion to study the purification of sewage which had been treated by aera-
tion and by combined aeration and inoculation with algae. At the start
each filter was operated at the rate of 50,000 gallons per acre daily. Filter
N'o. 445 receiving strained sewage, Filter No. 446 receiving strained sew-
age which had been aerated for twenty-four hours and allowed to settle
for one hour, and Filter No. 447 receiving strained sewage which had
been inoculated with algffi and then aerated twenty-four hours and allowed
to stand for twenty-four hours more for the development of algae growth.
Active nitrification commenced in all of these filters within a short time
after they were put into operation. On May 17 the rate of the two
filters receiving aerated sewage was increased to 75,000 gallons; on
May 31 to 100,000 gallons; on June 17 to 120,000 gallons; and on July 1
to 175,000 gallons per acre daily. On this latter date the amount of
strained sewage applied to Filter No. 445 was increased to 75,000 gallons
per acre daily. Beginning on July 29, settled sewage was applied to Fil-
ter No. 445 and was used in preparing the sewages applied to Filters Nos.
No. 34.] PURIFICATION OF SEWAGE. 299
4-1-6 and 447. On August 9 and August 23, respectively, the rates of
Filters Jios. 446 and 447 were increased to 200,000 and then to 225,000
gallons, and on August 30 the volume of unaerated sewage for Filter
^o. 445 was increased to 100,000 gallons per acre daily. On September 5
the volume of inoculated sewage applied to Filter No. 447 was increased
to 250,000 gallons per acre daily. On October 23 the method of pre-
paring the sewage for Filter No. 447 was changed and after this date
the inoculated sewage was applied to this filter after being aerated twenty-
four hours, the additional twenty-four hours previously allowed for algae
growth being discontinued. Up to about the 1st of September the
various filters had readily adjusted themselves to the gradually increasing
rates at which the sewage was applied, and the effluents continued to be
of excellent quality. Early in October, however, the quality of the efflu-
ents from Filters Nos. 446 and 447 began to deteriorate and it became
evident that the rates of 225,000 and 250,000 gallons, respectively, at
which these filters were being operated were somewhat too high. On
October 10, therefore, the rates of these two filters were temporarily re-
duced to 175,000 and 200,000 gallons, respectively. On October 20 the
am.ount of inoculated sewage applied to Filter No. 447 was increased to
225,000 gallons, and on October 31 the amount of aerated sewage for
Filter No. 446 was increased to 200,000 gallons per acre daily. Filter
No. 447 was not prepared to assimilate its dose at this rate, and on
December 6 it was again necessary to reduce the rate of this filter to
200,000 gallons. On this date, also, the amount of unaerated sewage
for Filter No. -145 was increased to 125,000 gallons per acre daily. On
Jan. 3, 1913, the rates of Filters Nos. 446 and 447 were increased to
225,000 gallons per acre dail.y, and after this date the sewage for these
filters was applied in two doses some hours apart instead of in a single
large dose as formerly.
The rate of 125,000 gallons at which the unaerated sewage was applied
to Filter No. 445 during the greater part of December proved to be too
high, and the effluent from this filter was of very poor quality during
the latter part of December and the early part of January. On Jan-
uary 10 this rate was reduced to 100,000 gallons. At this rate little
improvement in the effluent occurred, and on February 7 the amount of
sewage for this filter was further reduced to 50,000 gallons per acre daily.
At this low rate a gradual improvement in the efficiency of the filter was
noted, and on ]\Iarch 21 it was again attempted to apply the sewage at a
rate of 100,000 gallons per acre daily. With the higher rate, however,
the effluent again became of poor quality, and it became evident that the
filter had become overloaded with stored organic matter and that the
rates at which it had been attempted to operate it were excessive. On
300 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
April 11, therefore, the rate was again redviced to 50,000 gallons, and
little improvement being noted dnring the next two months, on June 6
the rate was reduced to 25,000 gallons per acre daily. N'o appreciable
improvement in the work of the filter occurred even at this low rate and
from June 23 to June 30 the filter was rested. After resting, with the
filter operated at a rate of 25,000 gallons, nitrification again became
active, and on July 12 the amount of settled sewage applied was increased
to 50,000 gallons, at which rate the filter was operated with reasonably
good success during the remainder of the year.
On January 24 the rates of Filters Nos. 446 and 447 were increased
to 250,000 gallons, and on February 1 these rates were further increased
to 275,000 gallons per acre daily. Prior to February 4 the sewages for
both of these filters had been aerated twenty-four hours. After this
date, however, the aeration period for the sewage for Filter No. 446 was
reduced a niimber of times from February 4 to February 28, the aeration
period being twelve hours, from March 1 to April 24, 8 hours, and from
April 25 to the end of the year, 6 hours. The result of reducing the
period of aeration, as has already been shown, was that the sewage applied
to this filter during the last ten months of the year contained much larger
amounts of organic matter and this organic matter was less completely
oxidized than was the case previous to this time. ISTotwithstanding this
fact the effluent from the filter continued to be of excellent quality, and
on June 25 it was possible to increase the rate to 300,000 gallons and to
operate the filter from August 20 to the end of the year at a rate of
350,000 gallons per acre daily without any appreciable reduction in
efficiency.
The reduction in the vitality of the algs growth in the inoculated
sewage, and the consequent decrease in the nitrification in this sewage
during aeration which was noted during the greater part of 1913, appears
to have had comparatively little effect upon the quality of the effiuent
obtained from Filter jSTo. 447. On March 28 the rate of this filter was
increased to 325,000 gallons; on April 4 to 400,000 gallons; and on
April 11 to 450,000 gallons per acre daily. The increase in the volume
of sewage applied daily from 275,000 gallons to 450,000 gallons in a
period of about two weeks proved to be somewhat more than the filter
could accommodate, and on April 18 the rate was decreased to 350,000
gallons per acre daily. On April 25, however, it was possible to again
increase the rate to 400,000 gallons, and on August 20 to 450,000 gallons,
without affecting tlie efficiency of the filter.
At the end of the year analyses of the sand from these filters showed
that the penetration of organic matter into the filter material was some-
what greater in the case of the two filters which received the compara-
No. 34.] PURIFICATION OF SEWAGE. 301
tively clear aerated sewage than in the case of the filter which received
the unaerated sewage at a very much lower rate. The total amount of
organic matter accumulated within these filters during their twenty
months of operation was not widely different, however, Filter No. 445
which received unaerated sewage at an average rate of about 68,000 gal-
lons per acre daily containing stored matters equivalent to about 1,850
pounds nitrogen per acre, while Filter No. 446, which received the
aerated sewage and was operated at a rate which averaged somewhat
more than three times as high, contained about 2,170 pounds nitrogen,
and Filter No. 447, which was operated with the inoculated sewage at an
average rate more than four times as high, contained about 1,900 pounds
nitrogen per acre.
Filter No. JfJfQ, containing 10 feet in depth of pieces of broken stone,
all of which will pass through a 2-inch ring and none through a 1-inch
ring, was put into operation on Jan. 2, 1913. Throughout the year the
sewage applied to this filter was clarified and partially oxidized by treat-
ment in the aeration tank filled with slate described previously. One of
the principal objects of this portion of the investigation was to determine
at what rate a filter of this type could be successfully operated with
such a sewage, and throughout the year it was the practice to increase
the rate whenever an improvement in the quality of the effluent seemed
to indicate that a larger volume of the aerated sewage could be handled
by the filter. At the start the rate of operation was 1,000,000 gallons
per acre daily, and the sewage was aerated twenty-four hours. During
the last week in January nitrification became established within the
filter, and on February 6 the rate was increased to 1,500,000 gallons per
acre daily. On February 10 the aeration period was reduced to ten
hours. This reduction in aeration appeared to have little effect on the
work of the filter, and on February 14, 21 and 28 and on March 7
and 13, or at intervals of about one week for five weeks, the volume
of sewage applied was increased to 500,000 gallons per acre daily. Fol-
lowing this last increase it required about three weeks for the filter to
adjust itself to the 4,000,000 gallon rate at which it was being operated.
On April 4 the rate was increased to 4,500,000 gallons, on April 11 to
5,000,000 gallons, and on April 17 it was increased to 6,000,000 gallons
per acre daily. During May the period of aeration which the sewage re-
ceived was reduced from ten hours to eight hours, then to seven and
finally to six hours, and on June 26 the time of aeration was reduced to
five hours and the volume of air used reduced from 200,000 to 100,000
cubic feet per hour per million gallons. On May 22, or after being
operated for five weeks at a 6,000,000-gallon rate, the volume of sewage
applied to this filter daily was increased to 7,000,000 gallons per acre
302
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
daily, and five weeks later on June 26 this rate was increased to 7,500,000
million gallons. On July 7 a further increase in the rate to 8,000,000
gallons was made. On July 8 the tank in which the sewage was aerated
was rebuilt, and the slates cleaned and placed in a vertical position, and,
as previously explained, for a time the aerated sewage was less well
oxidized and contained a greater proportion of suspended matter than
previously. The various changes in the operation of the aeration tank,
however, appear to have had comparatively little effect upon the efficiency
of the filter, and on August 4 and August 11 the rate was increased to
8,500,000 and then to 9,000,000 gallons, and on October 1 a still further
increase to 10,000,000 gallons per acre daily was made, at which rate the
filter was satisfactorily operated until the end of the year.
The average rates and quality of the effluents from these various filters
throughout their entire periods of operation are shown in the following
tables : —
Effluent from Filter No. 4^5.
[Parts per 100,000.]
Quantity
applied.
Gallons
per Acre
Daily.
Color.
Ammonia.
Nitrogen as
Oxygen
con-
sumed.
Alka-
linity.
Date.
Free.
Albu-
minoid.
Ni-
trates.
Ni-
trites.
1912.
April, ....
50,000
.09
1.2600
.0260
1.13
.0080
0.28
4.0
May, .
50,000
.05
1.7660
.0388
2.00
.0190
0.16
3.4
June, .
50,000
.04
0.2506
.0146
3.78
.0037
0.10
2.2
July. .
75,000
.04
0.2028
.0130
2.54
.0018
0.11
2.1
August,
100,000
.03
0.0616
.0116
2.94
.0018
0.11
2.1
September,
100,000
.03
0.3140
.0177
2.06
.0009
0.16
3.5
October,
100,000
.04
0.1399
.0138
3.31
.0012
0.11
3.2
November,
100,000
.04
0.0250
.0150
2.90
.0008
0.15
4.3
December,
121,000
.06
0.2063
.0349
3.24
.0003
0.19
4.7
191
January,
3.
107,400
.06
0.4987
.0364
3.25
.0002
0.19
5.0
February,
60,900
.09
3.4400
.0555
0.44
.0001
0.32
14.4
March,
67,300
.06
2.7700
.0345
5.36
.0005
0.19
7.2
April, .
68,000
.05
2.3000
.0430
0.34
.0002
0.28
12.6
May, .
50,000
.10
4.6800
.0532
0.76
.0002
0.31
16.7
June, .
30,900
.09
4.2300
.0493
0.33
.0009
0.27
14.6
July, .
41,300
.05
4.8400
.0328
4.14
.0066
0.19
6.8
August,
50,000
.04
1.1900
.0260
1.83
.0032
0.22
5.7
September,
50,000
.06
2.0050
.0285
0.61
.0026
0.32
11.2
October,
50,000
.06
3.2860
.0376
1.52
.0000
0.22
12.6
November,
50,000
.03
1.2200
.0190
1.32
.0001
0.19
10.0
No. 34.]
PURIFICATION OF SEWAGE.
303
Effluent from Filter No. U6.
[Parts per 100,000.]
Quantity
Ammonia.. I
NiTRO
3EN AS
applied.
Gallons
Color.
Oxygen
con-
sumed.
Alka-
linity.
Date.
Albu-
Ni-
Ni-
per Acre
Daily.
Free.
minoid.
trates.
trites.
1912.
April, ....
50,000
.02
0.9000
.0200
0.46
.0002
0.13
2.7
May, .
62,500
.03
0.8760
.0218
2.59
.0073
0.11
2.3
June, .
111,500
.03
0.0216
.0115
3.02
.0003
0.08
1.7
July, .
158,700
.03
0.0622
.0106
2.62
.0004
0.10
1.7
August,
200,900
.04
0.0254
.0110
2.50
.0049
0.10
2.0
September,
225,000
.05
0.0394
.0200
2 30
.0996
0.10
2.2
October,
191,300
.08
0.0646
.0320
2.35
.0008
0.21
2.9
November,
200,000
.07
0.0105
.0286
2.84
.0004
0.21
3.4
December,
200,000
.08
0.0163
.0375
3.14
.0134
0.21
2.9
1913.
January,
229,800
.04
0.0105
.0254
2.82
.0051
0.17
2.7
February,
275,000
.06
0.1013
.0367
3.38
.0003
0.23
4.0
March,
275,000
.12
0.1778
.0478
3.07
.0004
0.31
3.8
April,
275,000
.09
0.0386
.0356
2.84
.0004
0.27
3.5
May, .
275,000
.12
0.0170
.0366
2.94
.0003
0.26
3.4
June, .
295,800
.15
0.0420
.0366
3.28
.0004
0.30
3.3
July, .
300,000
.16
0.0211
.0297
2.29
.0004
0.37
3.9
August,
319,200
.15
0.0170
.0234
2.11
.0005
0.40
3.7
September,
350,000
.14
0.0096
.0264
2.84
.0005
0.36
4.9
October,
350,000
.19
0.0379
.0366
2.84
.0003
0.39
3.8
November,
350,000
.18
0.0941
.0425
2.67
.0004
0.40
3.0
Effluent from Filter No. U7.
1912.
April, .
50,000
.05
1.1400
.0260
0.50
.0010
0.22
2.9
May, .
62,500
.03
0.3398
.0175
3.09
.0047
0.11
2.0
June, .
111,500
.03
0.0314
.0114
2.92
.0004
0.08
1.9
July, .
158,700
.02
0.0440
.0110
2.25
.0003
0.09
1.5
August,
200,900
.02
0.0079
.0109
2.14
.0004
0.09
1.5
September, .
247,900
.05
0.0167
.0168
2.00
.0009
0.15
1.9
October,
225,000
.11
0.0224
.0268
2.17
.0008
0.20
2.6
November, .
225,000
.11
0.1096
.0359
2.79
.0041
0.23
3.4
December, .
204,000
.09
0.0411
.0400
2.95
.0129
0.22
2.3
1913.
January,
229,700
.05
0.0110
.0256
2.62
.0005
0.17
2.5
February, .
275,000
.05
0.0402
.0308
2.94
.0003
0.J8
3.2
March,
280,800
.10
0.0184
.0398
2.90
.0003
0.30
2.8
April, .
393,000
.13
0.4640
.0404
2.43
.0006
0.37
4.8
May, .
400,000
.09
0.0306
.0302
2.79
.0002
0.26
4.8
June, .
400,000
.10
0.0478
.0.348
2.56
.0021
0.26
4.6
July, .
400,000
.11
0.0090
.0230
2.03
.0004
0.28
2.5
August,
419,200
.17
0.0067
.0218
2.07
.0004
0.33
3.1
September, .
450,000
.12
0.0388
.0244
2.63
.0003
0.37
4.3
October,
450,000
.13
0.0178
.0252
2.57
.0024
0.34
4.0
November, .
450,000
.14
0.0359
.0228
2.21
.0003
0.40
3.5
304
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
Aerated Sewage applied to Filter No. 449-
[Parts per 100,000.]
Ammonia.
Kjeldahl
Chlor-
ine.
Nitrogen as
Oxygen
con-
sumed.
Bacteria
per
Cubic
Cen-
timeter.
ALBUMINOID.
Nitrogen.
Free.
Total.
In So-
lution.
Total.
In So-
lution.
Ni-
trates.
Ni-
trites.
3.42
.30
.25
.57
.43
11.92
.02
.0003
1.93
1,681,000
Effluent from Filter No. 449-
[Parts per 100,000.]
Quantity
applied.
Gallons
per Acre
Daily.
Appear-
ance.
Ammonia.
a
01
3
2
6
3
o
Nitrogen
AS
■6
<a
B
a
a
o
o
a
1
o
3
fe
albuminoid.
o
Date.
_o
"3
O
ci
o
a
1
.1
11
1913.
January,
1,000,000
0.5
.50
4.4700
.2437
.1747
.5433
11.87
0.26
.0463
1.45
795,000
February, .
1,854,000
0.3
.33
2.4300
.1250
.0970
.2.525
8.75
1.57
.0219
1.02
855,000
March ,
3,714,000
0.4
.37
1.9574
.2540
.1380
.4760
11.68
1.58
.0094
1.66
90,300
April,
5,037,000
0.4
.33
.6170
.1488
.1016
.3124
11 52
2.28
.0180
1.20
160,000
May, .
6,282,000
0.6
.32
1.7900
.1356
.0956
.2580
12.96
2.54
.0312
1.21
122,500
June, .
6,800,000
0.5
.33
2.3300
.1100
.0767
.2637
14.53
2.28
.0413
1.17
46,000
July, .
7,055,000
0.3
.34
.6620
.0724
.0608
.1938
14,60
2.22
.1152
1.01
150,000
August,
8,117,000
1.4
.32
.7676
.1036
.0660
.2426
11.40
1.39
.0376
1.15
750,000
September, .
8,602,000
1.0
.33
1.0650
.1180
.0705
.2440
13.65
2.05
.0256
1.78
360,000
October,
10.000,000
1.4
.31
1.1120
.1132
.0892
.2446
11.32
1.42
.0460
1.07
55,000
November, .
9,869,000
1.3
.36
1.5600
.2030
.0970
.5098
12.30
1.33
.0285
1.91
24,000
Average,
6,212,000
0.7
.35
1.7055
.1479
.0970
.3219
12.23
1.72
.0383
1.33
309,800
Studies of the Effect of Caebon upon Nitrification.
Filters Nos. 403 and 416.
In the report for 1911 the results of certain experiments were given in
which it was shown that nitrification in sand filters was checked or en-
tirely prevented when the applied sewage contained excessive amounts of
carbonaceous matters, and it was further shown that there is apparently
a certain ratio between the carbon and nitrogen which cannot be exceeded
for any length of time without impairing nitrification, but that sand
No. 34.] PURIFICATION OF SEWAGE. 305
filters may cofitinue to nitrify even when the applied sewage contains
enormous amounts of carbon, provided that the carbon content of the
sewage be increased slowly so that the filter may gradually adapt itself
to the changing conditions, and provided, also, that the nitrogen content
of the sewage be also increased so that the amount of carbon shall not be
more than ten to twelve times the amount of nitrogen.
Filters Nos. 403 and 416, each containing 42 inches in depth of sand
of an effective size of 0.25 millimeter, were first put into operation on
Nov. 10, 1910, receiving settled sewage from which the suspended mat-
ters had been removed by filtering through paper, at a rate of 50,000
gallons per acre daily. From Feb. 2 to Aug. 10, 1911, these filters were
used in the carbon-nitrogen studies, cane sugar and ammonium chloride
being added to the sewage applied to Filter No. 403, and cane sugar
alone being added to the sewage for Filter No. 416, the results obtained
during this period being included in the discussion in the report for
1911, From Aug. 11 to Nov. 15, 1911, the filters were continued in
operation without sugar being added to the applied sewage to eliminate
the effect of any carbonaceous matters which had been stored during the
period when sugar was added. On Nov. 16, 1911, the application of
sugar to Filter No. 416 was resumed, Filter No. 403 being continued in
operation with the same sewage, without added sugar as a control. Dur-
ing the following thirteen months the amounts of sugar regularly added
to the sewage for this filter were equivalent to 35 parts carbon per 100,000,
the total carbon in the sewage varying between 38 and 43 parts and the
ratio of carbon to nitrogen fluctuating between 9.5 and 19.2. During
the first eight months nitrification continued within the filter unim-
paired. In July when the carbon-nitrogen ratio was over 19, nitrification
began to decrease, and the nitrates in the effluent continued to decrease
through August and the greater part of September, although both the
total carbon applied and the carbon-nitrogen ratio were much lower than
in the previous months. Early in October, however, nitrification again
increased and continued active through November. Beginning Dec. 16,
1912, and continuing through 1913, the practice was to add gradually
increasing amounts of sugar until nitrification was checked, then to stop
the application of sugar until nitrification was re-established. On Decem-
ber 16 the carbon added as sugar was increased to 60 parts, and on Jan. 3,
1913, to 70 parts per 100,000. With this large amount of carbon, and a
carbon-nitrogen ratio of about 18, the nitrates in the effluent decreased
rapidly, and on January 22 nitrification had practically ceased. On
January 24 the added carbon was reduced to 35 parts, and, no increase
in nitrification being noted, on January 31. the application of sugar was
stopped. During February nitrification again became established, and
306 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
begiuning February 28 sugar equivalent to 35 parts carbon was added to
the applied sewage. During March the nitrates in the effluent never fell
below 4 parts per 100,000, although the sugar was increased to 50 parts
on March 7, to 70 parts on March 14, and to 100 parts per 100,000 on
March 28, the corresponding carbon-nitrogen ratios being thereby in-
creased to 15, then to 21 and finally to 29. With the application of sew-
age of this character, nitrification gradually decreased, and on April 18,
when tlie nitrates had dropped to about ^4 part, the sugar was reduced
to 70 parts per 100,000. During the ensuing two weeks, with sewage
containing over twenty times as much carbon as nitrogen, nitrification
steadily increased, and on May 1 the effluent contained nearly 3 parts
nitrates per 100,000. On May 2 the sugar was again increased to 100
parts, but as the nitrates began to decrease the added carbon was again
reduced to 70 parts on May 16. One week later, however, the nitrates
in the effluent had increased to over 4 parts per 100,000, and the amount
of sugar added was again raised to 100 parts per 100,000, and on June 6
the added carbon was increased to 125 parts per 100,000, making the
carl)on-nitrogen ratio of the sewage over 33. Even with this large pro-
portion of carbon in the sewage, nitrification continued in the filter for
about three weeks in gradually decreasing amounts, but during the first
three weeks in July the nitrates in the effluent dropped to less than
0.1 part per 100,000. From July 25 to August 8 sugar was omitted from
the applied sewage, and during this period nitrification again became
active within the filter. From August 9 to the end of the year sugar
equivalent to 70 parts carbon per 100,000 was added to the sewage each
day. During the last three weeks in August with a nitrogen-carbon ratio
of over 23, the nitrates in the effluent averaged about 0.85 part per
100,000. In September the ratio dropped to 20, owing to an increase
in the nitrogen content of the sewage, and the nitrates in the effluent
increased to an average of 1.67 parts per 100,000. During October and
November, however, A\-hen the carbon-nitrogen ratios were about 25 and
22, respectively, a number of samples were ol)tained in which practically
no nitrates were found. Throughout the entire two years of this experi-
ment Filter No. 403, which was operated at the same rate as a control,
receiving the same sewage without added sugar, continued to furnish an
effluent containing high nitrates.
There are a number of points of interest to l)e noted in the results of
this experiment during the past two years. In a certain measure the
results confirm the observations made in the report for 1910 as to the
close connection between the ratio of carbon to nitrogen in the sewage
and the occurrence of nitrification within the filter. In a number of in-
stances, however, nitrification continued to be active in this filter when
No. U.] PURIFICATION OF SEWAGE. 307
the carbon-nitrogen ratios were much higher than those which caused
a cessation of this function in the filters experimented with during 1910,
and also it was possible to operate this filter successfully through long
jjeriods during the past 3'ear with a sewage in which the proportion of
carbonaceous matter was much higher than that which caused a total ces-
sation of nitrification during the earlier portion of the experiment. In
many instances the amounts of sugar were increased so rapidly as to
check nitrification completely, but in every case a return to sewage
without added sugar, or a reduction in the amount of sugar added, for a
short period resulted in a re-establishment of nitrification. In numer-
ous experiments in previous years it has been proved that nitrification
may continue in the presence of an excess of a variety of substances
which are apparently detrimental to that process, provided that the
filter be accustomed to the presence of such substances in the sewage
by applying them in gradually increasing amounts, although nitrification
will be checked or completely destroyed by the sudden appearance of
much less amounts of the same substance. In a certain measure this
fact has been confirmed in these experiments, and there is every reason
to believe that the filter might have been successfully operated with
sewage containing even greater proportions of carbonaceous matter had
the carbon content been increased more gradually. The effect of an
excess of sugar and possibly of other carbonaceous matters appears to
be cumulative, as in many cases nitrification continued for some weeks
in the presence of a considerable excess and then rapidly decreased as
though checked by the accumulation of some substance within the filter
in whose presence the formation of nitrates could not proceed. Wlien
the application of an excessive amount of carbonaceous matter was
stopped, nitrification usually was re-established within a short time, and
the nitrates continued to increase sometimes for a number of weeks after
the application of sugar was resumed. Subsequently, however, a diminu-
tion in nitrification frequently occurred, although no increase had been
made in the carbon content of the applied sewage. It should be noted,
also, that the effluent from the filter which received sugar contained larger
amounts of free ammonia than did that from the filter which received
no sugar. The difference in free ammonia, however, is not sufficient to
account for the lower amount of nitrates, as during the last two years
only about 69 per cent, of the applied nitrogen has been found in the
effluent from Filter No. 416, while about 89 per cent, of the nitrogen
applied to Filter No. 403 has been found in the effluent.
Analyses of the sand at the end of 1913 showed that there was a con-
siderable difference in the stored nitrogen in these two filters. At this
time Filter No. 403, which received sewage low in carbon, contained
308
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
nitrogen equivalent to about 1,260 pounds per acre, while Filter No. 416,
which received the same amount of nitrogen each day with the addition
of considerable carbon, contained about 5,810 pounds nitrogen per acre,
or more than four times as much. Attention should be called to the fact
that the amount of organic nitrogen stored in Filter No. 416 at the end
of the year was nearly three times as great as the total amount of organic
nitrogen applied to this filter during its entire period of operation. As
all of the organic matter applied was in the soluble form, this large
amount of stored nitrogen cannot but indicate that not only was a con-
siderable proportion of the soluble organic nitrogen converted into the
insoluble form but also that more or less free ammonia or elementary
nitrogen or both must have been changed to insoluble organic nitrogen.
It is Avell known that free ammonia and atmospheric nitrogen may under
certain conditions be converted into proteid nitrogen, and the probability
that this action may occur to a certain extent in sewage filters has been
stated in previous reports a number of times. In the case of Filter
No. 403, which was operated as a control with the same sewage without
added carbon, no such phenomenon occurred, nor has it been previously
observed with any of the numerous sewage filters which have been studied
at the experiment station during the past twenty-six years. It is quite
possible, however, that the clogging which has been noted at the station
and elsewhere when sand filters were operated with sewage containing an
undue proportion of highly carbonaceous trades wastes may have been
due to a phenomenon similar to that noted in the case of Filter No. 416.
The results of the operation of these two filters are shown in the follow-
ing tables : —
Sewage applied to Filter No. 403.
Period.
Free
Am-
monia.
Kjel-
dahl
Nitro-
gen.
Total
Nitro-
gen.
Chlor-
ine.
Carbon
added
as
Sugar.
Total
Carbon.
Ratio of
Carbon
to
Nitro-
gen.
Xov. 16, 1911, to Nov. 30, 1913, 3.70
.52
3 57
13 10
6 2
1.7
Sewage applied to Filter No. 416.
Nov. 16, 1911, to Dec. 15, 1912,
3 61
.53
3 50
13 61
35
41 2
11 8
Dec. 16, 1912, to Jan. 30, 1913,
4.35
.63
4 21
10 20
60
67,2
15 9
Feb. 1 to 27, 1913,
3 00
.66
3 13
10 60
7.1
2 3
Feb. 28 to July 24, 1913,
3 72
.46
3 52
13 52
96
101 7
29
July 25 to Aug. 8, 1913, .
3 50
.32
3 20
16 00
5 2
1.62
Aug. 9 to Nov. 30, 1913,
3 55
.43
3 35
13 85
70
76 2
22.8
No. 34.]
PURIFICATION OF SEWAGE.
309
Effluent from Filter No. 4.OS.
[Parts per 100,000.]
Ammonia.
Nitrogen .vs
Period.
Free.
Albuminoid.
Nitrates.
Nitrites.
Nov. 16, 1911, to Nov. 30, 1913,
.3087 .0202
3.39
.0005
Effluent from Filter No. 416.
Nov. 16, 1911, to Dec. 15, 1912,
0.4895
.0206
1 54
.0003
Dec. 16, 1912, to Jan. 30, 1913,
0.1126
.0197
0.69
.0001
Feb. 1 to 27, 1913, .
2 5600
.0480
0.71
.0001
Feb. 28 to July 24, 1913, .
1 2898
.0360
2.45
.0031
July 25 to Aug. 8, 1913, .
1.7000
.0340
0.63
.0017
Aug. 9 to Nov. 30, 1913. .
1.6450
.0286
0.77
.0004
TXTEEMITTEXT SaXD FILTERS OPERATED WITH UNTREATED SeWAGE.
Filters Nos. 1, 2, h, 5C, 6, 9 A and 10.
These seven sand filters are each ^^oo of an acre in area, and are
situated out of doors. At the end of 1913 Filters Nos. 1, 2, 4 and 6
had been operated continuously for nearly .twenty-six years, and Filters
Nos. 9A and 10 had been operated twenty-three and nineteen years,
respectively. Eegular station sewage without preliminary clarification
has always been applied to these filters, and for some years it has been
the practice to apply only as much sewage to each filter as can be treated
without increasing the amount of organic matter stored within the filter.
Since 1893, a period of twenty years, all of these filters have been operated
without the removal of any sand from the surface. The depth and size
of sand of which each of these filters is constructed, the date when first
put into operation, the total volume of sewage treated upon each filter
since it was started, and the volume of sewage applied daily during 1913,
are shown in the following table : —
Actual
Volume of
Effective
Volume of
Sewage
Depth
Size of
Date first
Sewage
applied Daily
(Feet).
Sand
operated.
applied since
during 1913
(Millimeter).
Start
(Gallons).
(Gallons per
Acre).
1
5
48
Jan. 10, 1888
2,617,312
47,900
2,
5
08
Dec. 19. 1887
1,477,871
38.500
4,
5
04
Dec. 19. 1887
901,756
20.9001
5C,
5
22
July 20, 1905
632,260
47,700
6,
3 2-3
35
Jan. 12, 1888
2,147,584
46,600
9A,
5
17
Nov. 18. 1890
2,160,289
47,400
10.
5
0.35
July 18, 1894
775,100
12,5002
1 Three times each week. = Fifty thousand gallons applied daily to one-fourth of the surface.
310
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
Tempekatuee of Aib.
The air temperatures at Lawrence for each month from 1904 to 1913,
inclusive, are shown in the following tables : —
Temperature of Air at Lawrence for Ten Years, 1904-1913 inclusive (Fahrenheit
Degrees) .
1904.
1905.
1906.
1907.
F
fi
f=
f.
S
E
i
£
3
3
3
a
3
3
3
3
F
f=
P.
B
E
E
E
E
II
?;3
m
+3
o"^
a's
m
^
^'^
m
■.^
a:s
S
^
J3
0)
'gs
fc^
X>
%
fe^S
J3
1
o'^
gs
bi
s
»
>
<
<
K
<
<
a
h-1
<
<
W
J
■<
<
^
J
January,
27
9
39
-17
30
13
47
-8
40
20
65
4
33
11
53
-11
February,
28
9
46
-11
30
9
44
-5
36
13
54
-4
29
6
49
-13
March,
41
24
66
-1
43
23
69
6
58
20
62
3
43
24
68
9
April,
.58
33
70
19
.57
35
78
25
57
34
75
22
51
31
74
21
Mav, .
7?^
48
89
34
69
45
84
32
70
44
88
32
63
40
79
30
June,
7,")
53
92
39
76
53
90
38
77
54
87
40
78
52
93
38
July, .
82
fil
93
46
85
61
96
48
82
62
92
51
83
61
90
51
August,
79
.56
90
41
78
56
88
42
83
61
92
48
81
56
95
44
September, .
70
.51
84
30
69
50
79
31
73
51
88
31
72
53
84
36
October,
."ifi
3fi
68
18
60
36
78
23
59
39
71
21
58
35
71
19
November, .
44
22
.5.5
8
47
24
61
9
45
30
64
18
50
29
5/
18
December,
30
11
44
39
20
59
2
31
15
46
-5
41
23
61
11
The first two columns under each year are averages, respectively, of the maximum and minimum
temperatures registered by a self-recording thermometer which is read each day at 4 p..ii. The highest
and lowest temperatures in each month are shown in the third and fourth columns.
1908.
1909.
1910.
s
n
s
c
E
£
3
3
3
3
3
3
Fi
E
E
E
E
E
§>'**
S'S
"S
^
as
s;a
1^
^
al
©'3
S
•*i
is
0/
ji
fe'^
1
s^
■a
i
>
>
2i
<
<
a
>-i
<
<
s
hJ
<
<
X
January,
38
18
58
-3
36
16
57
-5
36
18
49
-8
February,
34
13
57
-7
42
18
54
-7
37
13
58
-8
March, .
47
24
66
9
42
25
52
15
51
27
76
12
April,
57
32
83
18
58
34
82
21
65
38
77
28
May,
71
46
87
31
70
43
83
31
71
46
85
36
June,
83
55
91
37
81
55
93
42
77
53
90
42
July,
87
61
97
47
84
59
95
43
87
63
95
52
August, .
80
57
90
40
82
56
94
43
79
57
89
47
.September,
78
52
88
36
73
48
82
35
74
51
84
39
October, .
65
38
82
23
62
25
80
21
65
43
85
22
November,
49
30
67
18
54
31
72
17
45
34
59
19
December,
39
19
64
-2
34
18
51
-4
40
19
52
No. 34.]
PURIFICATION OF SEWAGE.
311
Temperature of Air at Lawrence for Ten Years, 1904-1913 inclusive (Fahrenheit
Degrees) — Concluded.
1911. 1
1912. j
1913.
s
E
>
<
S
s
S
1-2
%
<
1
e
g
>
<
i
E
is
>
1
1
1
E
3
E
is
E
3
C
P
<
1
1
3
January,
39
19
61
1
27
10
49
-9
45
22
58
7
February,
34
14
54
1
35
14
52
-5
35
11
58
-4
March, .
46
22
64
7
40
23
63
4
53
27
74
1
April,
62
32
89
17
58
34
76
23
59
35
80
22
May,
81
49
103
28
72
46
87
31
68
42
82
33
June,
80
53
89
46
81
51
91
37
81
50
91
40
July,
92
62
107
49
85
67
100
45
86
59
98
50
August , .
82
57
94
48
78
54
88
40
82
54
97
42
September,
73
49
85
32
74
50
87
34
74
47
88
30
October, .
61
38
70
24
64
40
81
28
62
45
70
29
November,
49
29
67
18
54
32
68
18
53
31
69
19
December,
44
27
65
11
43
25
63
9
41
18
53
10
During recent years the surfaces of Filters Xos. 1, oC, 6 and 9A
have been leveled during the greater part of the summer, but have been
thrown up into trenches and ridges about 1 foot wide and 1 foot deep,
respectively, during the winter. "When the surface is leveled, the applied
sewage is distributed over the entire surface of these filters, but when
trenched, the sewage is applied only to the trenches. The surfaces of
Filters Nos. 2 and 4 are arranged in circular trenches, which are filled
with coarser sand than that of which the filters are constructed. The
trenches in Filter No. 2 are 1 foot wide and 2 feet deep, filled with sand
of an effective size of 0.19 millimeter, while those in Filter No. 4 are
about 14 inches wide and 1 foot deep, filled with sand of an effective
size of 0.48 millimeter, the surface of the sand in the trenches of each
filter being below that of the remainder of the filter. The sewage is ap-
plied to these trenches of coarser sand throughout the year and grass is
permitted to grow on the ridges in the summer. Filter No. 10 differs
from the other filters in the fact that no underdrains are beneath the
sand except immediately around the outlet pipe. A partition, extending
3 feet below the surface of the filter, separates the quarter of the surface
which is farthest from the underdrains from the remainder of the surface
312 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
and to this quarter of the surface the sewage is applied, the other three
quarters of the surface being covered with a layer of loam 8 inches in
depth, except for a strip about 2 feet wide extending across the filter
which is left open to provide ventilation. During the winter the surfaces
of all these filters, except Xo. 10, were protected to some extent by loose
board covers placed over the trenches.
The principal features in the operation of these filters during 1913
were as follows: From December 7 to March 15 the trenches of all the
filters except Xo. 10 were covered with boards. On January 27, that
portion of Filter No. 10 to which sewage is applied was dug over to a
depth of 6 inches and the rate of this filter was reduced to 10,000 gallons
per acre daily. On March 24 the surface of that portion of Filter No. 10
to which sewage was applied and the sand in the trenches of each of the
other filters was dug over to a depth of 6 inches, and Filters Nos. 1, 5C,
6 and 9 A were leveled. From August 25 to August 31, inclusive, all of
the filters were rested, and on August 30 the surfaces of Filters Nos. 1,
5C, 6 and 9A, the trenches of Filters Nos. 2 and 4, and the working sur-
face of Filter No. 10, were dug over to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. On
November 17 the working surface of each of these filters was again dug
over to a depth of 6 inches and the surfaces of Filters Nos. 1, 50, 6 and
9A were trenched for the winter. That portion of the surface of each
filter to which sewage was applied was raked 1 inch deep seven times
during the period from December 7 to March 15, and once each week
during the remainder of the year. A total depth of 13 inches of snow
and about 1 inch of ice was removed from the surface of Filter No. 10,
which was unprotected by board covers during the winter.
As in previous years, when the practice of applying only so much or-
ganic matter as could be assimilated by each filter was followed, the
work of these filters has been very satisfactory. For a number of years
the effluent from Filter No. 10 has been of somewhat inferior quality
to that from other filters containing a similar grade of sand, and dur-
ing the early part of the winter a still further deterioration in the
quality of this effluent was noted. Although the total volume of sewage
applied daily to this filter during the past few years has been only about
30,000 gallons per acre daily, that sewage has been applied to only one-
fourth of the surface, and the net rate, therefore, on the working sur-
face of the filter for some years has been about 120,000 gallons per acre
daily, a much higher rate than it has been found to be good practice
with the other outdoor filters at the station. It is quite evident,
therefore, that this filter has been overworked during the past few years.
The effect of reducing the rate of this filter to a figure corresponding
more nearly to the rates of the other filters, that is, to 10,000 gallons
No. 34.]
PURIFICATION OF SEWAGE.
313
per acre daily for the entire filter, or 40,000 gallons per acre daily for
the actual working surface of the filter, became evident in the rapidly
improved quality of the effluent, and throughout the greater part of the
year this effluent has been of much better quality than in preceding years,
and has compared favorably with those obtained from the other out-
door filters.
The average analyses of the effluents from these filters are shown in
the following tables : —
Average Analyses.
Effluent from Filler No. 1.
[Parts per 100,000.]
Quantity
applied.
Tempera- '
TURE (De- 1
GREES F.). 1
Length of
Time
Sewage
remained
on
Surface
(Minutes).
Appe.^r- \
ance.
1
Ammonia, i
1
Chlorine.
Nitrogen \
AS 1
i
e
a
O
<
'Jo
6
Gallons
per .Aicre
Daily
for Six
Davs in a
Week.
6
t
a
o
S
O
a
1
h
it
— 13
1
6
3
2
47,900
60
56
21
0.1
.13
.4515
.0435
11.95
4.24
.0007
.47
1.51
6,600
Effluent from. Filter No. 2.
38,500
60
53
51
0.1 .11
.1246
.0246
11.92
3.31
.0003
.39
1.21
560
Effluent from Filter No. 4.
20,900
60 53
18
1
0.0
.05
.0400
.0173
11.35
3.94
.0002
.25
0.9'
280
Effluent from Filter A'o. oC.
47,700
60
55
38 0.2 i .15
.4395
.0431
11.43
4.12
.0002
.49
1.21
9,300
Effluent from Filter No. 6.
46,600
60
55
65
0.1
.15
.3509
.0459
11.38
3.76
.0013
.50
1.41
13,100
Effluent from Filter No. 9 A.
•
47,400
59
56
1
87 1 0.0
i
.15
.2947
.0342
11.87
3.26
.0001
.47 1.31
1,970
Effluent from Filter No. 10.
. 12,500
60
57
28
0.4
.13
.5547
.0938
11.05
2.74
.0008
.79
3.7
18,100
1 Acid.
314 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
Intermittent Sand Filters operated with Clarified Sewage.
Filters Nos. 429, 430, 431 and 432.
These four filters were first put into operation on Feb. 1, 1911, to
study the efi^ect of operating a series of filters with different sewages at
such rates that the amounts of organic matter applied to each filter
shall be practically the same. Each of these filters is Hoooo of an acre
in area and is constructed of 5 feet in depth of sand of an effective size
of 0.25 millimeter. Eegular station sewage has been applied to Filter
Xo. 429 at a rate of 80,000 gallons per acre daily throughout the year.
Each of the other filters received the same sewage after a portion of the
organic matters had been removed by processes for preliminary clari-
fication, Filter No. 430 receiving settled sewage. Filter No. 432 receiv-
ing the effluent from coal Strainer E, and Filter No. 432 receiving sewage
which had been clarifi.ed by precipitation with sulphate of alumina, the
volume of clarified sewage applied to each of these filters being so
adjusted that the amount of organic matter applied to each should be
approximately the same as that applied to Filter No. 429, which re-
ceived the unclarified sewage. As a convenient and quickly determined
basis of comparison, the Kjeldahl nitrogen of the sewages was used
to compute the rates of the filters receiving clarified sewage, and those
rates fluctuated from time to time as the nitrogen of the different sew-
ages varied. The nitrogen content of the untreated sewage applied to
Filter No. 429 varied from .77 part per 100,000 to 1.85 parts per 100,000,
averaging about 1.34 parts. The nitrogen of the settled sewage applied
to Filter No. 430 varied between .52 part per 100,000 and .96 part per
100,000 and averaged .79 part per 100,000. The nitrogen content of
the strained sewage for Filter No. 431 varied from .53 part per 100,000
to 1.01 parts per 100,000 and averaged .75 part per 100,000, while that
of the chemically precipitated sewage applied to Filter No. 432 fluctuated
between .41 part and 1.21 parts, the average for the year being .76 part
per 100,000. The average rate of Filter No. 429 for the year was 79,800
gallons per acre daily. The rate of Filter No. 430 varied from 106,000
to 190,000 gallons per acre daily at different times, the average rate for
the year being 145,800 gallons. The rate of Filter No. 431 varied be-
tween 80,000 gallons and 250,000 gallons, and averaged 120,300 gallons
per acre daily, and the rate of Filter No. 432 varied between 92,000
gallons and 225,000 gallons, the average rate for the year being 140,900
gallons per acre daily.
It has not always been possible to predict the nitrogen content of these
various sewages with any degree of accuracy and to adjust the rates in
No. 34.] PURIFICATION OF SEWAGE. 315
advance in accordance with the difference in the strength of the dif-
ferent sewages, and in some months there has been a wide difference in
the amount of nitrogen applied to tlie different filters. In order to
eliminate the effect of this error, it has been the practice to carry a plus
and minus nitrogen account for each filter from month to month and to
correct for any decided excess or deficiency in the nitrogen applied by
raising or lowering the rates during the following months. At the end
of the year organic nitrogen equivalent to about 6,850 pounds per acre
had been applied to Filter Xo. 429 during the period of thirty-four
months which it has been operated, while Filter Xo. 430 had received
about 25 pounds and 35 pounds less, respectively. In the case of Filter
Xo. 431, however, the deficiency in total nitrogen applied amounted to
about 300 pounds, which will have to be corrected during the ensuing
year.
All of these effluents were highly nitrified throughout the year, the
amoiint of nitrates produced being greater than the alkalinity of the sew-
age could care for, with the result that the effluents were acid during
the greater part of the year. As was the case during 1912, the effluent
from the filter receiving untreated sewage contained considerably more
nitrates than that from the filters receiving clarified sewage, while the
effluent from the filter receiving chemically precipitated sewage was more
highly nitrified than that from the filters receiving strained or settled
sewage. On the basis of the total amount of nitrogen oxidized to ni-
trates, however, the filters receiving the precipitated and the settled
sewage have l)een more active during the past two years, the average
number of units of nitrates produced during the year being 398 for
Filter Xo. 429, 530 for Filter Xo. 430, 461 for Filter Xo. 431, and 585
for Filter Xo. 432.
During the year the surface of Filter Xo. 429 was dug over to a depth
of 3 inches six times to relieve clogging, and the surface of each of the
other filters was treated in the same manner four times.
The average results of the analyses of average samples of the applied
sewages, and the effluents from each of these filters, are shown in the
following tables: —
316
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
3.81
3.86
4.93
Average Aiialyses.
Untreated Sewage applied to Filter No. 429.
[Parts per 100,000.]
Ammoni.\.
Kjeldahl Nitro-
c
_o
3
O
c
c;
C
>.
X
C
o
3
ALBUMINOID.
gen.
1
o
Froe.
Total.
d
.2
"§
1
a
"3
1
a
.2
3
"o
a
a! c
05
4.8.5
.71
.40
1.34
.76
12.55
4.68
3,724,000
Settled Sewage applied to Filter No. 430.
.32
3.07
Strained Sewage applied to Filter No. 431.
.30
.75
.57
13.12
2.78
Chemically Precipitated Sewage applied to Filter No. 432.
.41
.28
.76
.54
12.28
2.62
2,301,000
3,257,500
1,383,000
Average Solids.
Untreated Sewage applied to Filter No. 429.
[Parts per 100,000.)
UXFILTERED. |
Filtered.
In Suspension.
Total.
Loss on
Ignition.
Fixed.
Total.
Loss on
Ignition.
Fixed.
T,„.„, Loss on
Total. Ignition.
Fixed.
714 316
39.8
48.0
15 4
32.6
23 4 16 2
7 2
56 6
54.8
Settled Sewage applied to Filter No. 430.
20.7
35.9
49.0
33.4
7.6
5 1
Strained Sewage applied to Filter No. 431.
19.1
35.7
49.2
14.9
34.3
5 6
4 2
Chemically Precipitated Sewage applied to Filter No. 432.
14
16 9 35 6
46 1
12 2 33.9
4 7 1 1.7
No. 34.]
PURIFICATION OF SEWAGE.
317
Average Aiiahjses.
Effluent from Filter Xo. 439.
[Parts per 100,000.]
^
Appear.^nce.
Ammonia.
Nitrogen
,o
o
3
Quantity
applied.
P "
•o
7
o o
t M
o
c
ao
Gallon.?
sQ
.M
a
oi
<sE
per Acre
T3
a
o
.s
c
'fen
Daily.
0.
.£
3
<u
3-
2
2
'tj
X
H
H
U
£
H
O
S
s
O
P3
79,800
54
.04
.3006
.0262
12.23
4.99
.0008
.28
450
Effluent from Filter No. 430.
145,800 I 55
2358 .0339 12
3.63 .0005
.33
17,400
Effluent from Filter No. 431.
120,300 57
0.1
.05
2943 .0320 13.22 3.92 .0008
34 8,650
Effluent from Filter No. 432.
140,900 54 1 .06 .7666 .0417 12 41 4.24 .0030 .36 2,000
Operation of Trickling Filters.
FilUrs Nos. 135, 136, 21^8, 360, U9, 452, 453, 454 and 455.
During 1913 nine trickling filters were in operation at the station.
Two of these filters, ISTos. 135 and 136, have been in operation foiuteeu
years; Filter ISTo. 248, nine years, and Filter jSTo. 360 has been operated
continuously for about five years. All of these filters received sew-
age clarified by settling during the whole or greater part of the year.
Filter No. 449, which was started at the beginning of the year to de-
termine to what extent the rate of a trickling filter might be increased
by thorough aeration of the sewage applied to it, has already been de-
scribed and discussed on page 301 of this report. Filters Xos. 452 and
455, inclusive, were started during 1913 to determine at what rate
trickling filters of different depths must be operated in order to obtain
effluents of equal quality. The results obtained with these four filters are
given in a following chapter.
Filters Nos. 135, 136 and 248 are each constructed of broken stone of
such size that all the pieces will pass through a screen with a 1-inch mesh,
40 per cent, through a screen with a I'o-inch mesh and only 4 per cent.
318 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
through a screen with a 14-inch mesh. Each of these filters is /4oooo
of an acre in area and is contained in a tank with openings for ventila-
tion in the sides. Filters Xos. 135 and 136 are each 10.5 feet in depth
and were first put into operation in Xovember, 1899; Filter No. 248 is
6 feet in depth and was first put into operation in May, 1904. Filter
Xo. 360, first put into operation in Xovember, 1908, is square in section,
has a superficial area of %oooo of an acre and is constructed of 8 feet,
9 inches in depth of pieces of broken stone having a mean diameter be-
tween 1 and 2 inches. x\s originally constructed the stone was held in
place by open cobwork sides, but on December 1 the sides of the filter
were closed. The sewage applied is uniformly distributed over the sur-
face of each of these filters by automatic tipping basins discharging into
perforated pans. Filters Xos. 135 and 136 were operated seven days
each week with a rest of one hour each morning and afternoon, while
filters Xos. 248 and 360 were operated continuously six days each week
and allowed to rest on Sunday. Filters Nos. 135, 248 and 360 were
operated at rates of 2,000,000 gallons per acre daily throughout the year.
During 1912 Filter No. 136 was operated at a gradually increasing
rate with sewage which had been very completely clarified by precipita-
tion with ferrous sulphate. This was to determine to what extent the
rate of a trickling filter may be increased and still produce a satisfactory
effluent when the sewage applied to it has been so treated as to remove
practically all suspended matters. During December the clarified sewage
was applied to this filter at a rate of 4,750,000 gallons per acre daily,
and the effluent continued to be highly nitrified and entirely stable. On
January 1 the rate was further increased to 5,250,000 gallons per acre
daily. Following this last increase in rate, nitrification within the filter
decreased rapidly, and the effluent became heavily charged with iron.
On January 14 the surface of the filter was dug over to a depth of
3 inches to relieve clogging. On January 24 a gradual reduction in
the rate was begun in an endeavor to re-establish active nitrification.
On February 1 the rate had been reduced to 1,000,000 gallons per acre
daily without any appreciable improvement in the quality of the efflu-
ent. On February 12 the surface was dug over to a depth of about
6 inches and the filter was rested for one week; on March 17 the filter
was again rested for one week. With this treatment and the application
of settled sewage at a rate of 1,000,000 gallons per acre daily, nitrifica-
tion improved and the effluent became of satisfactory quality and re-
mained so during the remainder of the year.
Early in February the upper layers of material in Filter Xo. 248 be-
came so badly clogged that the applied sewage would not enter. On Feb-
ruarv 7, 4 inches of stone were removed from the surface, the material
No. 3-i.]
PURIFICATION OF SEWAGE.
319
remaining in the filter was dug over 8 inches deep and the filter was
rested for one week. After drying for one week, the 4 inches of stone
which had been removed had so improved in appearance that it was re-
turned to the surface without washing. With this treatment the filter
was successfully continued in operation throughout the remainder of
the year.
With the exceptions noted, the effluents from the deep filters, Nos. 135
and 13G, were highly nitrified and entirely stable throughout the year.
The effluents from Filters Nos. 248 and 360 were also well nitrified l)ut
often putrescible. As explained in previous reports, the underdrain sys-
tem of Filter No. 360 is divided into three distinct collecting areas of
equal size, and analyses of the effluent from each of these sections, as
well as the average effluent from the entire filter, are shown in the
accompanying tables : —
Average Analyses.
Effluent from Filter No. 133.
[Parts per 100,000.]
Appear-
Ammonia.
CD
Nitrogen
-a
3
ibic
Quantity
ance.
1
ALBUMINOID.
AS
C
applied.
.
1
a
Z
B.%
Gallon.?
>>
_
(U
K
u
per Acre
-a
3
•d
c
S
.2
a
'fee
Daily.
J2
3
H
o
O
1
O
CO
a
"a!
•s,
o
1
s
O
•2 g
m
1,867,000
1.6
,30
0.7852
.2405
,1462
0.4534
13.03
3.67
.0045
1.70
66,800
1,402,000! 1.6 ! .29
Effluent froyn Filter No. 136.
14617 .3166
.1607
.5864
12 88
.0173
124,400
Effluent from Filter No. 248.
1,855,000 2 6 .34 1.9980 .4371 .2083 .8253 13.58 1.73 .0103 j 2.53 356.000
Effluent from Filter No. 360 (Section A.)
2.7 .36 1.8167 .4013 .2020 .7247 13.25 1 1.26 .0143 2.39 699.100
Effluent from Filter No. 360 {Section B).
2 6 .36 1.9367 .4246 .2043 .7444 13 08 i 1 07 .0137 \\ 2 41 969,100
320
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
Average Analyses — Concluded.
Effluent from Filter No. 360 {Section C).
[Part3 per 100,000.]
Appe.ir-
Ammonia.
c
2
Nitrogen
-a
o
£
3
•J
Quantity
ANCE.
ALBUMINOID. ^
AS
U
applied.
S ^
e
Z
S.^
Gallons
£■
§
cag
per Acre
-a
3
33
B
S
a
Daily.
a
i
03
1
a
2
"3
o
>>
X -
O
-
2.6
.36
1.9604
.4146
.2103
.7379
12.93
.94
.0123
2.37
851,800
1,708,000
2.6
Effluent from Filter No. 360 {Entire Filter).
1.9043
.4135 I .2028
.7357
13.09 1.09
0134 2.39
746,600
Stability of Effluents from Trickling Filters, 1913. »
Depth
of Filter
(Broken
Stone).
Nitrates
(Parts per
100,000).
Per Cent, of Samples.
Filter Number.
Putrescible.
Doubtful.
Stable.
135,
10.5 Feet.
3.67
0.0
0.0
100.0
136, .
10.5 Feet.
2.66
0.0
0.0
100.0
248, .
6.0 Feet.
1.73
37.1
2.9
60.0
248,*
6.0 Feet.
1.73
6.5
0.0
93.5
360A,
8.0 Feet.
1.26
54.0
0.0
46.0
360B,
8.0 Feet.
1.07
59.5
S.l
32.4
360C,
8.0 Feet.
0.94
62.2
2.7
35.1
360,2
8.0 Feet.
1.13
20.0
3.3
76.7
449.5
10.0 Feet.
0.02
79.2
4.2
16.6
449. .
10.0 Feet.
1.72
0.0
0.0
100.0
452, .
4.0 Feet.
1.08
16.7
0.0
83.3
453, .
6.0 Feet.
1.04
0.0
100.0
454, .
8.0 Feet.
1.53
0.0
0.0
100.0
455, .
10.0 Feet.
1.85
5.9
0.0
94.1
1 Putres
cibil
tv is
dete
rmine
d bv incubatin
e a samnle in
a full, tightly
stoppered bott
le at 80° F. If
no odor or blackening of sample is noted within five days, sample is recorded as stable. If odor is pro-
duced without blackening, sample is recorded as doubtful. Both odor and blackening indicate putre.s-
cibility.
' .\fter settling.
' .\erated sewage applied.
No. 34.] PURIFICATION OF SEWAGE. 321
Relative Rates Necessary to obtain Effluents of Equal Quality
FROM Trickling Filters of Different Depths.
Filters Nos. 452, J^BS, .IfdJf. and 455.
On May 1, 1913, four new filters were put into operation to determine
at what rates trickling filters constructed of different depths of the same
material must be operated in order to obtain efliuents of equal quality.
Each of these filters is %oooo of an acre in area and is constructed of
pieces of broken stone between % inch and li/j inches in size. Filter
No. 452 is 4 feet in depth; Filter No. 453, 6 feet; Filter No. 454, 8 feet;
and Filter No. 455, 10 feet. Sewage clarified by sedimentation was
applied to each of these filters. After maturing, it was attempted to
operate each filter at such a rate that the effluent would contain about 1.5
parts per 100,000 nitrates, this being the amount of nitrification which
previous experience at the station has shown to be necessary in order to
insure efliuents which will be completely stable at all times. At the start,
each filter was operated at a rate of 1,000,000 gallons per acre daily.
On August 15 the two deep filters, Nos. 454 and 455, were producing
well-nitrified effluents, and the rate of each was increased to 1,250,000
gallons per acre daily. As the effluents from the two shallow filters had
not up to this time contained the prescribed amount of nitrates, the rate
of Filter No. 452 was reduced to 500,000 gallons and that of Filter
No. 453 to 800,000 gallons per acre daily. At these rates the amount
of nitrification in the deep filters continued to increase, and during
October and the early part of November the rate of the 8-foot filter was
gradually increased to 2,000,000 gallons per acre daily and that of the
10-foot filter to 2,500,000 gallons per acre daily. Even with the low
rates employed, however, the efliuents from the two shallow filters did
not average up to tlie required standard, and during the last two months
of the year the rates of these two filters were gradually reduced until
during November the average rate of the 4-foot filter was only about
140,000 gallons and that of the 6-foot filter 400,000 gallons per acre
daily. Practically the whole period since these filters were started has
been consumed in establishing proper nitrification within the two shallow
filters. At the end of the year all of the filters were yielding effluents
of satisfactory quality, but it is probable that the discrepancy between
the rates of the shallow and deep filters is much too great and that the
former, now that they have been properly matured, can without doubt
be operated at considerably higher rates without affecting the quality
of the effluent. This can only be determined by the operation of the
filters during the ensuing year.
322
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
Analyses of the effluents from these filters, when operated at the dif-
ferent rates, are sliown in the following tables : —
Effluent from Filter No. 452.
[Parts per 100,000.]
Quantity
applied.
Gallons
per Acre
Daily.
Appear-
Ammonia.
a
1
2
a
■|
o
Nitrogen
AS
o
s
3
a
o
a
>.
X
O
13
ance.
i
ALBTTMINOID.
o
1913.
13
"o
O
3
o
Eh
a
.2
"3
1
a
1
1
II
V
May, .
963,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
0.27
.1914
-
-
June, .
972,000
4.0
.35
1.1000
.3500
.2400
.6800
14.60
0.76
.0380
1.80
-
July, .
985,000
2.0
.26
1.6750
.3800
.2320
.6800
15.40
0.82
.0480
2.68
860.000
August,
692,000
1.0
.25
0.9500
.3050
.2040
.7500
17.20
1.60
.1200
2.20
250,000
September, .
460,000
3.0
.25
1.9000
.1900
.1520
.3800
13.60
0.61
.1080
1.60
370,000
October,
246,000
1.5
.30
1.2500
.2500
.1680
.4700
12.00
1.61
.0280
2.12
80,000
November, .
142,000
2.0
.40
1.5750
.2400
.1720
.4000
13.20
1.88
.0040
1.50
305,000
Average, .
637.100
2.2
.30
1.4083
.2858
.1947
.5600
14.33
1.08
.0768
1.98
373,000
May, .
963,000
-
-
-
-
~
-
-
0.35
.1229
-
-
June, .
1,076,000
3.0
.35
1.0500
.3100
.1920
.5000
14.60
1.03
.0060
1.33
-
July, .
1,000,000
1.0
.24
1.5250
.1650
.1120
.2600
15.00
1.22
.0440
1.34
250,000
August,
831,000
2.0
.20
1.9000
.2000
.1720
.3300
17.00
1.13
.0450
1.60
140,000
September, .
736,000
3.0
.25
1.6400
.1900
.1440
.3400
13.80
0.85
.1160
1.48
220,000
October,
556,000
1.5
.30
0.9000
.1400
.1240
.2800
12.40
0.93
.0280
1.28
160,000
November, .
424,000
1.0
.35
1.0500
.1700
.1360
.2800
12.60
1.75
.0070
1.16
83,000
Average, .
798,000
1.9
.28
1.3442
.1958
.1467
.3317
14.23
1.04
.0527
1.37
170,600
Effluent from Filter No. 434-
May, .
963,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
0.62
.1129
-
-
June, .
1,000,000
4.0
.35
0.6000
.2100
.1600
.4000
15.00
1.73
.0036
1.28
-
July, .
1,000,000
1.0
.28
1.0500
.1300
.1080
.2500
15.00
1.74
.0280
1.30
240,000
August,
1,038,000
1.5
.20
1.3500
.1650
.1240
.3200
16.80
1.73
.0350
1.68
110,000
September, .
1,150,000
3.0
.25
0.8000
.1760
.1600
.3700
14.40
1.90
.1200
1.32
140,000
October,
1,528,000
1.5
.30
0.8500
.2900
.1680
.5200
11.00
1.52
.0320
2.36
180,000
November, .
1,940,000
2.0
.30
1.0750
.3300
.2160
.6.500
12.60
1.45
.0220
1.96
610,000
Average, .
1,231,300
2.2
.28'
0.9542
.2168
.1560
.4183
14.14
1.53
.0505
1.65
256,000
No. 34.1
PURIFICATION OF SEWAGE.
323
Effluent from Filter No. 455.
[Parts per 100,000.]
Quantity
applied.
Gallons
per Acre
Daily.
Appear-
Ammonia.
a
a
2
03
'S
1
o
o
Nitrogen
01
S
3
a
8
a
O
'2
ance.
1
ALBUMINOID.
AS
o
1913.
>>
-3
IS
H
O
3
O
d
3
1
d
1—4
1
2
.1
«
May, .
963,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
0.07
.2903
-
-
June, .
1,100,000
4.0
.35
0.9000
.2800
.2200
.4800
14.00
1.73
.2100
1.60
-
July, .
963,000
1.0
.28
0.5750
.2150
.1240
.4400
15.20
3.04
.0720
1.88
500,000
August,
1,038,000
1.5
.23
1.2500
.1650
.0800
.3400
16.80
1.54
.0150
1.64
230,000
September, .
1,150,000
3.0
.28
0.6750
.2600
.1840
.4400
13.60
2.00
.0960
2.00
300,000
October,
1,833,000
2.0
.30
0.9500
.2200
.1680
.4600
12.40
2.04
.0240
2,00
130,000
November, .
2,440,000
3.0
.40
1.5500
.3800
.2880
.6500
11.20
2.51
.0120
2.20
420,000
Average, .
1,355,300
2.4
.31
0.9833
.2533
.1773
.4683
13.87
1.85
.1028
1.89
316,000
Operation of Contact Filters.
Contact Filters Nos. 175 and 421 to 1^28, inclusive, and Secondary
Contact Filter No. US.
Filter No. 115, first put into operation in June, 1901, is constructed of
pieces of coke of such size that all will pass through a sieve having a
1-incli mesh, 75 per cent, through a i/o-inch mesh, and practically none
through a sieve with a 14-inch mesh. This filter has always received
sewage that has passed through a coal strainer, being filled once daily in
one dose, allowed to stand full two hours before draining, and being
allowed to rest every sixth w^eek. The material in this filter was re-
moved, washed and replaced in December, 1911, the working depth of
material after rebuilding being 49 inches. Nitrification was active in
this filter throughout the year, and with the exception of a short time
in February the effluent was completely stable at all times.
Filters Nos. .h21 to Ji2S, inclusive, were first put into operation on
Jan. 18, 1911, to study the effect of operating similar contact filters by
different methods. Each is ^/^oooo of an acre in area, is constructed of
33 inches in depth of pieces of soft coal cinders having a diameter be-
tween 14 and 11/4 inches, and is operated with settled sewage. In these
particulars, all of the filters are identical. Each filter differs from the
others, however, either in the manner in which the sewage is applied, in
the number of times it is filled daily, or in the time the sewage is allowed
324
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
to remain within the filter. Filters Nos. 421 to 436, inclusive, are filled
from the top, the sewage being run directly on to the surface of the filters
at such rates that the filter is completely filled in about two minutes.
Filter No. 427 is filled at the same rate, the sewage entering at the
bottom of the filter and rising gradually through the material, thus
displacing the air. Filter No. 428 is filled by means of a tipping basin
discharging into a perforated pan placed 1 foot above the surface, the
sewage entering the filter in small well-distributed doses, the rate of
apphcation being so regulated that about one hour is required to fill the
filter. Filters Nos. 424 to 428, inclusive, are each allowed to stand
full one hour before draining; Filter No. 423 is allowed to stand full
two hours; and Filters Nos. 422 and 421 are allowed to stand full four
hours and eight hours, respectively, before draining. Filter No. 425 is
filled twice daily ; Filter No. 426 is filled three times daily, and each of
the other filters is filled once daily. In this series of eight filters, there-
fore, comparative studies are in progress of the effect of different details
of operation. In Filters Nos. 421 to 424, inclusive, the effect of contact
periods varying from one to eight hours in length are being studied on
filters operated one cycle daily; in Filters Nos. 424, 425 and 426 the
effect of operating filters one, two and three complete cycles daily is
being compared; and in Filters Nos. 424, 427 and 428 we have a com-
parison of the effect of different methods of applying the sewage to
filters which are otherwise operated in the same manner. The differ-
ences in the operating details of these filters are shown in the following
table : —
Filter
Number.
421
422
423
424
425
426
427
428
Met'hod of Filling.
Contact
Period
(Hours).
Rapidly from surface, ........
Rapidly frona surface,
Rapidly from surface,
Rapidly from surface
Rapidly from surface, ......••
Rapidly from surface
Rapidly from bottom , .......
Slowly from surface, with distributor 12 inches above surface,
Number
of Cycles
Daily.
In the accompanying tables a regular gradation may be noticed in the
various nitrogenous constituents of the effluents from the four filters in
which the sewage was allowed to remain for different lengths of time,
No. 34.] PURIFICATION OF SEWAGE. 325
the smallest amounts of both free and albuminoid ammonia and also of
nitrates being found in the effluent from the filter in which the contact
period was eight hours, while the largest amounts of each of these ingre-
dients was found in the effluent from that filter in which the sewage
remained only one hour. Unlike the results obtained with trickling
and other filters in which the purification process is mainly oxidation,
however, the results of stability tests do not follow the nitrates, about
half of the samples from the filter yielding the highest nitrates being
putrescible, while no putrescible samples were obtained during the year
from the filter in which the sewage was held for eight hours and in
which any nitrates which had been formed during the resting stage had
been again reduced during the long period the sewage was standing
within the filter. In the case of the three filters operated, respectively,
one, two and three cycles daily, there was comparatively little difference
between the quality of the effluents of the filters operated one and two
cycles, but while the amount of nitrates produced by the filter operated
three cycles daily was slightly less than the amounts produced by the
filters operated a lesser number of cycles, the reduction in the ammonias
by this filter was slightly greater and the proportion of stable samples
obtained was considerably greater. Filter No. 427, which was filled from
the bottom, produced an effluent of slightly poorer quality than either of
the other filters operated in the study of methods of applying sewage,
v/hile nitrification was slightly more active in the filter which received
sewage which had been aerated, although the proportion of stable samples
obtained from this filter was somewhat less than in the case of the filter
operated in the usual manner.
Double Contact Filtration.
Filter No. H3. — ^-^oooo of an acre in area and constructed of 21
inches in depth of broken stone pebbles, all of which will pass a screen
with a i/o-inch mesh, 43 per cent, through a screen with a 14-inch mesh
and practically none of which will pass a screen with a i/^-inch mesh
was put into operation on April 21, 1912, to study the purification re-
sulting from the treatment of settled Lawrence sewage by filtration
through two successive contact filters. The effluent from Filter No. 425,
which is described above, was applied to this filter at an average rate
of about 549,000 gallons per acre daily, the filter being filled twice each
day and allowed to stand one hour before draining. As the two filters are
arranged, the effluent from Filter No. 425 falls about 2 feet, striking upon
a dash plate on the surface of Filter No. 443, and flows thence into the
filter, therebv receiving a certain amount of aeration in its passage from
326
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
the primary to the secondary filter. Nitrification was active in this filter
throughout the year and the effluent was completely stable at all times.
Average analyses of the effluents from these various contact filters are
shown in the following table : —
Average Analyses.
Effluent from Filter No. 176.
[Parts per 100,000.]
Appear-
Ammonia.
a
o
M
O
Nitrogen
Quantity
applied.
ance.
albuminoid.
AS
■*^
a
2;
Gallons
per Acre
>.
^
3
1
6
a
i
s
DaUy.
13
S
6
"3
^
2
"3
^
g
'C
H
o
O
£
^
d
M
O
z
z
495,400
4.3
.37
1.2100
.2265
.1643
.4058
13.43
2.09
.0275
770,800
Efflxient from Filter No. 421.
279,300
3.7
.32
1.4958
.2617
.2067
.4854
13 25
.13
.0009
1.66
869,600
Effluent from Filter No. 4£2.
277,700
4
.34
1.6792
.2679
.2023
.5053
13.23
.37
.0082
1.69
927,500
Effluent from Filter No. 423.
312,300
4.4
.34
1.8313
.2967
.2323
.5891
13.15
.41
.0276
1.98
1,171,700
Effluent from Filter No. 4^4.
304,900
4.4
.34
1.8667
.3004
.2307
.6108
13.00
.55
.0360
2.14
1,166,300
Effluent from Filter No. 425.
548,700
4.9
.35
1.8719
.3450
.2546
.6821
12.78
.56
.0161
2.26
1,415,300
Effluent from Filter No. 426.
599.000
5.2
.35
1.6921
.3092
.2361
.6482
12.78
.44
.0238
2.18
1,106,700
Effluent from Filter No. 427.
324,200
5.4
.35
1.8792
.3085
.2467
.6522
13.20
.34
.0157
2.34
1,279,200
No. 34.
PURIFICATION OF SEWAGE.
327
Average Analyses — Concluded.
Effluent from Filter No. ^28.
[Parts per
100,000.]
Appear-
ance.
Ammonia.
d
o
bO
s
Nitrogen
AS
i
Quantity
ALBUMINOID.
o
applied.
in
Gallons
per Acre
>.
^
a
.2
2
13
a
i
^
O
a
El
Daily.
J2
3
g
6
1
o
2
3
g
*n
3g
H
U
f^
H
M
. o
g
s
O
fa
304,100
4.6
.33
1.7896
.2971
.2173
.5968
12.65
0.89
.0789
1.98
962,100
Effluent from Secondary Filter No. 443.
548,700 3.3
32 1.2583 .3042 .2143
6171 12.90 1.52 .0312 2.00 919,200
Stability of Effluents from Contact Filters, 1913.
Filter Number.
Nitrates
(Parts per
100,000).
Per Cent, of Samples.
Putrescible.
Doubtful.
Stable.
175,
2.09
0.0
3.1
96.9
376,
.11
100.0
0.0
0.0
421,
.01
0.0
33.3
66.7
422,
.37
5.5
22 2
72.3
423,
.41
44.4
11.2
44 4
424.
.55
55.6
5.6
38.8
425,
.56
55.6
16.6
27.8
426,
.44
5.6
16.6
77.8
427,
.34
38.8
5.6
55.6
428,
.89
33.3
5.6
61.1
Seconc
ary contact Filter No. 443,
1.52
0.0
0.0
100.0
Clogging of Contact Filters and Effect of Resting.
At the present time Filters Nos. 421 to 428, inclusive, have been in
operation nearly three years; secondary Filter No. 443, about twenty
months; and Filter No. 175, about two years since the material was re-
moved and waslied.
The loss of capacity by Filter No. 175 during the A'ear was about 8
per cent., and at the end of the year the original capacity of the filter
had been reduced about 29 per cent. In the case of secondary Filter No.
443, accumulated matters occupied about one-fourth of the original
328 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
open space at the end of the year, although there was a slight gain in
capacity during 1913. The results of capacity measurements on Filters
Nos. 421 to 428, inclusive, however, are of particular interest since in
this series of filters we may compare directly the effect of different oper-
ating details upon the deposition and retention of solids within the filter
materials. In the four filters in which the sewage was held for different
periods the two filters in which the contact period was eight hours and
four hours, respectively, have lost about one-third of their capacity dur-
ing the thirty-four months they have been in operation, while the two
filters in which the contact period was one and two hours, respectively,
have lost only about one-fourth of their capacity. During the year there
was a slight loss in open space in each of these filters, but no regular
difference which can be attributed to difference in operation can be de-
tected in the results. In the series in which the three filters, Nos. 424,
425 and 426, are filled once, twice and three times daily, respectively,
the greatest reduction in capacity, 53 per cent., occurred in the filter filled
three times daily, and the least reduction, 26 per cent., occurred in the
one filled only once each day. The total volume of the deposit in these
filters is not strictly proportional to the volume of sewage which each
receives daily. The filter operated three complete cycles daily lost con-
siderably more capacity during 1913 than did either of its companion
filters, but the accumulation of deposited matters in these other two
filters during the past year is not in agreement with the volumes of
sewage applied to them.
All of these contact filters were rested one week in every six through-
out the year, capacity measurements being made immediately before
and after each resting period. Except in a very few instances there
was a regain in capacity in each of these contact filters as a result
of resting. The largest average regain, 7 per cent., was obtained on
Filter No. 426, which contained the greatest amount of deposited mat-
ters, and this filter also showed the largest individual regain as the result
of any single resting period. Filter No. 175 showed an average regain of
nearly 5 per cent, during resting, but in the case of the other filters the
regain was somewhat less. Filters Nos. 175, 421 and 443 all show in-
dividual regain in capacity amounting to over 7 per cent., and Filter No.
425 showed a regain of over 6 per cent, on one occasion. In a few in-
dividual instances it was found that the capacity of a tank decreased
slightly during the resting period, and at the present time no satisfac-
tory explanation can be given for such an apparently abnormal occur-
rence. The comparatively small loss of open space by these filters during
the year was undoubtedly in a large measure the result of the practice
of resting such filters systematically.
No. 34.]
PURIFICATION OF SEWAGE.
329
The loss of capacity of each of these filters and the effect of resting
upon the capacity are shown in the following table : —
Loss of Capacity of Contact Filters and Effect of Resting (Per Cent.).
Time
operated
(Months).
Total
Loss since
Start.
Loss
during
1913.
REGAir* AFTER RESTING
One Week.
Filter Number.
Average.
Maximum.
Minimum.
175
23'
29 >
8.3
4.7
7.3
1.6
421
34
32
5.6
1.5
7.5
4 42
422
34
33
4.3
1.7
4.5
0.0
423
34
25
3.8
1.5
4.0
0.0
424
34
26
5.1
1.5
2.7
0.0
425
34
33
2.9
2.8
6.4
1.5'
426
34
53
12.9
7.0
10.9
1.9
427
34
21
3.7
2.0
3.8
0.0
428
34
25
1.3
1.5
2.7
0.0
443
20
25
3.42
2.5
7.3
0.0
' Since washing material.
2 Gain.
Sedimentation and Eefiltration of Effluents from Contact and
Trickling Filters.
Filters Nos. ^2, 4U and J^-kS.
During 1913 three experiments upon the further purification of ef-
fluents from filters of coarse material by sedimentation and refiltration
were continued. In one of these experiments the effluent from trickling
Filter No. 360 was passed through a continuous-flow settling tank and
applied to secondary Filter No. 442. In another, the effluent from the
double contact system, consisting of contact Filters Nos. 425 and 443,
was settled and applied to intermittent sand Filter No. 444, while in
the third, the effluent from trickling Filter No. 248 was passed through
Filter No. 448, in which a settling tank and upward flow filter are
combined.
Sedimentation of Effluents.
Since March 1, 1912, the effluent from trickling Filter No. 360 has
been passed through a settling tank preparatory to refiltration on Filter
No. 442. This tank, which is a modified form of Imhoff tank, is cylin-
drical, with a conical bottom sloping at an angle of 60°, inside of which
is a smaller tank of similar design. The inner, or settling chamber, is
provided with a slot in the bottom through which the deposited solids
pass into the outer or digestion chamber. The effluent from the trickling
330
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
filter enters and flows to the bottom of the inner tank through a central
pipe, is there deflected to the outer rim of the tank and rises slowly to
the top, where it overflows to a storage tank from which it is drawn, as
required for application to the secondary filter. The average rate of
vertical flow in the settling tank is about 0.9 inch per minute, the
effluent being about thirty minutes in passing through the tank. The
upper side of the central deflector is cone shaped, to facilitate the flow
of any deposited matters toward the opening into the digestion chamber.
The outer or digestion chamber has a capacity of about two and one-half
times the capacity of the settling compartment. The average removal of
suspended matters in the tank during the year, as shown by albuminoid
ammonia determinations, was about 43 per cent. On April 22, 1913,
there was a heavy scum about one inch thick in the digestion chamber
and heavy sludge nearly up to the opening from the settling compart-
ment. On this date the tank was emptied. On August 7 heavy sludge
equivalent to about 7 per cent., and on October 7 heavy sludge equivalent
to about 4 per cent, of the capacity of this chamber, was withdrawn.
Sludge equivalent to about 97 pounds of dry matter per million gallons
of effluent was deposited in this tank.
The composition of the various samples of sludge from this tank is
shown in the following table : — .
1913.
Per Cent.
Water.
Per Cent, of Drt Sludge.
Organic
Matter.
Organic
Nitrogen.
Fats.
Floating matter, .
April 22, .
93.3
73.1
4.23
7.8
Bottom sludge, .
April 22, .
94.6
48.3
2.93
2.3
Bottom sludge, .
August 7, .
97.3
54.0
.3.31
1.4
Bottom sludge,
October 7, .
96.5
58.6
4.11
0.1
Bottom sludge, ...
December 3,
95.0
57.1
3.43
1.8
Throughout the year the effluent from secondary Filter No. 443 was
passed into a settling tank and allowed to settle for one hour before being
applied to intermittent sand Filter No. 444, The sludge was withdrawn
from this tank each day. The average removal of suspended matters by
this tank, as shown by albuminoid ammonia determinations, was about
43 per cent.
Intermittent Filtration of Settled Effluents.
Filters Nos. 442 and 444 are each %oooo of an acre in area, and are
constructed of 4 feet in depth of sand of an effective size of 0.26 milli-
meter. Filter No. 442 was first put into operation on March 1, 1912,
No. 34.] PURIFICATION OF SEWAGE. 331
and received the settled effluent from trickling Filter Xo. 360 at a rate
of 400,000 gallons per acre daily throughout the year. Filter No. 444
was first put into operation on April 1, 1912, and received the settled
effluent from secondary contact Filter No. 443 at a rate of 400,000 gal-
lons per acre daily. The settled effluents applied to each of these filters
have been divided into two doses applied at intervals four hours apart.
The principal points in the operation of these two filters during the
year were as follows : The surface of Filter No. 442 was raked to a depth
of 3 inches to relieve clogging on January 27, February 10, March 8 and
March 26. On April 17 the surface of this filter had become badly
clogged and 2 inches of material were removed and the filter allowed to
rest one week. The surface of Filter No. 444 was raked to a depth of
3 inches once each month in January, February and March, no surface
treatment being required during the remainder of the year. As the con-
tact filter whose effluent is applied to this filter is allowed to rest one week
in every six, it was necessary to allow this filter to rest during the cor-
responding period?, and the systematic resting has undoubtedly been
very beneficial to the work of the filter and the ease with which it has
been kept in good operating condition. Nitrification was active in both
filters throughout the year, and the effluents were of excellent quality at
all times.
Com'bined Sedimentation and Uptvard FiUroiion.
Filter No. 448, ^soooo of an acre in area, was first put into operation
on May 20, 1912. It is constructed of 2 feet in depth of pieces of coke
between % and '*/\q i^^ch in diameter, supported 1 foot above the bottom
of the tank by a %-inch mesh wire screen, the filter material being car-
ried in a separate inner tank, which is removable for purposes of in-
spection. The effluent from trickling Filter No. 248 flows directly to the
sedimentation chamber below the coke, where it receives about two hours'
storage, then rises through the coke and overflows at the top, the average
rate of the filter during the year being about 3,000,000 gallons per acre
daily. The filter was operated throughout the year without any treatment
to relieve clogging being necessary. The average removal of suspended
matters during the year, as shown by albuminoid ammonia determina-
tions, was about 43 per cent. Except in the removal of suspended mat-
ters, there has been no further purification of the effluent from Filter No.
248 during its passage through this tank, and the final effluent has
always been turbid and highly colored with iron. At the end of the year,
after being in continuous operation for about eighteen and one-half
months, the filter material was removed, and the amount of sludge held
within the sludge compartment and the filter material were determined.
The total amount of stored matters was equivalent to about 111 pounds
332
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
per million gallons of effluent which had been passed through it since
it was started, about two-thirds of the stored matters being in the form
of sludge in the sedimentation chamber and the other third being con-
tained in the interstices of the filter proper.
The composition of the sludge in the settling compartment and of the
clogging matters washed from the filter material was as follows : —
Per Cent.
Water.
Per Cent, of Dry Sludge.
Loss on
Ignition.
Organic
Nitrogen.
Fats.
Sludge in settling compartment, .
Sludge washed from filter material,
95.9
44.7
40.0
3.85
2.20
.25
.15
Average Chemical Analyses.
Settled Effluent from Trickling Filter No. 360 applied to Filter No. 443.
[Parts per 100,000.]
Quantity
applied.
Gallons
per Acre
Daily.
Appear-
ance.
1.8700
ALBUMINOID.
.3132
.1902
6154 13.11
Nitrogen
AS
1.13 .0145
2,15
2,1.35,000
Settled Effluent from Contact Filter No. 443 applied to Filter No. 444.
-
-
-
1.1100
.2327
.1822
.4963
13 58
1.56
.0155
1.69
875,000
Effluent from Filter No. 442.
375,000 0.5
.20
0.2373
.0535
-
-
12.46
2.86
.0019
0.67 6,600
Effluent from Filter No. 444.
329,100
0.4
.19
0.0794
.0451
-
-
12.83
2.25
.0034
0.56
17,800
Effluent from Combined Sedimentation and Upward Filtration Tank No. 443.
3,230,000
1.9
.38
1.8083
.3404
.2097
.7328 13.38
1.12
.0142
2 34
492,100
No. 34.
PURIFICATION OF SEWAGE.
333
Average Bacterial Efficiency of Sewage-disposal Systems.
Untreated Sewage.
Bacteria per Cubic
Centimeter.
Per Cent, op Bacteria
REMOVED.
20° C.
40° C.
20° C.
40° C.
TotaL
Red.
Total.
Red.
Lawrence street sewage,
Lawrence regular sewage,
2,707.000
3,724.000
400.200
409,600
346,800
358.500
-
-
-
Preliminary Clarification Treatments.
Lawrence settling tank,
Slate tank No. 376,
Aerated and settled sewage.
Chemical precipitation.
Strainer E. .
2,301.000
244,000
206,800
38.20
40 50
2,707,000
392,500
334,500
27.20
4.00
1.684,000
151,300
120,600
54.80
63.20
1.383.000
200.400
178,800
62.90
51.30
3.258.000
333,800
264,600
12.30
18.50
Intermittent Sand Filters.
No. 1,
2,
4.
5C,
6,
9A,
10,
429,
430,
431,
432.
6,600
2.700
2,330
560
19
14
280
23
11
9,300
3.300
2,700
13,100
4,250
3,700
1,970
193
150
18,100
430
290
450
110
100
17,400
10,800
9,700
8,650
4,450
4.100
2,000
860
790
99.82
99 85
99.92
99.75
99 65
99 95
99.51
99 99
99 24
99.74
99.86
99.34
99.99
99.99
99.20
98.97
99 53
99 89
99 73
95 57
98.67
99.57
Trickling Filters.
No. 135.
136,
248,
360A.
360B, .
360C, .
360 (entire),
449,
66,800
124,400
356,000
699,100
969,100
851.800
746,600
309,800
8,800
37,800
56,400
38,000
35.300
38.100
33,300
5,230
6,950
97.10
26,300
94.60
47,000
84 50
34,800
69.70
30,800
58.00
34.800
63.00
29,800
67.60
3,960
81.50
96 40
84.50
76.90
84 50
85 50
84.40
86 40
96 54
334
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
Average Bacterial Efficiency of Sewage-disposal Systems — Concluded.
Trickling FiZters ^ Concluded.
No. 452,
453,
454,
455,
Bacteria per Cubic
Centimeter.
20° C.
373,000
170,600
256,000
316,000
40° C.
Total.
31,300
21,500
41,700
19,100
Red.
28,800
17,600
37,200
16,300
Per Cent, of Bacteria
REMOVED.
20° C.
83.80
92.55
40° C.
Total.
87.20
91.20
82 90
92.20
Red.
86.10
91.50
82.00
92.10
Contact Filters.
No. 175,
421,
422,
423,
424.
425,
426,
427,
428,
770,800
136,300
124,400
76.40
59.30
869,600
133,800
121,000
62.20
43.00
927,500
151,700
132,100
59.80
37.70
1,172,000
180,000
154,200
49.20
26.20
1,166,300
169,200
141,300
49.20
30.70
1,415,300
184,300
160,000
38.30
24.50
1,106,700
177,100
152,100
51.80
27.50
1,279,200
305,800
262,500
44.40
25 001
982,100
140,600
126,300
58 30
42.20
53.20
40.00
36.20
25.50
31.90
22.70
26.50
27.001
39.20
Secondary Contact Filter.
No. 443,
919,200 127,900 111,800 35 40 30.40 30.00
Effluent from Settling Tanks.
Settled effluent, trickling Filter No. 360,
Settled effluent, secondary contact Fil-
ter No. 443.
2,135,000
32,400
29,800
186.001
2 70
875,000
141,700
134,700
4.80
9 301
00
20 401
Combined Effluent from Settling Tank and Upward-flow Filter.
Effluent from Filter No. 448,
492,100
37,500
33,800
26.201
33.50
28.00
Secondary Intermittent Sand Filters.
No. 442
444
6,600
17,800
1,160
3,230
1,045
3,150
99.69
97.96
96.42
97.73
96.49
97.67
1 Increase.
No. 34.] PURIFICATION OF SEWAGE. 335
Further Studies on the Purification of Tannery Waste.
Experiments on the purification of tannery wastes have been in
progress at the station since 1895. The results of the experiments dur-
ing the first fifteen years were summarized in the report for 1909, and
the results obtained during 1910 were given in the report for that year.
In the following pages are summarized the results of further studies
which have been made during the past three years.
The waste liquors from one of the main tanneries investigated consist
of a mixture derived chiefly from the processes of wool scouring, skin
washing, tanning and dyeing, together with the drainage from the toilet
rooms. The mixed wastes are passed through a settling basin, and at
times have also been treated with copperas or with alum, to increase the
removal of suspended matters. After passing through this settling tank,
the waste usually contained a large amount of soluble matter and a small
amount of suspended matter and was usually colored by the wastes from
the dyeing. Moreover, a large proportion of the total solids remaining
after settling were of an inorganic or mineral nature. Experiments at the
station in former years indicated that this settled waste could be satis-
factorily purified on sand filters, but when it was attempted to carry out
this process at the tannery, the sand filters rapidly became clogged and
could only be kept in operation by very frequent removal and replace-
ment of the clogged sand. In 1911 studies were started to ascertain
what further preliminary treatment was necessary in order that sand
filters might be satisfactorily operated.
- Sedimentation followed by Sand Filtration.
Filter No. 435, containing 42 inches in depth of sand of an effective
size of 0.25 millimeter, was put into operation on May 13, 1911. The
effluent from the tannery settling basin, after being settled for an addi-
tional twenty-four hours in the laboratory, was applied to this filter at
a rate of 75,000 gallons per acre daily. The effect of the extra period
of sedimentation was to reduce the organic matters about 15 per cent.,
as shown by loss on ignition, and about 18 per cent, and 20 per cent., as
shown, respectively, by Kjeldahl nitrogen and oxygen consumed determi-
nations. Nitrification became established in the filter during the latter
part of June, and the effluent was clear and of good quality throughout
the experiment. After the first few months, however, the surface of the
filter became clogged by the suspended and colloidal matters which even
the extra period of sedimentation had failed to remove, and throughout
the remainder of the experiment frequent scraping or other surface treat-
336 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
ment was required to keep the filter in good working condition. During
the period of tvv^o and one-half years this filter was continued in opera-
tion, the total depth of sand removed by scraping was about 12 inches.
These experiments confirm the results obtained at the tannery and show
that even the prolonging of the settling period for an additional twenty -
four hours would not sufficiently clarify the waste to enable sand filters
to be operated without clogging. The experiments also show the neces-
sity of continuing experiments of this kind over a considerable period,
and wliile the possibility of obtaining a good purification by sand filters
was shown by earlier experiments, the filters to which the effluent from
the settling tank at this tannery were applied experimentally in former
years were operated for too short a period to indicate the very serious
difficulties which might be expected through clogging.
Precipitation with Flue Gas or COo followed hy Sand Filtration.
Filter No. HI, operated from Jan. 13, 1912, to Sept. 30, 1913, at a
rate of 100,000 gallons per acre daily, was an exact duplicate of Filter
No. 435. The effluent from the tannery settling tank applied to this filter
was treated by blowing flue gas or CO2 through it for about one-half
hour, and then allowing it to settle for about ten to fifteen minutes.
When the waste contained the red coloring matter which usually was
characteristic of it, the result of the flue gas treatment was to produce
rapid coagulation of the colored suspended or colloidal matters, the super-
natant liquor after a short period of sedimentation being clear and of a
light straw color. During warm weather the characteristic red color was
usually absent from the settled waste when received, and as the character
of the raw wastes was not materially different, it is possihle that the
character of the waste had been changed by fermentation in the settling
tank. At such times a precipitation similar to that obtained with CO2
was effected by the addition of a slight excess of hydrochloric acid, the
supernatant liquor being again made alkaline before application to the
filter. The effect of the precipitation treatment was to reduce the
organic matter about one-third, as shown by loss on ignition, and about
30 per cent., as shown by Kjeldahl nitrogen and by oxygen consumed
determinations. Nitrification became established shortly after the filter
was started, and the effluent was highly nitrified throughout the experi-
ment, although at times it was slightly turbid and of somewhat higher
color than the effluent from Filter No. 435. Operating at a higher rate
than Filter No. 435, this filter showed no signs of clogging during the
period of about twenty months it was operated. The results obtained
in this experiment indicate that in the case of this particular waste.
No. 34.]
PURIFICATION OF SEWAGE.
337
treatment with flue gas for a short period may so improve the clarifica-
tion in the settling tank that the tank effluent may be successfully
purified upon sand filters without undue clogging of the filter material.
The average analyses of the effluents from these filters, of the treated
waste applied to them, and the condition of the sand in each filter at
the end of the experiment, are shown in the following tables : —
Average Chemical Analyses.
Effluent from Tannery Settling Tank as received.
[Parts per 100,000.]
Solids.
Ammonia.
a
Si
a
2
Nitrogen
AS
B
3
o
a
&
>>
X
O
1
o
Year.
1
d
o
1
3
J3 ■
1
1
'3
<
1911
1912
1913
229
270
354
56
69
62
173
201
292
3.08
3.10
3.74
1.16
1.76
1.29
2.57
4.03
2.86
-
;
9.97
12.32
13.74
40.7 40.7
32.4 32.4
45.0 45.0
Resettled Waste applied to Filter No. 435.
1911,
1912,
1913,
210
46
164
3.11
0.91
1.97
-
-
7.32
251
58
193
3.10
1.35
3.05
-
-
10.45
-
326
54
272
3.13
1.24
2.73
-
-
10.92
40.7
40.0
Waste 'i
orecipitated with COS applied to Filter No. 44^
1912, .
263
47
216
3.08
1.12
2.55
-
-
8.26
36.4
36.4
1913, .
356
45
311
3.71
0.91
1.98
-
-
10.62
36.5
36.5
Effluent from Filter No. 433.
1911
-
-
-
.7342
.0473
-
2.69
.0348
.41
14.0
14.0
1912
-
-
-
.3354
.0634
-
3.17
.0006
.61
16.4
16.4
1913
-
-
-
.1561
.0685
-
3.87
.0001
.91
18.4
18.4
Effluent from Filter No. 44^'
1912
-
-
-
0.5956
.1169
-
3.88
.0028
1.20
16.7
16.7
1913
-
-
1.0003
.1775
-
3.37
.0023
1.88
12.8
12.8
338
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
Analyses of Sand from Filters.
Filter No. 435.
[Parts per 100,000.]
Ammonia. |
Free.
Albuminoid.
CaCOs.
Average of 12 inches removed by scrapings.
Average of sand remaining in filter, ....
0.63
0.45
40.4
13.2
276
220
Filter No. Ul.
Average of upper 12 inches,
Average of lower 30 inches,
0.85
0.25
26.5
8.8
144
144
No. 34.1 PURIFICATION OF WATER. 339
Purification of Water.
Lawrence City Filters.
The source of the water supply of the city of Lawrence is the Merri-
mack Eiver. Two filters are in use to purify this water. The older filter
was constructed in 1893, and dividing walls separating it into three sec-
tions were built in 1902. The average depth of sand in this filter is
about 4 feet, and the net filtering area is about 2.3 acres. As originally
constructed, this filter contained two different grades of sand, the por-
tions of the filter immediately over the underdrains being of finer sand
than the remainder of the filter. Through the operations of scraping,
washing and replacing sand, the two grades of sand have become quite
thoroughly mixed in the upper layers of the filter, and at the present
time this upper sand has an effective size of approximately 0.25 milli-
meter. This filter is not covered and has an earth bottom through which
some ground water finds its way into the underdrains and becomes mixed
with the filtered water. The average rate of operation during the past
few years has been about 1,000,000 gallons per acre daily.
In November, 1907, a modern covered filter of concrete construction
was put into operation to supplement the supply of filtered water from
the old filter. This filter is three-quarters of an acre in area and contains
about 414 feet in depth of sand of an effective size of 0.25 millimeter.
The average rate of operation during 1913 was about 3,000,000 gal-
lons per acre daily. The effluents from both of these filters flow into
the same pump-well from which they are pumped into the distributing
reservoir. There was comparatively little difference in the degree of
purification produced by these two filters, as shown by the average
a,nalyses. As has been the case for the last few years, the effluent from
the older filter was slightly better bacterially than that from the covered
filter, which is operated at a much higher rate.
The average analyses of the effluents from these two filters, and of
samples from other points on the Lawrence water supply system, are
shown in the following tables : —
340
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
Average Chemical Analyses.
Merrimack River. — Intake of the Lawrence City Filters.
[Parts per 100,000.]
^
Appear-
ance.
Ammonia. j
3
O
Nitrogen
s
n
S
8
a
o
to
d
1
>>
1
ALBUMINOID.
AS
»
a
a
Eh
1
"o
"3
O
a
a
1
2
.1
a
51
0.3
.33
.0170
.0216
.0180
.45
.020
.0005
.60
.0523
1.3
1.7
Effluent from the Lawrence City Filter {Old Filter) .
53
0.1
.18
.0118
.0099
-
.48
.032
.0004
.44
.0973
1.6
2.0
Effluent from the Lawrence City Filter (New Filter) .
53
0.0
.17
.0038
.0099
-
.44
.027
.0003
.46
.0294
1.3
1.7
Water from the Outlet of the Distributing Reservoir.
53
0.1
.22
.0062
.0102
-
.47
.034
.0002
.41
.0673
1.5
1.9
Water from a Tap at Lawrence City Hall.
54
0.2
.23
.0038
.0096
-
.47
.036
.0002
.40
.0733
1.5
1.8
Water from a Tap at the Lawrence Experiment Station.
54
0.1
.22
.0030 .0097
-
.47
.037
.0001
.38
.0694
1.5
1.8
Average Bacterial Analyses.
Merrimack River. — Intake of the Lawrence City Filters.
Bacteria per Cubic
Centimeter.
Per Cent, of Bacteria
REMOVED.
Per C' NT OP
, Samples
containing B. Coli.
40° C.
20° C.
40° C.
1 c. c.
20° C.
Total.
Red.
Total.
Red.
100 c. c.
7,400
225
175
-
-
-
100.0
100.0
Effluent from the Lawrence City Filter (.Old Filter).
41
15.7
No. 34.
PURIFICATION OF WATER.
341
Average Bacterial Analyses — Concluded.
Effluent from Lawrence City Filter {New Filter) .
Bacteria per Cubic
Centimeter.
Per Cent, of Bacteria
REMOVED.
Per Cent, of
Samples
containing b. coli.
20° C.
40° C.
20° C.
40° C.
1 c. c
Total.
Red.
Total.
Red.
100 c. c.
51
8
5
99.3
96 5
97.1
30.5
90.0
Mixed Effluents as pumped to Distributing Reservoir.
7 4
25.3 90.7
40
Water from the Outlet of the Distributing Reservoir.
13.1
87.3
Water from, a Tap at Lawrence City Hall.
36
81.8
39
Water from a Tap at the Lawrence Experiment Station.
78.0
Average Solids.
Merrimack River. — Intake of the Lawrence City Filters.
[Part.=? per 100,000.]
Unpiltered.
Filtered.
In Suspension.
Total.
Loss on
Ignition.
Fixed.
Total.
Loss on
Ignition.
Fixed.
Total.
Loss on
Ignition.
Fixed.
6.7
2.7
4.0
6.2
2.4
3.8
0.5
0.3
0.2
Effluent from Lawrence City Filter {Old Filter) .
6.4
2.3
4.1
-
-
-
-
Effluent from Lawrence City Filter {New Filter).
5.8
2.1
3.7
1
-
-
-
-
-
342
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
Average Solids — Concluded.
Water from the Outlet of the Distributing Reservoir.
[Parts per 100,000.]
Unfiltered.
Filtered.
In Suspension.
Total.
Loss on
Ignition.
Fixed.
Total.
Loss on
Ignition.
Fixed.
Total.
Loss on
Ignition.
Fixed.
6.1
2.2
3.9
-
-
-
-
-
-
Water from a Tap at Lawrence City Hall.
4.0
Water from a Tap at the Lawrence Experiment Station.
1 2.2 3
Filtration through a Shallow Sand Filter with Disinfection.
Filter No. 8A, %oo of ^^ acre in area and first put into operation on
Sept. 26, 1893, contained about 21 inches in depth of sand of an effective
size of 0.28 millimeter at the beginning of the year. This filter has
been operated with canal water at a rate of 3,000,000 gallons per acre
daily. During the year this filter was scraped to relieve clogging eleven
times, the average volume of water filtered between scrapings being about
79,000,000 gallons per acre, and the average time between scrapings
being about twenty-five days. During the first four months of the year
high bacterial counts were obtained on occasional samples of the effluent
from this filter, and high body temperature counts were obtained at
relatively frequent intervals. Attention was called in the last report to a
similar condition during 1912, especially during the first few days after
the filter was scraped, and it was stated that this was undoubtedly due
to the fact that the effective depth of the filter had been reduced below
the limit of safety. In the usual practice of operating slow sand filters,
it is customary to replace the sand removed by scraping at reasonably
frequent intervals, so that under ordinary conditions the effective depth
of the filter never becomes reduced to any great extent. With this and
certain other experimental filters at the station, however, the practice
has been to continue scraping the filter until an insufficient depth of sand
is indicated by the bacterial analyses of the effluent, and then to rebuild
the filter to the desired depth with new sand.
Instead of restoring the depth of sand in the spring of 1913, the
operation of the filter was continued and hypochlorite of lime was added
to the applied water throughout the last eight months of the year in
No. 34.] PURIFICATION OF WATER. 343
order to study the effect of combined disinfection and filtration through
a shallow layer of sand. On April 15, when the application of hypo-
chlorite was begun, the effective depth of sand within the filter was about
18 inches. The disinfectant was added directly to the water as it flowed
upon the filter, the volume of water upon the surface being equivalent
to about six hours' flow of the filter. The proportion of disinfectant used,
one part per million available chlorine, was that which long series of
experiments in previous years had shown to be necessary for the treat-
ment of Merrimack Eiver water.
In April and November a number of high counts were obtained on the
disinfected water as applied to the filter. As much trouble was ex-
perienced with the chemical feed in these months, these high counts can
undoubtedly be attributed to irregularities in the amount of disinfectant
added to the water. During the six months, May to October, inclusive,
the average destruction of bacteria by disinfection was about 99.5 per
cent, as shown by room temperature counts, and about 95 per cent, as
shown by body temperature counts. In three of these six months, B. coli
appear to have been entirely eliminated, judging by tests in 1 cubic centi-
meter of the disinfected water, but in the other three months, bacteria
of the colon type were found in a small proportion of the samples. The
effluent from the filter has been of good quality bacterially since the
application of disinfected water to it was begun. The average number of
bacteria in the effluent during this period was 11 per cubic centimeter,
and the highest average in any one month was 23 per cubic centimeter.
Only one sample containing more than 50 bacteria per cubic centimeter
has been obtained from this filter during this period. In two of the
months when the numbers in the disinfected applied water were very
low, the effluent from the filter contained more bacteria than the water
applied to it, and in one other month the numbers were unchanged by
filtration. The average for the eight months, however, shows a removal
of nearly 85 per cent, of the total bacteria and of about 58 per cent, of
the body temperature types during filtration, a very satisfactory result
when the small bacterial content of the applied water is taken into con-
sideration. In three of the eight months B. coli was not found in the
disinfected water before or after passing the filter, in three other months
there was a reduction by filtration in the proportion of samples contain-
ing this organism. In July, however, B. coli was found in the same
proportion of samples of both applied water and effluent, and the test
organism was found in 11 per cent, of the effluent samples, although not
found in any of the samples of the disinfected water applied to the filter.
Average analyses of the river water before and after disinfection, and
of the effluent from this filter, are shown in the following tables : —
344
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
Average Bacterial Analyses.
Without Disinfection.
MERRIMACK RIVER WATER.
Before
Disinfection.
After Disinfection.
Effluent, Filter No. 8A.
1912-13.
BACTEHIA PER C. C.
BACTERIA per C. C.
Per Cent,
of 1 Cubic
Centimeter
Samples
containing
B. Coli.
BACTERIA PER C. C.
Per Cent.
20° C.
40° C.
20° C.
40° C.
20° C.
40° C.
of 1 Cubic
Centimeter
15
1
T3
1
•6
Samples
containing
B. Coli.
December,
January, .
February,
March,
11,300
9,800
19,500
8,600
570
350
340
240
500
310
240
180
-
-
-
-
115
80
95
58
12
9
12
11
9
7
9
5
50
50.0
28.6
0.0
Average, .
12,300
375
310
1 -
-
-
-
87
11
8
32.1
With Disinfection.
April,
May,
June,
July,
August,
September
October,
November
,
2,200
1,500
1,900
2,600
500
4,900
11,300
5,450
80
130
170
240
70
170
290
230
45
90
93
150
38
85
230
190
350
12
8
6
6
8
28
160
29
11
9
8
4
6
13
14
13
2
2
2
1
5
7
0.0
0.0
5.9
5.6
0.0
0.0
11.1
33.3
23
10
9
4
6
9
12
16
10
5
4
3
1
6
3
8
3
1
1
1
1
4
0.0
0.0
0.0
5.6
0.0
11.1
5.6
13.3
Averaj
?e.
3,800
170
115
72
12
4
7.0
11
5
1
4.5
Bacterial Efficiency.
Of Disinfection.
Of Filter.
1912-13.
20° C.
40° C.
20° C.
40° C.
Total.
Red.
Total.
Red.
December
January, ....
February, ....
March, ....
-
-
-
99.9
99.2
99.5
99.3
97.9
97.4
96.5
95.4
98.2
97.7
96 3
97.2
Ave
April,
May,
June,
July,
August
Septem
Octobei
Novem
rage,
jcr,
aer,
84.1
99.2
99.6
99.8
98.8
99.8
99.8
97.1
63.8
91.5
94.7
96.7
94.3
96.6
95.5
93.9
71.1
97.8
97.8
98.7
97.5
100.0
97.8
96.3
99.5
93.6
16.7
12.5 1
33.3
0.0
12.5 I
67.2
90.0
96.8
65.6
54.5
55.5
62 5
75.0
0.0
77.0
42.8
97.4
77.0
50
100
50
100
_i
80.0
42.8
Ave
rage
97.3
90.9
94.6
39 5
54.1
62.5
I Increase.
No. 34.] PURIFICATION OF WATER. 345
Sand Filters operated with Merrimack River Water at Dif-
ferent Rates.
Filiers Nos. J^ll and Jfl9 were first put into operation Dec. 28, 1910,
as a part of a study of the effect of the rate upon the hygienic efiiciency
and economy of operation of sand filters. At the beginning of the year
Filter jSTo. 417 contained 49 inches and Filter No. 419 contained 46
inches in depth of sand of an effective size of 0.25 millimeter. Merri-
mack River water has been applied to Filter iSTo. 417 at a theoretical
rate of 2,500,000 gallons per acre daily and to Filter jSTo. 419 at a theo-
retical rate of 10,000,000 gallons per acre daily throughout the year.
During the greater part of the year the effluent from Filter No. 417
has contained considerably higher numbers of bacteria than has the
effluent from Filter No. 419, which is operated at a rate about four
times as high, the average numbers for the year being 104 and 72, re-
spectively. This apparently abnormal result has been confined to the
room temperature counts, the numbers of bacteria of the body tempera-
ture types, and also the proportion of samples containing B. coli in 1
cubic centimeter being about twice as great for Filter No. 419 as for
its companion filter operating at a much lower rate. The occurrence
of high room temperature counts in the effluents from these filters has
been noted and commented upon in previous reports, and has been due
to the occurrence of growths of bacteria, usually of a single species within
the filter. While of no sanitary importance, in this specific instance the
growths of such bacteria have been sufficient to entirely obscure the true
effect of the different rates of operation and to destroy the value of the
experiment so far as the room temperature counts are concerned. During
May attempts were made on two different occasions to eliminate the
growths within Filter No. 417 by treating the applied water with a high
concentration of calcium hypochlorite. On May 12 disinfectant equiva-
lent to about 10 parts per million available chlorine was added early in
the morning to the water on the surface of this filter. Samples collected
late in the afternoon and on the following day showed high numbers of
practically a pure culture of the organism which we had been trying to
eliminate. On May 22 the applied water was treated early in the morn-
ing with calcium hypochlorite in the proportion of 20 parts available
chlorine per million. Samples collected on the afternoon of this day
contained very low numbers of bacteria, but on the following days high
counts were obtained and the troublesome species were again very con-
spicuous. So far as the chemical quality of the water was concerned
there was practically no difference in the character of the effluents from
these filters during the year. The low-rate filter, however, caused a much
346 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
greater reduction in the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water during
the greater part of the 5'ear than did the high-rate filter, although at
times, especially during June, July and August, the dissolved oxygen
in the river water was practically all used up in passing through either
of these filters.
One of the most interesting features of these filters was the rela-
tive amount of surface treatment necessary to keep them in operation
at the prescribed rates. Prior to Dec. 1, 1913, each filter was surface
washed when necessary to relieve clogging. During the present year,
however, a method of treatment similar to that in vogue at certain
municipal filters has been tried. This method consists in raking the
filter to a depth of from 1 to 2 inches on two successive occasions when
surface treatment becomes necessary, and scraping the filter to a slightly
greater depth than customary under the older scraping practice when the
surface becomes clogged for the third time. That is to say, relief by
raking is tried twice in every case before scraping is resorted to. Under
this procedure, the surface of Filter No. 417 was raked three times and
was scraped once during the year. After the first two rakings the filter
was operated 74 and 115 days, respectively, before surface treatment was
again required, while following the single scraping, the filter was operated
for 87 days before surface treatment was again necessary. The average
volume of water filtered between raking and the next surface treatment
was about 235,000,000 gallons, while following the single scraping, about
219,000,000 gallons were filtered before surface treatment was again
required. The attempt to follow the same procedure with Filter No. 419,
which was operated at a rate of 10,000,000 gallons per acre daily, re-
sulted in the surface being raked twenty-five times and scraped thirteen
times during the year. The average result of raking Filter No. 419 has
been to permit an interval of seven days' operation before surface treat-
ment was again necessary, while the average interval following scraping
was about nine and one-half days. The longest interval following any
single raking was sixteen days, and in two cases the period following
was only about two days, and in one case, surface treatment was again
required on the next day after raking. The longest operating interval
following any scraping was nearly 22 days, but in two cases the interval
following was only three days, and in another case this interval was only
two days. The average volume of water filtered in the intervals follow-
ing raking was about 68,000,000 gallons, and the average volume in the
intervals following scraping was about 83,000,000 gallons per acre.
Comparing the records of these two filters, it will be noted that more
than nine times as much surface treatment was required to keep the filter
in operation at a 10,000,000 rate as was required to maintain a rate one-
No. 34.
PURIFICATION OF WATER.
347
fourth as great. On the basis of the volume of water filtered for each
surface treatment, the record of the low-rate filter is also much superior,
the average volume of water passed by this filter between scraping and
the next succeeding surface treatment being about 2.6 times as great,
and the average volume filtered in the periods following raking being
about 3.4 times as great as the volumes passed by the high-rate filter
during similar periods.
The average analyses of the effluents from these two filters are shown
in the following tables : —
Average Bacterial Analyses.
Effluent from Filter No. 417. '
Bacteria per Cubic Centimeter.
Per Cent, of Bacteria removed.
Per Cent, op
Samples
40° C.
20° C.
40° C.
containing
B. CoLi.
20° C.
Total.
Red.
Total.
Red.
1 c. c.
104
6
2
98.4
97.5
98.9
23.9
Effluent from Filter No. 419.
98.
95.4
46 8
Double Filtration.
Upward Filtration through Coarse Material folloioed by Sand Filtration.
Filters Nos. 389 and 2S6.
Filter No. 3S9, Hoooo of an acre in area, was first put into operation
on April 14, 1910. This filter is constructed of 6 inches in depth of wood
charcoal, supported upon a i/4-inch mesh galvanized-wire screen placed
13 inches above the bottom of the tank. Overlying the charcoal and
separated from it by a %-inch mesh copper screen is 24 inches in depth
of broken stone pebbles of an effective size of 4.4 millimeters. The
canal water enters at the bottom, passes upward through the filter mate-
rial and overflows through an orifice placed 3 inches above the surface
of the stone, the available loss of head with the filter in operation being
about 10 inches. This filter has been operated at a rate of 10,000,000
gallons per acre daily throughout the year. When the filter becomes
clogged to such an extent that the water will not pass at the prescribed
rate, it has been the practice to reverse the flow through the filter for a
short time to remove the clogging matters. During the early part of the
year reversal of the flow for a period of about thirty minutes was sufii-
348 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
cient to restore the filter to good operating condition, but as the deposited
matters have accumulated within the deeper layers of the filter it has
been necessary to gradually increase the time of washing, and during the
last half of the year about one hour has been required to wash the filter
properly. In all, this filter has been washed by reversed flow thirty-two
times during the year, or on an average about once in eleven days. The
average volume of water filtered between washings was about 109,000,000
gallons per acre. The longest run of the filter lasted from Oct. 23, 1912,
to Jan. 3, 1913, a i>eriod of sixty-eight days, during which about 700,-
000,000 gallons per acre were filtered. The shortest run of the filter,
forty-six hours, occurred in April, when less than 16,000,000 gallons per
acre were filtered before the filter became clogged. During the year there
were twenty periods when the interval between washings was less than
ten days, and twelve periods when this interval was five days or less.
It is quite evident that only a portion of the clogging matters is re-
moved by reversing the flow, and that it is only a question of a short
time before these matters will have accumulated to such an extent that
little or no relief will be obtained by washing, and the filtering material
will have to be removed and washed. In the last report attention was
called to the very remarkable degree of purification accomplished by this
filter, especially when the coarse nature and small depth of material and
the high rate are taken into consideration. In 1913 the effluent was
of even better quality than during the previous year, and during a con-
siderable portion of the time compared favorably with effluents from
the other slow sand filters. The average removal of turbidity by the filter
was about 67 per cent., the removal of color was about 18 per cent.,
and the reduction in free and albuminoid ammonia was about 68 per
cent, and 39 per cent., respectively. Bacterially, the work of the filter
was even more satisfactory. The total removal of bacteria averaged over
96 per cent., and the removal of the bacteria of the body temperature
types was about 90 per cent. Throughout the year in only two samples,
one collected in February and one in October, was a count of more than
1,000 bacteria per cubic centimeter obtained, while about 92 per cent, of
the samples contained less than 500 bacteria per cubic centimeter, and
over 36 per cent, contained less than 100 per cubic centimeter.
Secondary Filter No. 2S6 was first put into operation on Jan. 20, 1906.
This filter is Hoooo of ai^ acre in area, and during 1913 contained
about 29 inches in depth of sand of an effective size of about 0.21 milli-
meter. The effluent from upward-flow Filter No. 389 has been applied
to this filter throughout the year at a rate of 5,000,000 gallons per acre
daily. During the year the surface of this filter was scraped eight times
to relieve clogging. From July 2, 1912, to Feb. 7, 1913, a period of
No. 34.
PURIFICATION OF WATER.
349
one hundred and seventy-one working days, the filter was operated with-
out surface treatment of any kind being necessary, and from March 8 to
July 11 the filter was operated ninety-four days without scraping, the
volume of water filtered during these two periods being about 875,000,000
gallons and 463,000,000 gallons per acre, respectively. During August
and September, however, owing to growths of algae on the surface, it
was necessary to scrape the filter at an average interval of about once
in seven days. As these filters are arranged, the effluent from roughing
Filter No. 389 is collected in a storage tank and thence pumped to a
supply tank, from which it flows to the secondary filter, certain portions
jof the primary effluent receiving twelve to eighteen hours' storage. Dur-
ing this process there is usually a considerable increase in the total
bacterial content of the water before it reaches Filter No. 286, and,
frequently, there is an increase in the body temperature counts. The
resulting water as it reaches the secondary filter usually has a high
bacterial content, but being well purified chemically and practically free
from suspended matters is an exceedingly difficult water to purify bac-
terially. The average removal of bacteria by the secondary filter was
about 86 per cent., but the final effluent contained shghtly more bacteria
than did the effluent from the roughing filter. On the basis of the re-
moval of bacteria of the body temperature types and of B. coli, however,
the secondary filter and the double filtration system were reasonably sat-
isfactory.
The average chemical and bacterial results obtained by this system of
double filtration are shown in the f ollovv^ing tables : —
Average Chemical Analyses.
Merrimack River (Canal) Water applied to Experimental Filters.
[Parts per 100,000.1
"SO
B
Appear-
Ammonia.
6
a
1
3
o
Nitrogen
S
3
3
8
d
t?
O
o ci
Quantity
ance.
^
ALBUMINOID.
AS
applied.
Gallons
per Acre
Daily.
3
o
"o
O
i
Eh
a
.2
3
CD
a
1
1
i5
<
-
50
0.3
.23
.0151
.0227
.0169
.44
.019
.0004
.58
47.5
1.2
Effluent Slow Sand Filter No. 8 A.
2,949,000 50 0.0 .15 .0038 .0103
.47
035 .0000 .43 24.5 1.1
350
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
Average Chemical Analyses — Concluded.
Effluent Sand Filter No. 417.
[Parts per 100,000.]
Appeab-
Ammonia.
Nitrogen
13
a) cj
Quantity
applied.
ANCE.
ALBUMINOID.
AS
§
Gallons
3 <0
>.
.9
8
>>
per Acre
"O
3
1
1
S
o
3
Daily.
0.
S
J2
o
O
fin
O
o
M
a
3
o
1
g
<
2,488,000
52
0.0
.16
.0062
.0102
-
.44
.030
.0002
.42
21.8
1.3
Effluent Sand Filter No. 419.
9,680,000 51 0.6 .16 .0040 .0109
44 .029 .0000 .43 28.1 1.1
Effluent Upward Flow Roughing Filter No. S89A.
9,589,000 51 0.1 .19 .0064 .0139
.43 .029 .0003 .47 38.0 1.2
Effluent Secondary Filter No 286.
4,780,000 53 0.0 .17 .0024 .0113
43 .036 .0001 .43 43.9 1.3
Average Bacterial Analyses.
Effluent from Roughing Filter No. 389.
Bacteria per Cubic Centimeter.
Per Cent, of Bacteria removed.
Per Cent, of
Samples
40^0.
20° C.
40° C.
B. CoLi.
20° C.
Total.
Red.
Total.
Red.
1 c. c.
235
26
14
96.4
89.2
92.2
71.5
Effluent from Filter No. 389 after Storage as applied to Filter No. 286.
1,975
741. 0»
0.0
61.4
Effluent from Secondary Filler No. 286.
270
64.6
64.2
33.9
* Percentage increase during storage.
No. 34.
PURIFICATION OF WATER.
351
Eefiltration of Lawrence City Water.
Filter No. SJjSA, %oooo of an acre in area and first put into opera-
tion in March, 1908, is constructed of 33 inches in depth of sand of an
effective size of 0.35 millimeter. In previous years this filter has been
operated with river water as No. 343. From December 1 to June 30 the
filter was out of operation. Begirming July 1 and continuing through-
out the year, filtered water from the Lawrence city mains has been
applied to the filter at a rate of 5,000,000 gallons per acre daily, pri-
marily as a study of the removal of iron from water by slow sand filters
operated at a reasonably high rate, and also as a continuation of the
studies upon double filtration. No surface treatment of this filter has
been required during the five months it has been in operation. The re-
moval of iron has varied from about 30 per cent, to about 70 per cent,
at different times, the average removal being about 48 per cent. The
average removal of color by this filter was about 24 per cent. After the
first month of operation the effluent from this filter seldom contained
more than 10 bacteria per cubic centimeter, the average bacterial ef-
ficiency during the last four months being about 84 per cent., a very
satisfactory result when the low numbers of bacteria in the city water
applied to it are taken into consideration. There was a slight increase
in the numbers of bacteria of body temperature types during two of
these months, however, although the actual numbers of bacteria of
these types were so very low that the computation of bacterial efficiency
from them has little or no practical significance. It should be noted,
however, that B. coli were not found in any sample of the effluent,
although bacteria of this group were present in about one-fifth of the
samples of the applied water.
The average analyses of the effluent from this filter are shown in the
following tables : —
Effluent from Filter No. 843 A.
[Parts per 100,000.]
Appeab-
Ammonia.
Nitrogen
"d
a J.
Quantity
ANCB.
B
qo
applied.
2
13
a •
1913.
Gallons
>>
O
1
"O ""d
^
per Acre
■3
'a
a
XI
a
1
i
a
>l.-s
.9
Daily.
5
o
§
1
'B
ifel
M
H
6
f^
<
O
^
•z
o
5
<
July, .
5,328,000
0.0
.13
.0028
.0080
.74
.019
.0000
.49
48.7
1.9
.0200
August,
5,322,000
0.0
.15
.0010
.0064
.76
.034
.0000
.42
52.8
2.1
.0200
September, .
5,148,000
0.0
.12
.0032
.0088
.86
.039
.0000
.33
52.2
2.3
.0500
October,
5,322,000
0.0
.12
.0014
.0054
.76
.033
.0000
.39
57.5
1.8
.0220
November, .
5,269,000
0.0
.13
.0016
.0088
.54
.043
.0000
.40
56.2
1.5
.0500
Average, .
5,277,800
0.0
.13
.0020
.0075
.73
.034
.0000
.41
53.5
1.9
.0324
352
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
Effluent from Filter No. 3 43 A.
Bactekia
PEK Cubic Centimeter.
Per Cent, of
Samples
containing
B. COLI.
1913.
20° C.
40° C.
Total.
Red.
Ic. C.
August,
September,
October,
November,
4
4
8
8
3
2
3
2
1
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Average
6
3
0.0
Bacterial Content of Sand in Water Filters at Different Depths.
The. question has sometimes been asked as to what extent the bac-
terial content of the sand within a water filter was influenced by the
character of the water applied, or by the rate at which the filter was
operated. In a number of the earlier reports tables showing the num-
bers of bacteria in the sand collected at different depths of certain water
filters have been presented and discussed. Most of these studies were
made, however, before the tests for bacteria of the colon type and de-
terminations of the numbers of bacteria of the body temperature types
had been included in the routine methods for bacterial analysis of water.
During the past year studies of the bacterial content of the sand at
different depths in a number of different water filters have been made,
and the results of one series of analyses from each of five different filters
are shown in an accompanying table. All of these samples were collected
at an interval of seven days or more after any disturbance of the surface
by washing, scraping or raking in order that the results might be com-
parative so far as possible. Discussion of these results, and of the in-
fluence of the various factors which might influence them, will be
deferred until further data have been obtained, these results being
presented here only to indicate the variations which may possibly be
produced by the different factors in the operation of these filters.
No. 34.]
PURIFICATION OF WATER.
353
Table showing Bacterial Content of Sand at Different Depths in Filters operated
ivith Different Waters.
Filter No. 417- — Rirer Water applied.
A equals less than 1,000; B equals less than 100; C equals less than 50.
Per
Bacteri.4 per Gra.m of
Dry Sand.
Smallest Weight of
Dry Sand in which
Following Types were
FOUND (Grams).
I-. ™.„ Cent, of
20° C.
40° C.
ure.
•
Total.
Red.
Ferment.
Organism.
B. Coli.
Sewage
Strepto.
Surface,
1 inch,
6 inches, .
12 inches, .
24 inches, .
36 inches, .
48 inches, .
26.7
17.0
8.1
7.8
7.2
6.7
6.8
176,800
96,000
6,500
6,500
•4,300
9,600
5,400
4,800
9,000
1,000
1,200
1,500
375
500
1,500
120
• 55
c
C
c
c
.0000733
.000830
.00919
.00922
.0928
.933
.0932
.0000733
.0830
.00919
.00922
.0928
-1
.932
_i
.0083
.00919
.922
.0928
-1
_i
Filter No. 419. — River Water applied.
Surface,
24.5
1,518,000
8,600 !
5,900
.0000755
.000755
,0000755
1 inch.
19.5
80,600
5,600
1,000
.000805
.000805
-1
6 inches, .
14.0
32,500
2,000
600
.00860
.0086
_i
12 inches, .
11.3
10,700
450 ;
57
.000887
.0887
.0887
24 inches, .
8.9
3,000
8,200 1
550
.0911
.911
-I
38 inches, .
9.2
3,850
700 j
C
.00908
.0908
.0908
Filter No. 8 A. — Disinfected River Water applied.
Surface,
21.5
44,500
47,000
A
.0000785
.00785
_i
1 inch.
17.9
9,200
5,000
B
.0821
.0821
.0821
6 inches, .
9.6
4,100
2,200
C
.0904
.904
_i
12 inches, .
9.3
2,400
3,900
C
.907
.907
.907
18 inches, .
17.1
6,100
3,600
C
.829
-1
_i
1 Not found in 1 gram of wet sand.
354
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [P. D. No. 34.
Table showing Bacterial Content of Sand at Different Depths in Filters operated
xcith Different Waters — Concluded.
Filter No. 286. — Effluent from Roughing Filter No. 389 applied.
A equals '.ess than 1,000; B equals less than 100; C equals loss than 50.
Per
Cent, of
Moist-
ure.
Bacteria per Gh
Dry Sand.
am of
Smallest Weight of
Dry Sand in which
Following Types were
FOUND (GR.IMS).
Depth.
20° C.
40°
C.
Total.
Red.
Ferment.
Organism.
B. Coli.
Sewage
Streptft.
Surface,
25.6
201,000
5,400
135
.00744
.0744
.0744
1 inch,
18.3
24,400
4,300
610
.0817
.0817
.0817
6 inches, .
11.0
51,500
2,000
110
.0890
.0890
.0890
12 inches, .
9.6
6,100
1,.330
110
.0904
.0904
.904
24 inches, .
8.0
3,400
2,725
•550
.0920
.0920
.0920
Filter No
. 343. — Lawrence City Water
applied.
Surface,
8.6
25,100
4,600
3,900
.0914
.0914
.914
1 inch.
6.2
35,300
3,000
3,000
.0938
_i
.1
6 inclies, .
6.6
3,000
3,700
3,700
.934
_i
_i
12 inches, .
7.4
3, .500
22,100
20,000
.0926
.0926
_i
26 inches, .
5.4
3,700
5,700
3,000
.946
_i
_i
■ Not found in 1 gram of wet sand.
EFFECT OF SEWAGE DISPOSAL.
(355]
The Effect of Sewage Disposal.
The cities and towns in this State having works for the purification
of a part or all of their sewage are 32 in number and contain an aggre-
gate population, according to the census of 1910, of about 450,000, —
about 13 per cent, of the total population of the State. Various methods
of preliminary treatment of the sewage are employed at these works, but
the method of final purification is in each case by intermittent filtration
through sand or gravel, and soil of this character well suited for the
purpose is found commonly in nearly all parts of this State.
Samples of sewage, settled sewage and effluent have been collected
from most of the works as often as once a month for chemical examina-
tion, the results of which are summarized in the following tables. In
the cases of the smaller towns, such as Billerica, Lenox, Maynard and
North Brookfield, no information of special interest has been obtained
and no data concerning the works in these towns are given in the tables.
All of the sewage-disposal works have been examined frequently during
the year by the engineers of the Board, the efficiency of their operation
observed, and recommendations have been made as to the maintenance
and operation of the works with a view to securing more satisfactory
results.
Several of the disposal works of the State, on account of the increase
in the quantity of sewage or from other causes, are of insufficient capacity
for the treatment of all of the sewage discharged upon them at all times,
and satisfactory results in the treatment of the sewage at these works
cannot be effected until they have been materially enlarged. In other
cases the chief cause of inefficient operation of sewage-disposal works
is lack of proper care in the maintenance of the filters, due commonly
to the lack of sufficient funds for the purpose. Mechanical devices must
receive proper attention if they are to be maintained in use, and no
disposal works can long be maintained in successful operation without
adequate care. Moreover, nothing is saved in the end by inadequate
attention to filters and other sewage-disposal works, since the cost of
restoring such works to proper operation is usually great after a period
of neglect. iSTegligence in maintenance may also lead to damage suits,
as has been the case in a number of instances.
Special observations covering several hours' duration have been made
358 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
during the year of the rate of flow and of the character of sewage at
many of the places, and the results of the measurements are given in
Table Xo. 8. These examinations indicate that even in dry weather a
considerable quantity of ground water enters the sewers in many places.
A considerable amount of work has been done during the year at
Andover in reconstructing the underdrainage system and at Eramingham
in adding new underdrains. Xew works are under construction in
Franklin, and plans are being prepared to abandon the works at Long-
meadow and to discharge the sewage into the Connecticut Eiver. An
additional area of sand filters of three acres was constructed during the
year at Norwood, but the new beds were not in operation at the end of
the year. The sewerage system and the sewage-disposal works at Attle-
borough were put in operation during the summer, but only nine beds
were used and no effluent was collected in the underdrainage system
until the end of the year.
The trickling filter at Brockton was put into operation early in the
fall, but it had not been in operation a sufficient length of time at the
end of the year to furnish efficient results. The revolving screen through
which the sewage is passed has given considerable trouble during the
year, the sewage having a bad effect on the material of which the screen
is constructed, and the operation of the trickling filter was interrupted on
two or three occasions on account of the poor preliminary treatment of
the sewage. The trickling filter has an area of one-half an acre and is
constructed of stone varying between li/o and 3 inches in size 6 feet deep.
The rate of operation at the end of the year was about 1,600,000 gallons
per acre per day. The effluent of this filter is passed through a tank
which affords an average period of sedimentation of about four and
one-half hours, whence it is passed on to sand filters set apart from the
sand filtration area for this purpose. The rate of operation of these sand
filters was approximately 400,000 gallons per acre per day at the end
of the year. The results of the operation of this plant, while given in
the following tables, should not be used in comparison with the other
results owing to the fact that the filter was in operation simply during
the fall at a time when the highest efficiency in the purification of sewage
cannot be expected.
Considerable progress has been made during the year on works con-
sisting of five preliminary settling tanks with separate compartments foi-
the digestion of sludge, three acres of trickling filters of crushed stone.
1 to .3 inches in size and 10 feet deep, and four secondary settling tanks
for the treatment of the sewage of the city of Fitchburg.
No. 34.]
EFFECT OF SEWAGE DISPOSAL.
359
-3
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360
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
■naSoajix n'^piafH
1.02
1.70
1.11
2.26
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o
Amherst (settled), .
Andover (settled), .
Attleborough, '
Brockton (screened),
Brockton, (trickling filter efflu-
ent). = ....
>. •
c •
o
i
11
II
11
P9
Clinton (settled).
Concord, ....
Framinghani, .
Gardner (Gardner area),
Gardner (Templeton area)
(settled),
Hopedale (settled), .
Hudson (settled), .
Leicester (.settled), .
Marion, . . .
Marlborough (settled),
Milford (settled)
Natick, ....
North Attleborough (settled),
Northbridge (settled),
Norwood (settled), .
Pittsfield,
Southbridge (settled),
Spencer, ....
Stockbridge,
Wcstborough, .
No. 34.]
EFFECT OF SEWAGE DISPOSAL.
361
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362
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
Table No. 4. — Character of Sewage.
ClTT OR TOWX.
Constituents of Sewage other than of Domestic Origin.
Amherst, ....
Small quantity of dye wastes from straw hat shops. Considerable ground
water.
Andover, ....
Little or no manufacturing waste.
Attleborough, .
Little or no manufacturing waste.
Brockton,
Considerable quantity of shoe shop wastes.
Clinton, ....
Small quantity of wool-scouring and cotton mill wastes.
Concord
No manufacturing wastes.
Framingham,
Wastes from a factory in which leatherboard is manufactured and from one
in which paper is colored, gummed, etc. Small quantity of hat .shop
wastes.
Gardner, ....
Very little if any manufacturing wastes. Ground water at times.
Hopedale, ....
No manufacturing waste.
Hudson, ....
Wastes from a tannery and factory in which rubber is handled. .\l.?o shoe
shop wastes.
Leicester, ....
Considerable ground water.
Marion, ....
Considerable ground water.
Marlborough,
Shoe shop wastes and small quantity of dyehouse wastes.
Milford
Shoe shop wastes and small quantity from straw shop and from a factory
in which rubber is handled.
Natick, ....
Shoe shop wastes and considerable ground water.
North Attleborough,
Considerable ground water.
Northbridge,
Little or no manufacturing wastes.
Norwood
Tannery wastes and bindery wastes.
Pittsfield
Woolen mill wastes.
Southbridge,
Small amount of wastes from optical works. Roof water.
Spencer, ....
Shoe shop wastes.
Stockbridge,
Considerable ground water.
Westborough,
Wastes from a hat shop and small amount from a tannery. Considerable
ground water in wet weather.
Worcester, ....
Acid wastes from wire works. Dye wastes. Wastes from tanneries and
woolen mill.a.
Xo. 34.]
EFFECT OF SEWAGE DISPOSAL.
363
Table No. 5. — Average Results of the Analyses of Samples of Effluent from
Filters (arranged in Order of Amount of Albuminoid Ammonia).
[Parts in 100,000.]
City or Town.
North Attleborough,
Concord,
Marlborough,'
Milford,
Clinton,'
Marion,
Spencer,
Stockbridge,'
Northbridge,
Amherst,
Westborough, '
Pittsfield,' .
Framingham,'
Norwood,
Natick,
Gardner (Gardner area),
Southbridge, '
Hudson,
Hopedale,
Worcester,
Andover,' .......
Brockton,'
Leicester, .......
Gardner (Templeton area),'
Brockton (effluent of .?e"ondary sand filters).
03 >
18.30
25.87
43.12
40.41
34.39
15.44
25.28
23.19
22.73
27.70
29.85
33.45
38.64
76.57
34.36
41.71
28.16
92.50
29.79
62.36
29.84
44.29
27.91
35.72
44.05
Ammonia.
.04
.19
.26
.38
.18
.29
.71
.25
.31
.98
.26
.25
1.80
.96
1.13
1.36
1.89
.72
1.39
2.16
2.15
3.32
1.05
1.96
2.39
_ a
o *"
.0111
.0137
.0252
.0292
.0367
.0377
.0381
.0405
.0488
.0494
.0509
.0518
.0624
.0639
.0642
.0673
.0725
.0770
.0965
.1143
.1363
.1381
.1411
.1674
.1695
3.18
4.27
7.67
9.02
5.07
3.08
5.07
2.78
4.03
10.08
4.90
4.58
8.68
28.45
7.08
6.51
6.40
34.13
5.34
13.02
7.25
12.10
5.44
7.74
10.52
Nitrogen
.6266
.9240
2.1528
1.3917
1.3892
.3042
.5370
.2274
1.0433
.1078
1.3336
.8550
.2023
.3105
.5463
2.1463
.0790
1.0267
1.1617
.2130
.2169
.1146
.1786
.8015
.3450
.0031
.0207
.0039
.0067
.0044
.0075
.0036
.0030
.0168
.0081
.0216
.0101
.0061
.0707
.0155
.0100
.0078
.0196
.0069
.0181
.0134
.0114
.0252
.0250
.0135
.21
.21
.37
.43
.52
.54
.52
.47
.54
.66
.54
.54
1.00
1.07
.68
.70
.96
.65
.78
1.92
1.20
1.87
1.53
1.33
1.62
.005
.008
.009
.037
.078
.225
.277
.110
.028
.602
.037
.021
2.042
1.038
.584
.065
1.937
.214
.084
2.060
.638
2.668
.502
.077
.245»
' Samples from two or more underdrains combined in one average.
2 Two in October and two in November only.
564
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
Table No. 6. — Efficiency of Sand Filters (arranged in Order of Per Cent. Re-
moval of Albuminoid Ammonia).
[Parts in 100,000.]
Free Ammonia.
ToT.\L Albuminoid |
Ammonia.
OXTQEN CONSUMED.
City or Town.
Ap-
plied
Sew-
age.
Efflu-
ent.
Per
Cent.
re-
moved.
Ap-
plied
Sew-
age.
Efflu-
ent.
Per
Cent.
re-
moved.
Ap-
plied
Sew-
age.
Efflu-
ent.
Per
Cent.
re-
moved.
Marlborough, .
5.46
.26
95
.76
.0252
97
5.29
.37
93
Concord, ....
2.03
.19
91
.46
.0137
97
4.24
.21
95
Gardner (Gardner area), .
6.05
1.36
78
1.95
.0673
97
12.41
.70
94
Framingham, .
4.54
1.80
60
1.46
.0624
96
12.32
1.00
92
Milford
.3.74
.38
90
.58
.0292
95
4.20
.43
90
Spencer
3.77
.71
81
.82
.0381
95
5.60
.52
91
Westborough, .
2.96
.26
91
.82
.0509
94
5.35
.54
90
Clinton
3.47
.18
47
.59
.0367
94
4.88
.52
89
North Attleborough,
.64
.04
94
.16
.0111
93
1.15
.21
82
Hudson
4.73
.72
85
.98
.0770
92
6.67
.65
90
Northbridge, .
3.32
.30
91
.54
.0488
91
3.66
.54
85
Norwood,
3.64
.96
74
.70
.0639
91
10.18
1.07
90
Worcester,
3.45
2.16
37
1.23
.1143
91
11.05
1.92
83
Amherst, ....
1.90
.98
48
.50
.0494
90
3.65
.66
82
Natick, ....
3.35
1.13
66
.63
.0642
90
5.23
.68
87
Pittafield,
1.97
.25
87
.46
.0518
89
3.84
.54
86
Brockton,
5.80
3.32
43
1.24
.1381
89
12.28
1.87
85
Stockbridge,
1.40
.25
82
.32
.0405
89
2.72
.47
83
Marion
1.09
.29
74
.26
.0377
86
1.83
.54
70
Hopedale,
4.93
1.39
72
.63
.0965
85
4.07
.78
81
Andover, . . . .
5.20
2.15
59
.83
.1363
84
6.31
1.20
81
Southbridge, .
2.95
1.89
36
.45
.0725
84
3.11
.96
69
Leicester, . . . .
4.37
1.05
76
1 ■''
.1411
79
5.91
1.53
74
Gardner (Templeton area)
, 4.42
1.96
56
.76
.1674
78
4.63
1.33
71
No. 34.]
EFFECT OF SEWAGE DISPOSAL.
365
Table No. 7. — Filter Effiimits arranged according to the Amount of Nitrates
in the Effluent.
[Parts in 100,000.]
Nitrogen as
Iron in
Effluent.
Total
Albuminoid
CiTT OR TOWX.
Nitrates in
Effluent.
Nitrites in
Effluent.
Ammonia
in Applied
Sewage.
Marlborough,
2.1528
.0039
.009
.76
Gardner (Gardner area).
2.1463
.0100
.065
1.95
Milford
1.3917
.0067
.037
.58
Clinton,
•<
1.3892
.0044
.078
.59
Westborough,
1.3336
.0216
.037
.82
Hopedale,
1.1617
.0069
.084
.63
Northbridge, .
1.0433
.0168
.028
.54
Hudson,
1.0267
.0196
.214
.98
Concord,
.9240
.0207
.008
.48
Pittsfield,
.8550
.0101
.021
.46
Gardner (Templeton area),
.8015
.0250
.077
.76
North Attleborough,
.6266
.0031
.005
.16
Natick, ....
.5463
.0155
.584
.63
Spencer, ....
.5370
.0036
.277
.82
Norwood,
.3105
.0707
1.038
.70
Marion
.3042
.0075
.225
.26
Stockbridge, .
.2274
.0030
.110
.32
Andover,
.2109
.0134
.638
.83
Worcester,
.2130
.0181
2.060
1.23
Framingham,
.2023
.0061
2.042
1.46
Leicester, . . ,
.1786
.0252
.502
.67
Brockton,
.1146
.0114
2.668
1.24
Amherst,
.1078
.0081
.602
.50
Southbridge, .
.0790
.0078
1.937
1
.45
36G
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
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§■^■3 33
1
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mherst, .
ndover, .
ttleborough
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Spencer,
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No. 34.]
EFFECT OF SEWAGE DISPOSAL.
367
Table No. 9. — Extent of Works and Rate of Operation.
City or Town.
Popula-
tion,
Census of
1910.
Length of
Sanitary
Sewer.'i
(Miles).
Estimated
Average
Quantity
Treated
(Gallons
per Day).
Number
of In-
termittent
Sand
Filters, not
including
Sludge
Beds.
Net
Filtration
Area
(Acres).
Estimated
Average
Rate of
Operation
with even
Distribution
(Gallons
per Acre
per Day).
Amherst,
5,112
7.3
375,000
6
2.00
188,000
Andover, .
7,301
11.4
350,000
20
3.65
96,000
Attleborough,
16,215
30.2
250,000
26
15 50
16,000
Brockton, .
56,878
71.8
2,175,0001
37
37.00
59,000
Clinton,
13,075
19.7
1,090,000 =
27
26.23
42,000
Concord,
6,421
8.3
422,0002
4
3.30
128,000
Framingham,
12,918
20.9
700,0002
20
20 75
34,000
Gardner: —
Gardner area, . 1
Templeton area, J
14,699
26.3
1 135,000
[ 600,000
20
26
2 50
10 00
54,000
60,000
Hopedale, .
2,188
4.8
150,0002
7
3 25
46,000
Hudson,
6,743
8.5
276,000
23
9.00
31,000
Leicester,
3,237
2.6
70,000
8
.36
194,000
Marion,
1,460
-
110,0002
8
.66
167,000
Marlborough,
14,579
26.0
750,000
33
20 90
36,000
Milford,
13,055
17.1
513,000
15
9 30
55,000
Natick,
9,866
14.8
720,000-
14
12.60
57,000
North Attleborough, .
9,562
16.1
600,000
16
7.00
86,000
Northbridge,
8,807
11.4
244,000
24
6.00
41,000
Norwood, .
8,014
13
500,000
6
6.64»
75,000
Pittsfield, .
32,121
-
1,903,0002
35 <
25.90
74,000
Southbridge,
12,592
13.3
900,000
11
8.50
106,000
Spencer,
6,740
11.0
450,000
12
9.30
48,000
Westborough,
5,446
9 5
425,000
12
5 80
73,000
Worcester, .
145,986
168.15
3,860,000«
75
74.30
52,000
1 .Amount pumped to filters. About 800,000 gallons daily treated by the half acre trickling filter,
sedimentation and subsequent filtration through sand during October and November.
2 Amount pumped.
' Three acres of filters under construction.
' Includes sludge beds.
5 Includes 68.7 miles for sewage and surface water.
5 .\niount treated by sand filters only.
368
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [P. D. No. 34.
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FOOD AND DRUG INSPECTION.
1369]
FOOD AND DKUG INSPECTION.
The report of the chief analyst presents in detail the work of this
department for the year ended Nov. 30, 1913. The following per-
sonnel comprised the laboratory force: —
Hermann C. Lythgoe,
Charles H. Hicket,
Lewis I. Ndrenberg,
Clarence E. Marsh,
Horace F. Davis, '■
Chief Analyst.
First Asst. Analyst.
Second Asst. Analyst.
Third Asst. Analyst.
Inspector.
Daniel E. McCarthy,
Frederick L. Marion,
Maurice P. Crowe,
Patrick T. McDonough,
Inspector.
Inspector.
Inspector,
Inspector,
The number of samples examined during this period, together with
a summary of work done since the passage of the law in 1882,
follows: —
Food and Drug Inspection {1882-1913).
Years.
Summary.
1913.
Total,
1882-1913.
Niimber of samples of milk examined
Number of samples above standard,
Number of samples below standard,
Number of samples of other kinds of food examined (not milk), .
Number of samples of good quality,
Number of samples adulterated, as defined by the statutes, .
Number of samples of drugs examined,
Number of samples of good quality,
Number of samples adulterated, as defined by the statutes, .
Total examination of food and drugs
Total samples of good quality,
Total samples not conforming to the statutes,
6,702
5,020
1,682
1,632
1,351
281
1,393
1,189
204
9,727
7,560
2,167
127,296
84,851
42,445
70,593
57,491
13,102
25,163
17,242
7,921
223,052
159,584
63,468
Section 7 of chapter 75 of the Revised Laws provides that the
State Board of Health "shall annually report to the general court the
number of prosecutions made under the provisions of sections six-
teen to twenty-seven, inclusive, and an itemized account of the
money expended in carrying out the provisions thereof;" and in
accordance with this provision the following report is made.
The total number of prosecutions entered during the fiscal year
ended Nov. 30, 1913, was 161. Of these, 116 resulted in conviction,
2 were dismissed by order of the court, 1 dismissed for lack of juris-
diction and 1 nol prossed. There are 28 cases pending on appeal to
the Superior Court.
The amount paid in fines was $2,922.75, which brings the sum total
to $93,882.39.
1 H. F. Davis retired March 31, 1913. From April 1 to August 31, the position was filled by F. J.
Harrington, and on September 1 P. T. McDonough was appointed permanently.
372
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
Prosecutions.
The following table presents the statistics relative to the prosecu-
tions which have been conducted under the food and drug acts since
the beginning of work in 1883 (Revised Laws, chapter 75, sections
16 to 27): —
Number of Complaints entered in Court.
Year.
Food
and Other
Articles
(not
including
Milk).
Drugs.
Milk.
Total.
Convic-
tions.
Fines
imposed.
1883
-
5
4
9
8
-1
1884
2
1
45
48
44
-1
1885
2
50
1
68
119
103
-1
1886
3
10
-
10
20
19
-1
1887
30
-
34
64
60
-J
1888
22
-
43
65
61
$2,042 00
1889
74
-
66
140
124
3,889 00
1890
78
-
24
102
96
3,919 00
1891
96
5
49
150
135
2,668 00
1892
52
12
72
136
123
3,661 70
1893
26
3
67
93
92
2,476 00
1894
14
-
76
90
77
2,625 00
1895
13
11
68
92
86
2,895 30
1896
7
-
68
75
74
2,812 20
1897
13 .
1
51
65
64
2,756 60
1898
10
-
54
64
62
2,060 98
1899
19
2
26
47
45
1,432 66
1900
•
45
5
44
94
89
1,890 70
1901
30
-
65
95
90
1,874 70
1902
25
3
48
76
74
2,617 98
1903
34
1
44
79
70
1,297 66
1904
6
6
50
62
57
1,509 00
1905
209
27
77
313
275
8,486 00
1906
4
177
60
171
409
383
7,316 00
1907
123
63
147
333
290
6,546 00
1908
76
138
219
433
386
8,300 30
1909
72
44
180
296
267
5,666 74
1910
112
26
119
257
244
5,395 21
1911
49
30
82
161
147
4,015 91
1912
20
36
65
121
111
2,805 00
1913
36
19
106 »
131
116
2,922 75
1 No record kept.
' To May 1, 1886.
3 Four months only.
* Fourteen
'One case
months, from Sept. 30, 1905.
was on account of obstruction of an inspector.
No. 34.]
FOOD AND DRUG INSPECTION.
373
The nature of the oflFences brought to the attention of the courts
during the year, the names of the defendants, the places where the
offences were committed, the dates of trial or indictment, and the
results of the prosecutions, are set forth in the following table: —
For Sale
f Milk not of Good Standard Quality.
Name.
Place.
Percentage
of Total
Solids.
Date.
Result.
Herbert, Benjamin,
Acushnet, .
10.061
Apr.
3, 1913
Conviction.
Blake, Horace S.,
Ashland, .
9.64>
May
10, 1913
Conviction.
Blake, Horace S.,
Ashland, .
10.561
May
10, 1913
Conviction.
Root, Warren H.,
Bernardston,
10.401
Oct.
23. 1913
Conviction. 2
Cunningham, Paul,
Bolton,
9.783
May
31, 1913
Conviction.
Piercy, F. W.,
Braintree, .
10.67
Aug.
21, 1913
Conviction. 2
Winn, G. Edward,
Burlington,
10.66
May
13, 1913
Conviction.
Baker, John,
Cambridge,
10.471
Apr.
30, 1913
Discharged.
Davis, Palmer,
Carlisle,
11.13*
Aug.
23, 1913
Discharged.
Wilson, George, .
Cohasset, .
11.201
Oct.
3, 1913
Conviction. 2
Kirch ner, Jacob F.,
Dalton,
10.481
Nov.
21, 1913
Conviction.
Seabury, Robt. F.,
Dartmouth,
6.941
July
29, 1913
Conviction.
Souza, Anthony, .
Dartmouth,
9.761
July
29, 1913
Conviction.
Farrington, Fred 0.,
Dedham, .
10.261
Oct.
30, 1913
Conviction. 2
Bartlett, Walter E.,
Easthampton,
9.544
Nov.
12, 1913
Conviction.
Levonis, John,
Easthampton,
11.201
Nov.
19, 1913
Conviction.
Levonis, John,
Easthampton,
9.74*
Nov.
19, 1913
Conviction.
Boucher, August,
Franklin, .
10.761
Oct.
9, 1913
Conviction.
Atwater, Jos. A., .
Gloucester,
10.70
Aug.
14, 1913
Conviction.
Rogers, J. King, .
Gloucester,
9.661
Oct.
20, 1913
Conviction . 2
Spittle, Thos. E.,
Gloucester,
8.881
Nov.
29, 1913
Conviction.'
United Fisheries Co.,
Gloucester,
11.404
Jan.
15, 1913
Conviction.
Waldron, Geo. E.,
Gloucester,
3.001
Nov.
29, 1913
Conviction. -
Waldron, Geo. E..
Gloucester,
3.00
Nov.
29, 1913
Conviction.*
WUde, G. Fred, Jr.,
Harvard, .
9.941
Oct.
7, 1913
Conviction.'
Wilde, G. Fred, Jr.,
Harvard, .
9.941
Sept.
26, 1913
Dismissed. '
Moores, Hersey C,
Haverhill, .
8.841
July
30, 1913
Conviction.'
Poplaski, Josephine,
Haverhill, .
10.061
July
30, 1913
Conviction.
Burgess, Geo. W.,
Hingham, .
10.941
Oct.
10, 1913
Conviction.
Burgess, Geo. W.,
Hingham, .
10.881
Oct.
10, 1913
Conviction.
1 Addition of water alleged in complaint.
' Appealed to upper court; case pending.
' Skimmed milk; cans not marked.
* Removal of cream alleged in complaint.
' Dismissed for want of jurisdiction.
374
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
For Sale of Milk not of Good Standard Quality — Continued.
Name.
Place.
Percentage
of Total
Solids.
Date.
Result.
Schnopt, Augustus,
Hinsdale, .
11.121
Nov.
21
1913
Conviction.
Higgins, Charles,
Hopkinton,
12.201
Sept.
3
1913
Conviction.
Loring, Alfred H.,
Hull
9.201
Sept.
23
1913
Conviction.
Sullivan, Eugene,
Lawrence, .
9.661
Feb.
7
1913
Conviction.
Basher, John
Lexington,
10.501
Jan.
31
1913
Conviction.
Britt, Patrick
Lexington,
11.082
Aug.
23
1913
Conviction.
Wheeler, George, ....
Lincoln,
10.801
Aug.
25
1913
Conviction.
Moody, James E
Lowell,
9.463
Mar.
15
1913
Discharged.
Corrigan, Edward P., .
Maiden,
10.621
Apr.
18
1913
Conviction.
Wiseberg, Simon,
Maiden,
10.822
Nov.
18
1913
Conviction.
Lord, Arthur W
Maynard, .
12.00'-
Jan.
11
1913
Conviction.
Forbes, Harvey W
Melrose Highlands, .
12.701
Nov.
18
1913
Discharged.
Coffin, Ralph W.,
Mendon,
11.601
Sept.
3
1913
Conviction.
Dagdigin, Avidis,
Methuen, .
10.921
Feb.
7
1913
Conviction.
Givani, Leo, ....
Milford, .
10.761
Sept.
3
1913
Conviction.
Johnson, John W.,
MUford, .
12.121
Sept.
3
1913
Conviction.
Rotman, Harris
Millis,
11.982
Oct.
9
1913
Con\'iction.
Cabot, Walter Channing, .
Nantucket,
12.302
Sept.
19
1913
Conviction.
Ewen, H. L
Nantucket,
10.46
Aug.
29
1913
Conviction.
Holdgate, Frank
Nantucket,
12.121
Sept.
11
1913
Conviction.
Burks, Ernest W.,
Natick,
9.663
Oct.
21
1913
Conviction.
Sweatt, Fred W
Natick,
11.20
Apr.
12
1913
Conviction.
Lanzon, David, ....
New Bedford, .
10.801
July
29
1913
Conviction.
Kelleher, Dennis,
Newburyport, .
11.442
June
23
1913
Conviction. *
Jasper, George
Norwood, .
10.801
Oct.
30
1913
Discharged.
Moore, Frank, ....
Orange,
11.741
Jan.
9
1913
Conviction.
Benz, Charles
Pittsfield,
10.001
May
9
1913
Conviction.
Benz, John C
Pittsfield,
10.821
May
9
1913
Conviction.
Dallava & Co., S
Pittsfield,
11.481
Oct.
10
1913
Conviction.
Foley, James
Pittsfield,
11.521
Oct.
10
1913
Conviction.
Kirchner, Nicholas,
Pittsfield,
12.061
Oct.
10
1913
Conviction.
Savery, Harvey B
Pittsfield,
10.581
May
9
1913
Conviction.
Kennard,' Harrison G.,
Quincy,
12.042
May
17
1913
Conviction.
Kennard, Harrison G.,
Quincy,
7.821
May
17
1913
Conviction.
1 Addition of water alleged in complaint.
2 Removal of cream alleged in complaint.
3 Skimmed milk; cans not marked.
* Appealed to upper court; case pending.
No. 34.1
FOOD AND DRUG INSPECTION.
375
For Sale of Milk
not of Good Standard Quality
— Concluded.
Name.
Place.
Percentage
of Total
Solids.
Date.
Result.
Collins, Michael J., .
Randolph,
12.041
July
16, 1913
Conviction.
Arkin, Fannie,
Revere,
10.181
Sept.
12, 1913
Conviction.
Brown, Charles H.,
Revere,
11.501
Oct.
17, 1913
Conviction.
Flynn, Edward, .
Revere,
10.702
July
8, 1913
Conviction.'
Flynn, Edward, .
Revere,
10.802
July
8, 1913
Conviction. 3
Hirsche, Myron J.,
Revere,
11.301
Sept.
12, 1913
Discharged.
Trask, Howard H.,
Revere,
10.901
Aug.
28, 1913
Conviction.
Deinlein, Albert, .
Richmond,
11.062
Oct.
10, 1913
Conviction.
Nugent, Geo. C,
Rockport, .
11.762
Oct.
6, 1913
Conviction.'
Higgins, William,
Saugus,
12.402
July
10, 1913
Conviction.
Nicholson, George F.,
Saugus,
12.102
July
10, 1913
Dismissed. *
Peterson ,Oscar, .
Saugus,
8.582
July
10, 1913
Conviction.
Williams, Edward,
Spencer,
10.302
Nov.
7, 1913
Conviction.
Rugg, Luther W.,
Sterling,
9.682
Jan.
16, 1913
Conviction.
Scott, Warren F.,
Stoneham,
11.542
Nov.
26, 1913
Dismissed.*
Wetherbee, Charles W.,
Stow,
11.542
Jan.
11, 1913
Conviction.
Mason, Thos. L., .
Swansea, .
11.501
Sept.
30, 1913
Conviction.
Mason, Thos. L., .
Swansea, .
9.662
Sept.
30, 1913
Conviction.
Ballou, Albertus H.,
Ware,
7.362
May
22, 1913
Conviction. '
Rynn, John,
Wayland, .
11.561
Oct.
16, 1913
Conviction.'
Simon, Christ V.,
West Boylston,
10.622
May
21, 1913
Conviction.'
Crawford, Charles 0.,
Westford, .
10.202
Mar.
3, 1913
Discharged.
Gates, Lewellyn F.,
Westford, .
10.182
Mar.
3, 1913
Conviction.
Dudley, Alvin L.,
Weston,
10.362
Sept.
5, 1913
Conviction.
Perry, Manuel,
Westport, .
11.462
Jan.
14, 1913
Conviction.
Carter, Walter D.,
Wilmington,
11.402
Feb.
8, 1913
Conviction.
Carter, Walter D.,
Wilmington,
11.702
Feb.
8, 1913
Conviction.
Holmes, Charles,
Wilmington,
9.562
Feb.
8, 1913
Conviction.
Doucette, Andrew,
Woburn, .
7.872
May
14, 1913
Conviction.
Given, James,
Woburn, .
11.401
Nov.
1, 1913
Conviction.
McDevitt, Michael,
Woburn,
10.102
Nov.
1. 1913
Conviction.
Winn, G. Edward,
Woburn,
11.76
Nov.
1, 1913
Pending.
1 Removal of cream alleged in complaint.
2 Addition of water alleged in complaint.
' Appealed to upper court ; case pending.
< Dismissed by order of the court.
376
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
For Sale of Milk containing Foreign Matter.
Name.
Place.
Percentage
of Total
Solids.
Date.
Result.
Dudley, Alvin L., . . .
Dudley, Alvin L
Weston,
Weston,
10.521
10.902
Sept. 5, 1913
Sept. 5, 1913
Conviction.
Dismissed.'
For Sale of Milk containing Added Foreign Matter.
Barnes, Thomas W.,
Dudley, Alvin L.,
Dartmouth (North),
Weston,
11.88
13.05
Dec. 10, 1912
Dec. 27, 1912
Conviction.*
Conviction.
For Obstruction of Irispector.
Name.
Place.
Date.
Result.
Breen, Fred,
Boston, ....
June 20, 1913
Conviction.
For Sale of Adulterated Cream.
Name.
Place.
Adulterant.
Date.
Result.
Alden Bros. Co.,
Winthrop,
Water.
Nov. 17, 1913
Conviction.
For Sale of Adxdterated Ice Crean
I.
Name.
Place.
Percentage
of Fat.
Date.
Result.
Bushway Ice Cream Co., .
Bushway Ice Cream Co., .
Highley, Samuel,
Todd, Henry
Waltham, .
Waltham, .
Woburn,
Nantucket,
4.48
4.34
4.70
3.58
Sept. 15, 1913
Sept. 15, 1913
Oct. 25, 1913
Sept. 19, 1913
Conviction.
Conviction.
Conviction.
Conviction.
For Sale of Adulterated Foods Other than Milk and Milk Products.
H.IMBTJRG STE.4.K.
Name.
Place.
Adulterant.
Date.
Result.
Albany Cash Market,
Barrett, C. H
Pittsfield,
Gloucester,
Sulphuric acid, .
Benzoic acid,
Nov. 21, 1913
Dec. 31, 1912
Conviction.
Discharged.
• Contained flies.
2 Contained dirt.
3 Dismissed by order of the court.
* Appealed to upper court; case pending.
No. 34.]
FOOD AND DRUG INSPECTION.
377
For Sale of Adulterated Foods Other than Milk and Milk Products — Continued.
C.4.NNED Herring.
Name.
Place.
Adulterant.
Date.
Result.
Nourse, Newell E., .
Siegel Co., Henry,
Boston,
Boston,
Decomposed,
Decomposed,
Dec. 31, 1912
Jan. 3. 1913
Conviction.
Nol pressed.
Canned Sardines.
Houghton & Dutton Co., . Boston,
Decomposed,
. Jan. 7, 1913 Conviction.'
Shrimp.
The Mohican Co.,
The Mohican Co.,
Springfield,
Springfield,
Compound of boron.
Compound of boron.
May 16, 1913
May 16, 1913
Conviction.
Conviction.
Lard.
Livingstone, Geo.,
Pike, Samuel P.,
Chelsea,
Lowell,
Compound, 2
Cotton seed oil,
Oct. 30, 1913
Mar. 25, 1913
Conviction.
Conviction.
Oleomargarine.
Hull, Lester,
Nantucket,
No sign in store.
Sept. 11, 1913
Conviction.
Hull, Lester,
Nantucket,
No sign on container.
Sept. 11, 1913
Conviction.
Livingstone, Geo.,
Chelsea, .
Not marked,
Oct. 30, 1913
Conviction.
Broken-out Eggs.
Bay State Egg Co., .
Bay State Egg Co., .
Brown, Morris, .
Goldsmith, Wall Co.,
Goldsmith, Wall Co.,
Goodrich, John A., .
Standard Egg Co.,
Standard Egg Co.,
White Star Egg & Fruit Co.,
White Star Egg & Fruit Co.,
White Star Egg & Fruit Co.,
Boston,
Boston,
Boston,
Boston,
Boston,
Boston,
Boston,
Boston,
Boston,
Boston,
Boston,
Decomposed,
Decomposed,
Decomposed,
Decomposed,
Decomposed,
Decomposed,
Decomposed,
Decomposed,
Decomposed,
Decomposed,
Decomposed,
Nov.
Feb.
Feb.
July
Oct.
Jan.
Feb.
Feb.
Feb.
Feb.
Nov.
27,
1912
18,
1913
18,
1913
23,
1913
28,
1913
28,
1913
18,
1913
18,
1913
18,
1913
18,
1913
27,
1912
Conviction.!
Conviction.'
Conviction.!
Pending.
Conviction.!
Conviction.
Conviction.!
Conviction.!
Conviction, i
Conviction. !
Pending.
! Appealed to upper court; case pending.
' Compound; not marked.
378
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
For Sale of Adulterated Foods Other than Milk and Milk Products — Concluded.
Maple Suoar.
Name.
Place.
Adulterant.
Date.
Result.
Adams, Oscar D.,
Springfield,
Cane sugar.
Apr. 15, 1913
Conviction.
Adams, Oscar D.,
Springfield,
Cane sugar,
Apr. 15, 1913
Conviction.
Adams, Oscar D.,
Springfield,
Cane sugar.
Apr. 15, 1913
Conviction.
Adams, Oscar D.,
Springfield,
Cane sugar.
Apr. 15, 1913
Conviction.
Adams, Oscar D.,
Springfield,
Cane sugar.
Apr. 15, 1913
Conviction.
Adams, Oscar D.,
Springfield,
Cane sugar.
Apr. 15, 1913
Conviction.
Cider.
Aquila, John,
Boston, .
Benzoic acid.
Jan. 30, 1913
Conviction.
Fay, John J., .
Boston,
Benzoic acid.
Jan. 30, 1913
Conviction.
Hacking, Andrew,
Stoneham ,
Benzoic acid.
Nov. 19, 1913
Conviction. »
Hession, James W., .
Boston, .
Benzoic acid.
Feb. 19, 1913
Conviction.
Rendozzo, John,
Boston, .
Benzoic acid.
Jan. 30, 1913
Conviction.
Tekmejian, Agajohn,
Boston, .
Benzoic acid.
Jan. 30, 1913
Conviction.
Ice.
North Shore Ice DeliveryCo., Lynn,
Condemned ice,
July 23, 1913 Conviction.
For Sale of Adulterated Drugs.
Alcohol.
Dupree, Hector,
Stanick, John, .
Bernier & Co.,
Ryan, S. A., & Co., Inc.
Choiniere, Hector,
Kokocinski, Waldyslaw,
Lilla, Michael A.,
Dudley, .
Dudley, .
Easthampton,
Springfield,
Ware,
Webster, .
Webster, .
Deficiency
Deficiency
Deficiency
Deficiency
Deficiency
Deficiency
Deficiency
in strength,
in strength,
in strength,
in strength,
in strength,
in strength,
in strength.
Mar. 4. 1913
Mar. 4, 1913
Nov. 19, 1913
May 29, 1913
Apr. 25, 1913
Mar. 4, 1913
Mar. 4, 1913
Conviction.
Conviction.
Conviction,
Conviction.
Conviction.
Conviction.
Conviction.
Spirit op Camphor.
Farrell, Thos. H.,
Pittsfield, . Deficiency in strength, Nov. 21, 1913 Conviction
• Appealed to upper court; case pending.
No. 34.1
FOOD AND DRUG INSPECTION.
379
For Sale of Adulterated Drugs — Concluded.
Tincture of Iodine.
Name.
Place.
Adulterant.
Date.
Result.
Sorel, Honorious J., .
Burke Drug Co.,
Lerche, Albert E.,
Easthampton, .
Marlborough, .
Springfield,
Deficiency in strength,
deficiency in strength.
Deficiency in strength,
Nov. 19, 1913
May 17, 1913
May 29, 1913
Conviction.
Conviction.
Conviction.
Spirit of Peppermint.
Davies, Cyrus, .
Boston, .
Deficiency in strength.
Feb. 26, 1913
Conviction.
Burke Drug Co.,
Marlborough, .
Deficiency in strength.
May 17, 1913
Conviction.
Traufaglia, Vincent, .
Revere,
Deficiency in strength.
Oct. 15, 1913
Conviction.
Sweet Spirit of Nitre.
Waite, Dr. Clarence A.,
Pittsfield,
Deficiency in strength.
Nov. 21, 1913
Conviction.
Goddu, Joseph R.,
Salem,
Deficiency in strength.
Jan. 8, 1913
Conviction.
Hawthorne Pharmacy,
Salem,
Deficiency in strength,
Jan. 8, 1913
Conviction.
Upton, Jesse F.,
Salem,
Deficiency in strength,
Jan. 8, 1913
Conviction.
Middlesex Drug Co., .
Stoneham,
Deficiency in strength,
Nov. 19, 1913
Pending.
None of the cases reported as pending in the last preceding report
have been settled.
The amount paid in fines was $2,922.75, as follows: —
Milk and milk products, $2,257 75
Foods other than above, 325 00
Drugs, 340 00
$2,922 75
The total number of samples of food, drugs, liquors and poisons
examined during the year was as follows: —
Milk, e,702
Food 1,632
Drugs, 1,393
Liquors, 75
Poisons, 141
Articles held in cold storage, 83
10,026
380 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [P. D. No. 34.
Expenditures under the Provisions of the Food and Drug
Acts for the Year ended Nov. 30, 1913.
Appropriation, $17,500 00
Credit by cash returned to treasury on account of money advanced
to inspectors, 13 79
$17,513 79
Salaries of analysts,' $6,900 00
Salaries of inspectors, 6,180 01
Salary of laboratory assistant, 214 00
Traveling expenses and purchase of samples, 3,383 18
Apparatus and chemicals, 390 24
Printing, 161 88
Services, cleaning laboratory, 50 75
Express, 4 04
Telephone messages and postage, 27 85
Sundry laboratory suppUes, 55 51
Books, binding and stationery, 53 89
Extra services, 47 62
Advertising, • . . . . 1 80
Miscellaneous, 19 40
Total, $17,490 17
During the year 1913, two cases reported as pending in 1908 have
been settled; one for obstruction of an inspector, and one for sale of
adulterated cider, both of which were placed on file.
Of the cases reported as pending in 1911, three for the sale of adul-
terated milk have been settled; one was placed on file, and the other
two cases resulted in conviction and fine; one case for the sale of adul-
terated maple sugar was placed on file; two cases for the sale of adulter-
ated yeast and one for the sale of adulterated vinegar were nol prossed,
and one case for the sale of adulterated alcohol was placed on file and
fine imposed.
REPORT OF THE ANALYST.
By Hermann C. Lythgoe.
1381)
EEPORT OF THE ANALYST.
By Heemann C. Lythgoe.
Dr. Mark W. Richaedson, Secretary of the Massachusetts State Board of
Health.
Dear Sir: — I lierewith submit my report on the analysis of food and
drugs for the year ending Nov. 30, 1913.
Milk and Milk Products.
During the year 6,702 samples of milk were collected, of which 1,682,
or 2o.l per cent., were below the legal standard, 358 contained added
water, 90 were skimmed and not .so labeled, 26 were skimmed milk prop-
erly labeled and sold as such, and 1 sample contained formaldehyde.
This is the second sample of preserved milk collected since 1908. The
usual statistics of milk are as follows : —
Milkf
ram Cities and Towns.
LoC.UylTT.
Above
Stand-
ard.
Below
Stand-
ard.
Total
Samples.
Total
Solids in
Lowest
Sample
(Per
Cent.).
Skimmed
Milk
sold as
Such.
Skimmed
Milk
sold as
Pure
Milk.
Watered
Milk.
Milk
con-
taining
Foreign
Sub-
stances.
Abington,
20
-
20
12.26
-
-
-
-
Adams, .
17
1
18
11.80
-
-
-
-
Andover,
22
3
25
10.96
-
-
-
-
Amesbury,
30
3
33
12 00
-
-
-
-
Arlington,
57
8
65
11.00
-
1
-
-
Athol, .
23
4
27
9 00
1
-
2
-
Attleborough,
28
4
32
10.70
-
-
-
-
Ayer,
5
-
5
12.40
-
-
-
-
Belmont,
4
-
4
12 16
-
-
-
-
Beveblt,
16
1
17
11.92
-
-
-
-
Boston,
2
1
3
9 26
-
2
-
-
Braintree,
73
11
84
10 67
-
-
1
-
Bridgewater, .
29
3
32
11 80
-
-
-
-
384
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
Milk from Cities and Toions — Continued.
LoCALITr.
Above
Stand-
ard.
Below
Stand-
ard.
Total
Samples.
Total
Solids in
Lowest
Sample
(Per
Cent.).
Skimmed
Milk
sold as
Such.
Skimmed
Milk
sold as
Pure
Milk.
Watered
Milk.
Milk
con-
taining
Foreign
Sub-
stance.s.
Brockton, .
61
13
74
11.58
_
_
_
_
Brookfield,
11
2
13
11.90
-
-
-
_
Brookline,
93
12
105
11.80
-
-
-
-
Burlington,
19
10
29
10 40
-
-
2
-
C.WIBRIDGE, .
70
24
94
10 47
1
1
-
Canton, .
22
3
25
11.30
-
-
-
Chelmsford, .
7
2
9
12 06
-
-
-
-
Chelse.^,
72
7
79
11 50
-
-
-
-
Chicopee,
48
22
70
10 44
-
-
1
-
Clinton,
25
7
32
11 32
-
-
-
-
Concord,
6
3
9
11 80
-
-
-
-
Dalton, .
6
-
6
12.20
-
-
-
-
Danvers,
28
24
52
11 14
-
-
-
-
Dartmouth, .
37
17
54
9.74
-
1
8
-
Dedham,
7
14
21
10.26
-
-
3
-
Easthampton,
22
9
31
9 54
-
2
1
-
EVEKETT,
56
17
73
11.41
-
-
-
-
F.ILL RrvER,
89
14
103
9 30
-
2
1
-
FiTCHBURG, .
17
6
23
11 56
-
-
-
-
Foxborough, .
13
-
13
12 36
-
-
-
-
Framingham,
64
12
76
9.64
-
1
1
-
Franklin,
47
6
53
10.76
-
1
-
-
Gardner,
15
1
16
11 67
-
-
-
-
Gloucester,
104
106
210
8.88
-
1
36
-
Greenfield,
39
12
51
10 40
-
-
11
-
Haverhill, .
58
27
85
8,84
-
3
10
-
Hingham,
81
15
96
9.50
2
-
4
-
HoUiston,
18
3
21
12 12
-
-
-
-
HOLYOKE,
54
7
61
12 10
-
-
-
-
Hopkinton, .
11
3
14
11 56
-
-
-
-
Hudson,
24
3
27
8 24
-
1
3
-
Hull,
7
9
16
8.10
-
-
4
-
Lawrence, .
63
22
85
9.22
-
8
2
-
Leicester,
12
6
18
11,80
-
-
-
Lenox, .
14
1
15
12.06
-
-
-
-
No. 34.]
REPORT OF THE ANALYST.
385
Milk from Cities and Towns — Continued.
Locality.
Above
Stand-
ard.
Below
Stand-
ard.
Total
Samples.
Total
Solids in
Lowest
Sample
(Per
Cent.).
Skimmed
Milk
sold as
Such.
Skimmed
Milk
sold as
Pure
Milk.
Watered
Milk.
Milk
con-
taining
Foreign
Sub-
stances.
Lexington,
8
4
12
11.08
-
1
-
-
Lowell,
95
24
119
9.56
-
2
-
-
Ludlow,
10
20
30
11.06
-
-
13
-
Lynn, .
141
12
153
9.80
1
-
1
-
Malden,
93
13
106
10.82
-
1
3
-
Mansfield,
13
1
14
12.00
-
-
-
-
Marlborough,
29
-
29
12.16
-
-
-
-
Maynard,
13
5
18
11.86
-
■-
-
-
Medford,
63
24
87
10.66
-
1
-
-
Melrosb,
30
5
35
11.86
-
-
-
-
Middleborough,
13
3
16
11.26
-
-
-
-
Milford, .
79
11
90
9.73
2
-
6
-
Millbury,
10
5
15
9.47
1
-
-
-
MiUis, .
8
5
13
9.80
~
3
-
-
Montague,
17
2
19
11.18
-
-
2
-
Nantucket,
79
8
87
10.46
-
5
2
-
Natick, .
60
14
74
9.50
2
3
1
-
Needham,
11
-
11
12.40
-
-
-
-
New Bedford,
146
58
204
9.02
-
5
9
-
Newburyport,
48
8
56
11.44
-
4
-
-
Newton,
88
14
102
11.20
-
2
-
-
Northampton,
25
10
35
11.04
-
-
-
-
No. Attleborough,
30
2
32
11.46
-
-
-
-
North Easton,
13
5
18
11.98
-
-
-
-
North Reading,
11
-
11
12.74
-
-
-
-
Norwood,
31
35
11.66
-
-
-
-
Oak Bluffs,
14
11
25
11.36
-
1
-
-
Palmer, .
12
13
11.90
-
-
-
-
Peabody,
26
28
10.28
-
1
-
-
PlTTSFIELD,
262
91
353
10.00
1
1
24
-
Plymouth,
15
-
15
12.17
-
-
-
-
QUINCY,
119
32
151
7.82
-
7
5
-
Randolph,
11
5
16
11.40
-
4
-
-
Reading,
25
3
28
10.82
-
-
-
-
Revere, .
50
29
79
10.70
-
4
4
-
386
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
Milk from Cities and Towns — Concluded.
Locality.
Above
Stand-
ard.
Below
Stand-
ard.
Total
Samples.
Total
Solids in
Lowest
Sample
(Per
Cent.).
3i,;^.v,„j Skimmed
=^w „= sold as
«°d^ Pure
Su'-'^- Milk.
Watered
Milk.
Milk
con-
taining
Foreign
Sub-
stances.
Ricbmond, .
21
6
27
11.60
-
-
1
-
Rockland,
28
-
28
12.20
-
-
-
-
Salem, .
26
6
32
11.60
-
-
-
-
Saugus, .
8
-
8
12.40
-
-
-
-
Sherborn,
10
1
11
11.58
-
-
-
-
SOMEBVILLE, .
87
10
97
9.50
2
-
-
-
Southbridge, .
29
6
35
12.00
-
-
-
.-
South Framingham,
26
3
29
12.00
-
-
-
-
Spencer,
36
9
45
10.30
-
-
2
-
Springfield,
123
22
145
3.18
-
2
2
H
Stoneham,
39
13
52
9.50
2
-
3
-
Stoughton,
24
6
30
10.70
-
3
-
-
Swampscott, .
11
-
11
12.50
-
-
-
-
Taunton,
42
4
46
9.68
1
1
1
-
Templeton, .
14
1
15
12.10
-
-
-
-
Uxbridge,
11
-
11
12.40
-
-
-
-
Wakefield,
13
2
15
11.90
-
-
-
-
Walpole,
8
6
14
11.36
-
-
-
-
Waltham,
68
25
93
5.14
4
-
9
-
Ware, .
31
18
49
7.36
-
1
2
-
Wareham,
12
3
15
11.20
-
-
1
-
Watertown, .
54
10
64
8.66
3
1
-
-
Webster,
22
-
22
12.20
-
-
-
-
Wellesloy,
12
-
12
12.42
-
-
-
-
West Newbury,
2
2
4
11.50
-
-
-
-
West Springfield, .
41
9
50
10.38
1
-
1
-
Whitman,
27
7
34
11.53
-
-
-
-
Williamstown,
13
3
16
11.92
-
-
-
-
Wilmington, .
21
2
23
10.56
-
-
-
-
Winchester, .
38
7
45
11.40
-
-
-
-
Winthrop,
15
4
19
10.80
-
1
-
-
WOBURN,
36
22
58
10.30
-
-
3
-
Worcester, .
62
23
85
10.62
-
4
1
-
Totals, .
4,354
1,139
5,493
3.18
23
80
187
1
1 Formaldehyde.
No. 34.]
REPORT OF THE ANALYST.
387
Milk from Suspected Producers.
Locality.
Above
Standard.
Below
Standard.
Total
Samples.
Total
Solids in
Lowest
Sample
(Per
Cent.).
Skimmed
Milk not
marked.
Watered
Milk.
Arlington
12
11
23
11.02
-
~
Ashby, .
12
-
12
12.30
-
-
Bedford,
5
5
10
11.20
1
-
Billerica,
6
16
22
11.20 •
-
-
Bolton,
8
17
25
10.52
-
-
Carlisle,
2
2
4
11.13
2
-
Chelmsford,
10
11
21
11.32
-
1
Cheshire,
5
2
7
11.18
-
3
Dalton,
12
5
17
10.40
-
3
Danvers,
11
16
27
11.30
-
-
Dartmouth, .
3
15
18
6.94
-
14
Dedham,
14
4
18
11.54
-
-
Dracut,
5
1
6
11.02
-
-
FiTCHBURQ, .
4
15
19
10.44
-
-
Gloucester,
9
16
25
10.60
-
-
Groton,
11
7
18
11.60
-
-
Hamilton,
28
14
42
11.00
-
-
Haverhill,
12
16
28
9,40
-
-
Hingham,
13
1
14
11.60
1
Lawrence, .
3
14
17
10.76
2
-
Lexington, .
-
20
20
10.30
-
18
Lincoln,
8
7
15
10.80
-
2
Littleton,
22
13
35
9.94
1
8
Maynard,
3
6
9
11.70
-
-
Medfield, .
5
-
5
12.46
-
-
Mendon,
8
4
12
11.42
-
-
Methuen,
23
28
51
10.06
-
19
Millis, .
13
47
60
10.56
3
-
North Andover,
11
19
30
10.52
-
6
Norwood,
23
25
48
10.20
-
5
Plaistow, N. H.,
4
14
18
10.36
2
6
Rutland,
2
-
2
13.08
-
-
Saugus,
7
11
18
8.40
-
8
Sherborn,
7
7
14
11.05
-
-
Somerset,
26
22
48
9.20
-
10
Southampton,
18
7
25
11.36
2
-
388
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
Milk from Suspected Producers — Concluded.
Locality.
Above
Standard.
Below
Standard.
Total
Samples.
Total
Solids in
Lowest
Sample
(Per
Cent.).
Skimmed
Milk not
marked.
Watered
Milk.
Stow, .
Swansea,
Wayland,
Westborough,
Westford,
Westminster,
Weston,
Weymouth,
Wilmington,
WOBURN,
35
5
3
5
9
20
41
11
8
2
5
16
1
12
5
13
15
46
13
5
5
21
10
12
5
33
56
11.24
9.66
12.00
9.78
10.18
12.00
10.26
9.06
8.36
7.73
1
7
4
9
12
5
10
17
Totals, .
483
506
989
6.94
14
168
Summary of Milk Statistics.
Locality.
Above
Stand-
ard.
Below
Stand-
ard.
Total.
Total
Solids in
Lowest
Sample
(Per
Cent.).
Skimmed
Milk
sold as
Such.
Skimmed
Milk
not
marked.
Watered
Milk.
Milk
contain-
ing
Foreign
Sub-
stances.
Milk from cities and
towns.
Milk from suspected
producers.
Miscellaneous milk
samples.
4,354
483
183
1,139
506
47
5,493
989
220
3.18
6.94
11.37
23
3
80
14
187
168
3
1
Totals, .
5,020
1,682
6,702
3.18
26
94
358
1
No. 34.
REPORT OF THE ANALYST.
389
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No. 34.] REPORT OF THE ANALYST. 391
The adulterated milk samples were in greater number than those in
previous years, due to the large number of samples collected from sus-
pected producers and the high ratio of adulteration in these samples.
The majority of these suspected producers were selling milk to milk
dealers in whose possession was found adulterated milk. Many times it
was necessary to trace the samples through several people before reaching
the man who was doing the actual adulteration; the adulterated samples,
therefore, are much greater in number than would be shown by a syste-
matic collection of milk from the retail dealers throughout the State.
The tests for pasteurized milk and for old milk as described in the report
of last year, were carried on during the year, and the figures obtained are
given in the table of the summary of milk statistics by months. During
the months of May, June, July and August, many of the samples come
from such a long distance that they arrive in the laboratory too late to
be examined that day. For this reason the figures obtained for old milk
have been omitted from the table during these months, because such re-
ports would manifestly be unfair to the milk supply. Three and three-
tenths per cent, of the samples examined during the cold weather gave
precipitate with 68 per cent, alcohol and 3.5 per cent, reduced methylene
blue solution within one hour, showing that these samples were too old
for use as food when examined. These figures, while undoubtedly high,
owing to the fact that the samples were examined in some cases several
hours after being taken, show that there is considerable old milk sold,
and these conditions will continue to exist until there is some uniform
and adequate inspection along sanitary lines as well as the present in-
spection for quality. The average quality of milk collected shows the
same seasonal variation as in previous years. The milk for the
month of July showed the lowest average solids of all samples that
has been recorded for several years, owing to the large number of
adulterated samples collected during this month. The quality of the
pasteurized samples was slightly below that of the average raw samples,
but not sufficiently so to show any form of systematic adulteration which
might be carried on. During the month of July, however, a large num-
ber of samples were taken from restaurants, many of which proved to be
both pasteurized and skimmed, and some of which were below standard
by reason of their being skimmed to an extent too small for detection.
The skimming in these cases had been practised in the restaurants, either
deliberately by removal of cream for use with coffee and cereal, or acci-
dentally by improper mixing when milk was sold by the glass. The
actual figures for the pasteurized milk as put out by the dealers would
therefore be slightly higher than the figures given.
392 STATE BOARD OF IIEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
Milk of Known Purity.
During the past six years neariy 500 samples of known purity milk
have been examined in the laboratory, representing about 440 samples
from individual cows and the balance from herd. These samples were
obtained from Guernsey, Ayrshire, Dutch Belted and Holstein, as well
as from cross-breed or grade cows. All the samples were examined for
solids, fat, proteins, ash and lactose, and the serum was prepared by one
or more methods from each sample. A summary of these analyses is
given in the table. The variation in the composition of milk is due
primarily to the breed of the cow, but it is more or less influenced by the
period of lactation and the season of the year. In order to show the
seasonal variation and variation according to the period of lactation 194
samples were chosen, representing the milk from grade Holstein, grade
Durham, Ayrshire and grade Ayrshire cows whose period of lactation
was known. This selection of cows eliminated 'to a great extent the in-
fluence of different breeds, as the abnormally high Jersey and Guernsey
milk and the abnormally low milk from Holstein and Dutch Belted cows
is not represented. These samples were then arranged according to
months, but owing to the small number of samples obtained in some
months it was impossible to get a representative average and the averages
were accordingly made by seasons.
No. 34.]
REPORT OF THE ANALYST.
393
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No. 34.]
REPORT OF THE ANALYST.
395
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^
No. 34.] REPORT OF THE ANALYST. 397
These same analyses were then arranged by period of lactation, and
for a reason similar to that stated above it was found necessary to make
the averages according to periods of months instead of for single months.
It so happens that the average period of lactation in the milk arranged
by seasons was very uniform, so that these two tables are practically un-
influenced by each other, and the figures show that both these variations
exist in milk; and according to these samples the variation according to
season seems to be greater than that according to period of lactation.
There is a relationship existing between the protein-fat ratio and tke
refractive index of the milk serum which is more noticeable in the case
of the copper serum of the samples reported above, owing to the fact
that a greater number of samples were examined by this method. In
milk samples with a protein-fat ratio above 0.8 very few are found with
a refractive index above 39.0, and with samples with a protein-fat ratio
below 0.70 no samples were found with a refraction below 37.0, and a
number of them were above 39.0. In the case of the acetic serum few of
the samples with a protein-fat ratio below 0.70 gave serums which re-
fracted less than 41.0, and of the sour serums obtained none refracted
less than 40, with a protein-fat ratio of 0.70 or less. It is possible by
using the protein-fat ratio as well as the refractive index of the serum,
to detect samples of watered milk which would not be detected by de-
pending upon the refractions of the serum alone. The use of the ash
of the sour serum as well as the refractive index of the serum is a distinct
advantage in detecting added water, as the mineral matter present has
but little influence upon the refractive index of the serum, and if the
sample is found watered by both methods the possibility of its being
produced by a sick or otherwise abnormal cow is eliminated.
Cream.
Two hundred and nine samples were examined, of which 27 were
found to be adulterated or below the standard; 7 of these samples were
below the standard of 15 per cent, fat, and the balance contained added
water. At first, it vras impossible to reconcile the presence of added
water with the high fat content of these samples, but subsequent in-
vestigation has shown the reason. There has been recently introduced
a machine called the " homogenizer," which is capable of making thin
cream thick by reason of the fact that it can break up the milk-fat
globules into very small pieces. It is also possible to take unsalted "but-
ter and milk or skimmed milk, and by means of this machine produce
an article which resembles cream. As butter usually contains from 12
to 16 per cent, of added water, introduced during the washing of the
398
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
butter after churning, the resulting cream made from this butter will
give reactions for added water if the fat is sufficiently high. The
method used for examining the cream is to prepare a copper serum
in the same manner as for milk, using, of course, a larger quantity of
cream than of milk on account of the enormous volume of the precipitate.
The examination of 97 samples of market cream by this method gave
results varying from 37.0 to 39.0 on the scale of the Immersion Eefracto-
meter. Samples which fell below 36.5 were further examined by pre-
paring an ash of the sour serum. A large quantity of cream is necessary
for this purpose as the amount of serum is very small. After souring,
the cream was shaken in a bottle until the fat had been turned into butter,
then the serum was poured off and filtered, and the ash was determined
on a 25 cubic centimeter portion of the serum. Experiments made on
cream separated in the laboratory showed that the composition of the
cream serum was identical with that obtained from milk from which
the cream was made. All samples of cream which were reported adul-
terated gave copper serums refracting below 36.0 and sour serum with
ash below .730 per cent., the refractions varying from 33.8 to 36.0 and
the ash of the sour serum from .544 to .723 per cent. The following
table shows the variation in refraction of serum found in 84 samples of
commercial cream not declared adulterated : —
Number of Samples.
Fat
(Per Cent.).
Average Fat
(Per Cent.).
Average
Copper
Refraction
(Per Cent.).
6
6.6-15
10.1
38.2
12
15-25
18.9
37.4
35
25-35
30.1
37.8
31
35-44
38.8
37.8
84
6.6-44
30.6
37.8
Highest copper refraction, 39.0.
Lowest copper refraction, 37.0.
There are two reasons why this product is on the market. In the first
place it is an easy way to produce a large amount of cream at short
notice when the demand for cream is high and the supply of milk is low.
The storage butter is easily kept within reach, and there is sufficient
skimmed milk in the creamery to emulsify with the butter. The second
reason is that such cream is cheaper than pure cream. Butter fat is
cheapest in the form of butter and most expensive in the form of milk.
One pound of butter fat in the form of milk (4 per cent, fat) at 32 cents
No. 34.]
REPORT OF THE ANALYST.
399
per 8V^-quart can costs 47 cents per pound, and in the form of butter
(80 per cent, fat) at 25 cents per pound costs 31 cents per pound. There
is also a saving in the cost of transportation of butter over that of milk
or cream.
This product cannot be shipped in interstate commerce as cream, and
the frozen product made from it cannot be shipped under the name of ice
cream according to the decision of the United States Department of
Agriculture. Whether or not it can be sold in Massachusetts as cream
has not as yet been passed upon by the courts (pleas of guilty having
been made in all cases disposed of to date). It seems, however, that the
sale of this product should be legalized, as it appears not to be unwhole-
some and no objections have been raised against its use other than those
stated above. Cream being made from milk naturally contains all the
constituents of milk but in different proportion, all the constituents ex-
cept the fat becoming less as the fat increases, for if cream containing
100 per cent, fat could be prepared, the other constituents would be re-
duced to zero. The following table, showing the variation of the compo-
sition of cream, has been prepared upon the above assumption, and the
figures agree within the limits of analytical error with analyses of samples
of pure cream : —
Variation in Composition of Cream (Per Cent).
Fat.
Proteins.
Ash.
Sugar.
5.
10,
15,
20.
25,
30,
35,
40,
45,
60,
55,
2.83-3.49
2.68-3.31
2.53-3.12
2.38-2.94
2.23-2.75
2.08-2.57
1.94-2.39
1.79-2.20
1.65-2.02
1.50-1.83
1.34-1.65
0.70-0.75
0.66-0.71
0.63-0.68
0.59-0.64
0.55-0.60
0.52-0.56
0.48-0.51
0.44-0.48
0.41-0.45
0.37-0.40
0.33-0.38
4.78^.96
4,50-4.70
4.26-4.44
4.02-4.18
3.75-3.92
3.50-3.65
3.26-3.39
3.00-3.13
2.73-2.87
2.50-2.61
2.26-2.35
Food exclusive of Milk.
There were 1,633 samples of food, exclusive of milk, examined during
the year, of which 281 were found to be adulterated. The summary of
statistics of food will be found on page 406. Under the several headings
only such food as requires special mention will be discussed.
400
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
Baking Powder.
One sample was sold without the necessary label stating the name of
each ingredient. This was the Pilgrim Baking Powder, and was an
alum phosphate powder.
Butter.
Fifty-eight samples of butter were examined, of which 6 were adulter-
ated. These consisted of 3 samples of oleomargarine, 1 sample of reno-
vated butter and 2 samples of rancid butter. Fifteen samples of oleo-
margarine properly labeled and 7 of renovated butter properly labeled
were obtained.
Canned Fish.
Five samples of smoked sardines and anchovies were examined, of
which 4 were found to be decomposed. The methods of examination will
be discussed in the report on the examination of cold-storage products.
Cider.
Fifty-one samples were examined, of which 34 were adulterated. These
consisted of 2 samples containing salicylic acid, 1 of which also contained
benzoic acid, and 32 samples which contained benzoic acid. Seven
samples contained benzoic acid and were properly labeled, 1 sample con-
tained sugar and was properly labeled, and 1 sample contained added
water.
Cocoa.
Eighteen samples were examined, all of which were found pure. De-
terminations of moisture, fat, ash, fiber, pentosans and cocoa red were
made upon all samples. The results of these analyses are shown in the
following table: —
Moist-
ure (Per
Cent.).
Fat (Per
Cent.).
Fat-free Substance.
Ash (Per
Cent.).
Fiber (Per
Cent.).
Pento-
sans (Per
Cent.).
Cocoa Red
(Per Cent.).
Highest, ....
Lowest, ....
Average, ....
Dutch process, average, .
4.80
2.60
3.87
4.76
25.07
15.07
19.95
24.37
7.78
5.80
6.58
9.87
8.32
5.33
6.35
6.24
4.55
3.97
4.44
4.47
16.22
11.17
14.06
13.47
Five samples of cocoa made by the so-called Dutch process, which con-
sists in treating the cocoa with alkali, were examined, and the average
No. 3-1.]
REPORT OF THE ANALYST.
401
results obtained are shown in the table. These samples were all labeled in
a proper manner. This style of cocoa is easily distinguished from the
other cocoa by the higher ash content.
Coffee.
Twenty-one samples were examined, 9 of which were adulterated with
chicory, cereal, or both. Four samples containing chicory were cor-
rectly labeled. All samples were examined for fat, cold-water extract
and reducing sugars, the results of which are shown in the following
table : —
Good samples:
Highest, .
Lowest,
Average, .
Bad samples: -
Highest, .
Lowest,
Co7ifectionery.
Two samples of confectionery were reported adulterated, 1 of which
was peanut taflEy containing 1 per cent, of stones, each stone about the size
of a peanut, and 1 sample of marshmallow kisses, which contained 2.5
per cent, of paraffin. Six samples of marshmallows were examined for
sulphur dioxide, with negative results. A number of samples of Easter
eggs were examined for talc, with negative results, the coating in all
cases being starch and beeswax. Four samples of candy alleged to have
caused sickness were sent in, and nothing injurious was found in any
of them.
Eggs.
Eighty-nine samples of eggs were examined, of which 2-i were de-
composed; 2 of these decomposed samples were of eggs in the shell, the
balance were broken-out eggs. The eggs were examined, as reported in
the 1911 report, for ammonia and acidity, and the following table has
been compiled from the results obtained during this and previous
years : —
402
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
Number
of
Milligrams op Ammonia
PER 100 Grams.
Acidity Cubic Centimeters
N/10 Alkali per 100 Grams.
Samples.
Highest.
Lowest.
Average.
Highest.
Lowest.
Average.
Fresh eggs
28
1.30
0.39
0.84
26
15
20.5
Storage eggs,
50
3.33
1.04
2.39
27
17
22.0
Broken-out rotten eggs,
122
18.40
6.20
-
60
21
-
Whole rotten eggs,
1
9.84
-
-
20
-
-
Frozen whole rotten eggs,
1
12.90
-
-
-
-
-
Flavoring Extracts.
Lemon Extract. — Ten samples were found adulterated and 52 were
found pure. The polarization was determined upon all samples, and the
citral was determined upon those samples polarizing zero. A number of
citral determinations, however, were made upon samples running high
in lemon oil, and the results of these analyses are given in the following
table : —
Lemon Oil (Per Cent.).
Citral (Per Cent.).
Number of S-\mples.
Highest.
Lowest.
Average.
Highest.
Lowest.
Average.
15
4
8
9.2
1.2
0.0
4.2
0.4
0.0
6.6
0.67
0.00
0.353
0.170
0.300
0.143
0.075
0.011
0.252
0.145
0.156
It will be noticed that the citral content of the samples containing
the oil was much higher in the pure than in the so-called terpeneless
extracts, 3'et there was more or less citral present in the latter, showing
that this form of extract possesses some flavoring value.
Vanilla Extract. — Forty-one samples were examined, 5 of which were
weak extracts reinforced with vanillin, or contained coumarin. In the
majority of these extracts determinations of vanillin, coumarin and lead
number were made. These results, including those obtained from the
tinctures of vanilla obtained from drug stores and the analyses made by
Winton, have been plotted. This plot shows that in pure extract as the
lead number decreases the vanillin increases, therefore it is easy to dis-
tinguish by this means an extract reinforced with vanillin from an ex-
tract low in vanilla.
Wintergreen Extract. — The single sample of wintergreen extract
found adulterated was labeled 3 per cent, wintergreen oil, and contained
but 1.82 per cent. The balance of the extracts were either up to strength
or were properly labeled.
No. 34.] REPORT OF THE ANALYST. 403
Fruit Juices.
Fruit Juices. — Eighteen samples of grape juice, 1 of grape fruit
juice and 19 of lime juice were examined and found to be pure. Two
samples of lime juice were found adulterated, one, of J. P. W. von Laer
& Co. of Boston, contained 50 per cent, water, without any statement to
this effect being on the label. Another sample, put up by Delano, Pot-
ter & Co., was labeled 50 per cent, added water and contained 63 per
cent, added water.
Ice Cream.
One hundred and thirty-two samples were examined, 123 of which con-
tained more than the 7 per cent, of fat required by the statute. This fat
standard is abnormally low. Most States which have ice-cream stand-
ards require from 12 to 15 per cent, fat, and the figures obtained from
the samples examined warrant such a standard as being reasonable.
Ninety-three and two-tenths per cent, of the total samples examined
were above the fat standard, containing an average of 11.95 per cent. fat.
Eighty-four samples, or 63.6 per cent, of the total samples, contained
more than 10 per cent, fat, the average fat for these samples being
13.61 per cent. Sixty-four samples, or 48.50 per cent., contained more
than 12 per cent, fat, with an average of 14.46 per cent. In view of
these results it seems feasible that the minimum fat standard for ice
cream should be raised from 7 per cent, to at least 10 per cent, and pos-
sibly 12 per cent, without any injustice to the dealer. The method used
for the determination of fat was that described by H. F. Lichtenberg
(Jour. Ind. and Eng. Chem., 1913, 786) : weigh into a 10 per cent.
Babcock milk bottle 9 grams of melted sample ; add 20 cubic centimeters
of glacial acetic acid, specific gravity, 1.049, mix well and add 10 cubic
centimeters of sulphuric acid, specific gravity 1.83; mix again and pro-
ceed as in the regular Babcock test; multiply the reading of the fat
column by 2 to get the per cent, of fat. This method is inclined to give
results a trifle low; therefore, upon all samples showing less than 7 per
cent, fat, the following method was performed to obtain the correct per-
centage of fat: weigh a 10-gram portion into a beaker, dilute with water
containing a little asbestos, mix thoroughly, add some copper sulphate
solution and filter; wash, dry and extract the precipitate with ether in
a continuous extraction apparatus ; evaporate the ether and weigh the fat.
404 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
Ja7ns and Jellies.
Sixty samples of jams and jellies were examined, 1 of which contained
preservative without being so labeled. Of the balance, 3 samples of
fruit jams, 1 of jelly and 1 of maraschino cherries contained preserva-
tives and were properly labeled; 4 samples of fruit jams contained apple
and were properly labeled. No adulteration was detected in the balance
of the samples.
Lard.
Sixty-eight samples of lard were examined, of which 48 were pure
lard, 13 were compound lard correctly labeled, and 7 compound lard
incorrectly labeled. The compounds were the usual mixtures of cotton-
seed oil with beef stearin, lard stearin or both ; 1 sample, however, sold as
lard consisted of hydrogenized oil.
Maple Sugar.
One hundred and five samples were examined, 41 of which contained
more or less cane sugar. The amount of cane sugar was distributed about
as follows : —
90 per cent, cane sugar, 6 samples.
80 per cent, cane sugar, . 3 samples.
60 per cent, cane sugar, 2 samples.
50 per cent, cane sugar, 5 samples.
40 per cent, cane sugar, 9 samples.
30 per cent, cane sugar, 4 samples.
20 per cent, cane sugar, 12 samples.
Meat Products.
One hundred and sixty-six samples of meat products were examined,
32 of which were adulterated. One sample of canned meat was decom-
posed. Thirteen samples of hamburg steak contained preservatives and
were properly labeled, 2 samples contained sodium benzoate and 6 sodium
sulphite without the necessary label, 1 sample was decomposed, the other
30 samples were free from preservatives. One sample of mince meat
contained sodium benzoate and was not so marked, 1 sample contained
preservative and was properly labeled, and the balance of 8 contained no
preservative. Fifty samples of sausages were found to be pure, 6 samples
contained cereal and were properly marked, ^1 samples contained cereal
and were not marked, and 1 sample was decomposed.
No. 34.] REPORT OF THE ANALYST. 405
Non-alcoJiolic Drinks.
Eighty-two samples of soft drinks were examined, none of which were
reported as adulterated. Seventy-nine samples were examined for pre-
servatives; all but 1, which was properly labeled, were found free from
preservatives. Sixty samples were examined for glucose, with negative
results, and the same samples were examined for saccharine, in 26 of
which it was present. It was reported to us that carbonated water was
being manufactured from flue gas, and that the gas used was not
thoroughly purified before being introduced into the water. As a result
of this complaint, 3 syphons of carbonated water were examined for car-
bon monoxide, with negative results.
Olive Oil.
Forty-three samples of olive oil were examined, 2 of which contained
65 and 100 per cent., respectively, of cottonseed oil; 1 sample contained
cottonseed oil and was properly labeled; another sample gave the Hal-
phen reaction for cottonseed oil, but a determination of other constants
gave the same figures that would be expected from pure olive oil, showing
that the adulterant was present to an extent less than 1 per cent.
Proprietary Foods.
One sample of Bracer Wild Cherry was examined and found to contain
8.72 per cent, alcohol.
Shrimp.
Eighteen samples were examined, 1 of which was preserved with so-
dium benzoate and was correctly labeled, 2 contained borax and were not
so labeled, and 3 were decomposed.
Soda Water Syrups.
Sixty-five samples of soda water were obtained, 32 of which contained
benzoic acid. At the same time 7 samples of college ices were obtained, in
1 of vdiich benzoic acid was found. The dealers were all sent notices to
place signs in their stores in order to notify their customers that the
fruit syrups used there contained sodium benzoate.
Table Sauces.
One sample of Armour's tomato bouillon contained benzoic acid; 3
samples of catsup and pickles were examined and found to contain
sodium benzoate, according to the statement upon the label; the other
10 samples were free from preservatives.
406
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
Vinegar.
Four samples were below the standard in acidity, 1 of which was a
sample of hard cider containing 6.17 per cent, alcohol, 1.76 per cent,
acid; another was a sample of wine vinegar containing 7.40 per cent,
alcohol and 2.86 per cent, acid; 1 sample of molasses vinegar contained
4.42 per cent, acid, and 1 sample of cider vinegar contained 4.36 per
cent. acid. Two samples of cider vinegar were slightly below the stand-
ard for solids, containing 1.75 and 1.76 per cent, solids; 1 sample of
cider vinegar contained 1.34 per cent, solids; 2 samples of molasses vine-
gar were submitted as cider vinegar.
Summary of Statistics of Food exclusive of Milk.
■d
•6
S
S
ii>
2
6
s
a
ffi
a
o
'3
a
3
1
a
"a
1
O
■o
o
O
-a
o
O
<
H
O
<
h
Baking powder,
5
1
6
Flavoring extracts — Con.
Bread, .
1
-
1
Lemon, ....
52
19
71
Breakfast foods,
1
-
1
Maple,
1
-
1
Buckwheat fiour,
1
-
1
Orange, ....
1
-
1
Butter, .
52
6
58
Peppermint,
7
-
7
Cake frosting, .
1
-
1
Vanilla
36
5
41
Canned fisli, .
1
4
5
Wintergreen,
9
1
10
Canned fruits and ■(
•egetables,
9
-
9
Fruit juice: —
Canned soup, .
3
-
3
Grape
18
-
18
Cider,
17
34
51
Grape fruit
1
-
1
Cocoa,
18
-
18
Lime, ......
19
2
21
Coffee, .
12
9
21
Honey
15
-
15
College ices, .
6
1
7
Horse-radish, ....
2
-
2
Condensed milk.
8
-
8
Ice cream
123
9
132
Confectionery,
46
2
48
Jams and jellies.
59
1
60
Cordials, .
4
-
4
Lard,
61
7
68
Corn meal.
1
-
1
Maple sugar
64
41
105
Cream,
182
27
209
Maple syrup, ....
14
2
16
Cream of tartar,
19
-
19
Mat6
1
-
1
Dried fruits, .
3
1
4
Meat products: —
Eggs,
65
24
89
Canned meats.
17
1
18
Flavoring extracts: —
Frogs' legs, ....
2
-
2
Ginger, ....
2
-
2
Hamburg steak, .
44
8
52
No. 34.]
REPORT OF THE ANALYST.
407
Summary of Statistics of Food exclusive of Milk — Concluded.
Meat products — Con
Head cheese,
Mince meat,
Pork chops, .
Pressed meat,
Sausages,
Tripe, .
Molasses,
Non-alcoliolic drinlcs.
Nuts,
Olive oil, .
Oysters, .
Peanut butter,
22
Pickles, .
Proprietary foods.
Rice,
Salad dressing,
Shrimp, .
Soda water syrups.
Spices,
Syrup,
Table sauce, .
Tea,
Vinegar, .
Wine,
Totals,
1,351
281
18
1
2
5
18
65
32
7
14
2
23
2
1,632
Drugs.
One thousand three hundred and ninety-three samples of drugs were
examined, of which 204 were adulterated. Only such drugs as deserve
special comment will be discussed.
Alcohol.
Eighty-six samples were collected, of which 14 were below the stand-
ard; 10 of these were approximately 70 per cent, and 1 each was approxi-
mately 30, 40, 50 and 80 per cent, alcohol.
Aspirin Tablets.
Five samples of 5-grain aspirin tablets were obtained and examined.
They were found to contain from 4.16 to 5 grains per tablet. The melt-
ing point of the aspirin obtained was foujid to vary from 124.5° to
129.5° C; the melting point of pure aspirin is 135. The low melting
point obtained is due to a small amount of salicylic acid which is gen-
erally present as a decomposition product in commercial aspirin. The
samples were examined for acetanilid and other similar substances with
negative results.
408 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
Denatured Alcohol.
Four samples of denatured alcohol and 1 sample of wood alcohol were
obtained, all of which were sold with the necessary poison label.
Elixir of Potassium Bromide.
Twenty samples were examined, 3 of which were below the National
Formulary strength, containing, respectively, 71, 75 and 78 per cent, of
the required amount of potassium bromide.
Olive Oil.
Twenty-eight samples were obtained from drag stores, all of which
were pure olive oils. The value of the inspection work of the department
can be seen by a study of the results of analyses of drug samples of
olive oil during the past twelve years. In 1901, 27 per cent, of the total
samples collected were adulterated; in 1902, 29 per cent.; in 1903, 31
per cent.; in 1904, 29 per cent.; in 1905, 7 per cent.; in 1906, 13 per
cent.; in 1907, 0.80 per cent.; in 1908, 3.2 per cent; 1909, 9.2 per cent.;
and in 1910 to 1913, inclusive, all the samples were pure.
Proprietary Drugs.
Thirty-four samples were examined, 1 of which, a sample of Quinine-
Wliiskey put up by the Quinine- Whiskey Company, Louisville, Ky., con-
tained 30.01 per cent, alcohol by volume, without bearing the necessary
label stating this fact. The proprietary medicines containing acetanilid,
phenacetine and morphine were all correctly labeled. There are upon
the market at present certain proprietary medicines containing strych-
nine, over the sale of which the law has no control. A sample of olive
tablets was found to contain strychnine, aloes and atropine. Some of
these tablets are said to have killed a child in this State. Samples of
Make-Man-Tablets were found to cont&,in strychnine, and no doubt other
proprietary drugs could be obtained in which strychnine could be found.
Samples of unusual combinations were submitted in broken packages.
One was an Obesity Powder, for external use only. Directions: use %
to 1 tcaspoonful with 3 volumes of water, and rub. This consisted
largely of magnesium carbonate and perfume. Prolaxo tablets, made by
the same person, contained magnesium carbonate, with a small amount
of a bitter principal; no alkaloids or acetanilid, etc., were detected.
Fermostop Tablets, made by the same person, were found to contain
magnesium carbonate, and to be free from alkaloids, acetanilid, etc.
A sample of catarrh powder, sold by a peddler in the city of Salem and
No. 34.] REPORT OF THE ANALYST. 409
submitted by the local board of health, was found to contain 48 per cent,
cane sugar, 46 per cent, sodium bicarbonate and 6 per cent, of an herb
resembling slippery elm bark.
Quinine Pills.
Thirty-six samples of 2-grain quinine pills were examined, 2 of which
contained, respectively, 1.66 grains and 1.73 grains of quinine sulphate
per pill; the balance contained about 2 grains per pill, according to the
requirement of labels on the packages.
Spirits.
Seven hundred and forty-nine of the various forms of spirits were ex-
amined, of which 129 were adulterated. The single samples of whiskey
and bay rum were of the quality required by the Pharmacopoeia; all of
the other varieties of spirits contained some adulterated samples.
Precipitated Sulphur.
Thirty-one samples were examined, 4 of which were adulterated, con-
taining, respectively, 2, 12, 22 and 42 per cent, calcium sulphate. Cal-
cium sulphate is present in these preparations as the result of improper
manufacture. The Pharmacopoeia directs that the sulphur be dissolved
in lime, precipitated with hydrochloric acid and washed until free from
lime salts. Sulphuric acid is sometimes used as a precipitant, which
causes the separation of a large amount of insoluble calcium sulphate.
The only reason for using sulphuric acid is for the purpose of filling the
product with calcium sulphate as an adulterant.
Tinctures.
Three hundred and seventy-six samples of tinctures were examined.
53 of which were adulterated. ISTo adulteration was detected in the
samples of tinctures of capsicum, digitalis and sweet tincture of rhubarb.
The single sample of tincture of ginger examined was either diluted with
alcohol, or insufficient ginger or partly exhausted ginger was used in
its preparation. Of the 58 samples of tincture of vanilla examined, 6
were the compound tincture of vanillin described in the National For-
mulary. The following table shows the variation from the United States
Pharmacopceial requirements of the various spirits and tinctures found
adulterated : —
410
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
Number
of Samples.
Per Cent, op U. S. P. Strength.
Totals.
1
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
Tinctures: —
Ferric chloride,
-
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1
Iodine,
11
10
8
4
4
2
-
1
1
-
41
Spirits: —
Anise
-
2
6
2
3
-
1
-
-
1
15
Camphor, ....
-
5
3
6
1
-
-
-
-
-
15
Nitrous ether,
-
7
10
13
10
1
1
1
2
1
46
Gaultheria
-
2
1
-
3
-
-
-
-
-
6
Lemon,
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
4
4
Peppermint
1
10
7
10
3
4
2
-
6
43
Mercurial Ointment.
The 2 samples reported adulterated were obtained from one dealer,
and consisted of blue ointment below the required strength.
Summary of Drv^ Statistics.
Character of Sample.
6
a
'B
g
■a
1
4
Character of Sample.
6
_a
'5
a
o
a
■6
S
<
4
s
Alcohol
72
14
86
Potassii bitartras, .
1
-
1
Aqua hamamelidis,
13
-
13
Proprietary drugs,
33
1
34
Aqua hydrogenii dioxidi,
3
-
3
Pulvis effervescens compositus,
1
-
1
Aqua rosse
1
-
1
Quinine pills, ....
34
2
36
Aspirin tablets,
5
-
5
Sodii boras, ....
4
-
4
Calx chlorinata,
1
-
1
Sodii phosphas.
2
-
2
Cera flava
3
-
3
Spiritus aetheris nitrosi, .
88
46
134
Denatured alcohol,
4
-
4
Spiritus anisi, ....
52
15
67
Elixir potassii bromidi, .
17
3
20
Spiritus camphorae,
180
15
195
Gin,
3
-
3
Spiritus frumenti, .
1
-
1
Glycerinum, ....
1
-
1
Spiritus gaultherise.
57
6
63
Insecticide,
1
-
1
Spiritus limonis,
5
4
9
Oleum amygdalzeexpressum, .
18
-
18
Spiritus menthee piperita,
236
43
279
Oleum oliva
28
-
28
Spiritus myrcia;.
1
-
1
No. 34.]
REPORT OF THE ANALYST.
411
Summary of Driig Statistics — Concluded.
Character op Sample.
6
a
'B
a
o
O
■a
1
1
Character of Sample.
6
a
'3
a
o
O
3
i
"a
T3
<
1
Sulphur prsecipitatum, .
Tinctura capsici,
Tinctura digitalis, .
Tinctura ferri chloridi, .
Tinctura iodi, ....
27
6
2
4
226
1
4
1
41
31
6
2
5
267
1
Tinctura vanillffl, .
Tinctura zingiberis,
Unguentum hydrargyri,
Unguentum zinci oxidi, .
Wood alcohol
Totals
52
4
1
1
6
1
2
58
1
6
1
1
Tinctura rhei dulcis,
1,189
204
1,393
Inspection of Liquors.
The police department of 16 cities and towns submitted 75 samples of
liquors, of which 50 contained more than 1 per cent, and 25 less than
1 per cent, of alcohol. The table below gives the number and character
of the samples obtained from the different localities. The attendance of
the assistant analysts has been required in the lower courts of Attle-
borough, Barnstable, Lawrence, Lynn, Northampton and Quincy, and in
the Superior Court of Hampshire County.
Summ
ar%j of Liquor
Statistics.
Locality.
b
i
6
a.S
I— <
i
c8.a
a
Miscellaneous and Remarks.
1
Attleborough,
Barnstable,
Boston, .
Danvers,
Dedham,
Foxborough,
Lawrence,
Lee,
Lynnfield,
Lvnn,
Millis, .
Quincy, .
Revere, .
Rockport,
Royalston,
Waltham,
3
1
5
1
10
2
1
1
2
23
1
1
1
1
4
2
-
1
2
1
2
3
4 (2, unknown; 2, malt extract),
3 (1, unknown; 1, preserved fruit;
1, Jamaica ginger and cider).
5
4
6
1
5
3
1
1
1
16
1
3
23
2
1
2
Totals,
22 28
9
1
2
6
7 - - 75
412
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
Examination of Poisons.
One hundred and forty-one samples of poison were submitted during
the year, 7 of which were declared legal and 131 illegal. One hundred
and three of these samples were submitted by the Boston police, 31 by
the Watch and Ward Society, 3 by the district police, and 1 each by the
Plymouth and Cambridge police. Concord Eeformatory, and Pish and
Game Commission. The sample submitted by the Pish and Game Com-
mission consisted of a small ball of grease found in the woods, apparently
for the purpose of killing wild animals; this sample contained strych-
nine. The sample submitted by the police department of Plymouth con-
sisted of a mixture of a powder with some oats and dirt in a bag; the
powder was found to be arsenious oxide. A note accompanying the
package stated that this powder 'was being used to poison horses. One
sample obtained from the Boston police had the appearance of plant
stems, etc., coarsely ground; morphine was found in this sample. Two
of the samples submitted by the district police were wine and granu-
lated sugar, of which both were found free from poison ; the other samples
submitted by the district police consisted of celery on which was a green
deposit ; this deposit was found to contain copper. The sample submitted
by the Cambridge police was cocoa, all prepared for drinking, and was
obtained from a man who suspected somebody was attempting to poison
him; no poison was detected in the substance. A sample of milk was
submitted by the Boston police department and was found to contain 13
per cent, of commercial wood alcohol. This was said to have been pre-
pared for a woman by her husband. He was tried in the court of East
Boston and held for the grand jury. The grand jury reported no bill.
Summary of Poison Statistics.
>.
a
s
(D H
■Hr^
s
I
1
o
1^
o
so
3
o
O
a
o
1
a
-a
o
o
s
-a
a
t
o
n
o
O
i5
6h
CL,
^
H
Morphine sulphate,
30
_
_
_
_
_
12
42
Morphine pills or tablets, ....
7
-
-
-
-
-
3
10
Substance containing morphine,
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
1
Heroin,
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
1
Heroin tablets
19
-
-
-
-
-
2
21
Gum opium,
10
-
-
-
-
-
6
16
Opium ash
8
-
-
-
-
-
-
8
Cocaine hydrochloride, ....
25
-
-
-
-
-
5
30
Proprietary medicines containing cocaine, .
-
-
-
-
-
-
3
3
Alleged poisons
1
1
1
3
1
1
-
8
Blood
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
1
Totals
103
1
1
3
1
1
31
141
No. 34.] REPORT OF THE ANALYST. 413
Examination of Articles in Cold Storage.
Eighty-three samples of articles held in cold storage were submitted,
to see whether or not they could be destroyed, of which 45 were reported
decomposed and 38 not decomposed. The character of these samples is
shown in the accompanying table. The methods used in the examination
of these samples were the determination of ammonia by the Folin method
and the determination of total nitrogen. The samples were first passed
through a meat chopper and a 5-gram sample weighed into a cylinder.
Water, sodium, carbonate solution and potassium oxalate solution, to-
gether with a little oil, were added, and a current of ammonia free air
was blown through the liquid, after which it was passed into a 100 cubic
centimeter flask containing 2 cubic centimeters of tenth normal acid in
50 cubic centimeters of water. The blast was discontinued after two
hours, the contents of the flask were treated with 5 cubic centimeters of
Nessler's solution, previously diluted with 25 cubic centimeters of water,
and made up to the mark. The ammonia was then determined in this
solution by comparison in a Dubosque colorimeter, with a standard am-
monia solution treated in the same way with the Nessler solution. The
total nitrogen was determined by the Gunning method, using a 1 to l^/o
gram sample. The ammonia was calculated first as milligram to 100
grams of sample, and second as per cent, of total nitrogen as ammonia.
This latter figure is of course independent of all constituents except the
nitrogen, and shows the relative deterioration of the protein substances.
At present all samples containing less than 0.50 per cent, of the total
nitrogen in the form of ammonia have been declared good. The average
figure obtained from the samples declared good is about 0.35 per cent.
The following table gives the summary of the examination of these
samples, together with those examined in the course of the regular in-
spection of foods : —
414
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
Summary of Analyses of Meat and Fish for Decomposition.
Samples reported undecomposed.
Canned fish: — •
Highest,
Lowest
Average
Chicken: —
Highest,
Lowest,
Average
Beef, moose and venison: —
Highest
Lowest,
Average
Samples reported decomposed.
Canned fish: —
Highest,
Lowest
Average, .......
Chicken: —
Highest
Lowest,
Average,
Poultry other than chicken: —
Highest
Lowest,
Average
Beef, moose and venison: —
Highest,
Lowest,
Average,
Ammonia
Milligrams per
100 Grams.
8.5
1.5
4.7
20.1
7.3
16.0
16.8
6.3
11.0
91.0
18.3
31.8
25.3
18.8
22.1
40.3
17.2
35.9
63.4
22.4
42.7
Nitrogen
(Per Cent.).
3.77
2.99
3.27
4.86
3.23
4.26
4.23
2 77
3.46
4.11
2.99
3.53
4.23
3.11
3.68
4.48
3.11
3.61
4.34
3.63
3.93
_ Total
Nitrogen as
Ammonia
(Per Cent.).
0.26
0.10
0.14
0.50
0.26
0.38
0.50
0.23
0.33
2.60
0.56
0.90
0.52
0.69
0.60
1,29
0.51
0.72
1.66
52
1.09
No. 34.]
REPORT OF THE ANALYST.
415
Summary of Cold-storage Statistics.
Character of
Sample.
■ i
o
o
a
a
• Q
"3
1
Character of
Sample.
"a
8
o
£
o
Q
Beef, .
Broilers,
Butter, .
Chickens, .
Ducks, .
Eggs,
Fowl, .
Goose, .
Heart, .
1
1
1
14
1
1
1
2
11
2
15
1
1
1
1
1
3
1
25
2
16
1
1
1
1
2
Mutton chops
Pigeons,
Plover, .
Pollock, .
Sand peep.
Squab, .
Squid, .
Turkeys,
Venison,
Totals,
3
4
1
2
1
1
2
4
2
1
3
1
4
3
4
2
2
2
4
1
8
Kidney,
Liver,
38
45
83
General Summary.
Legal.
Illegal.
Totals.
Milk,
Foods exclusive of milk,
Drugs,
Totals,
Cold storage, .
Poisons, .
Liquor,
Totals,
5,020
1,351
1,189
7,655
1,682
281
204
2,371
6,702
1,632
1,393
7,560
2,167
9,727
38
45
83
7
134
141
50
25
75
10,026
Respectfully submitted,
HERMANN C. LYTHGOE.
REPORT UPON AN ACT
RELATIVE TO THE
Cold Stoeage of Certain Food Peoducts.
1417]
Eeport on the Business of Cold Storage.
The subject of the preservation of articles of food for future use,
through the medium of refrigeration or cold storage, has been one to
which we have given particular attention during the past year. One
inspector has been stationed at the cold-storage warehouses every day,
with instructions to note the effect of refrigeration on all articles of
food. This necessitated a close physical examination of the goods when
placed in cold storage and a chemical analysis of the same articles of
food when taken out of storage within the statutory period of twelve
calendar months. As a result of many such examinations we feel quite
satisfied that only shght changes take place in their condition during
storage, provided proper refrigeration has been maintained.
I am aware there is a more or less prevalent idea in the mind of the
public that cold storage is for the purpose of providing a place to re-
store articles that, for some reason, have become unfit for food to a
condition whereby they may be made edible, but our observations have
convinced us that this idea is erroneous. We find that articles of food
in the verj' best condition do not come out in exactly the same condition
in which they were when placed in storage; that there is always a change
from the original condition due to age, if nothing else. We also find
that articles of food which, for some reason, have become decomposed,
tainted, soiled, or otherwise unfit for food, when placed in storage will
be even more unfit for food when taken out. Cold storage is not in-
tended to redeem articles unfit for food but is for the purpose of pre-
serving them as near as possible to their original condition when placed
in storage. It is therefore obvious that the effect has been to make cold
storage an indispensable factor in the present system of storing, pre-
serving and distribiiting the food supply of the country.
It is established that cold storage is a practical means of successfully
conveying perishable food products to the consumer without harmful
exposure to heat or anything that might cause their deterioration, making
it possible for articles of food to be delivered to the consumer in a whole-
some condition.
The leading commodities subject to cold storage are perishable food-
stuffs of seasonable production, including such articles as fresh meats,
fresh meat product^., fresh food fish, poultr}^, eggs and butter.
420 STATE BOARD OF HEALTH. [Pub. Doc.
It is well known that the production of these commodities is confined
to certain seasons of the year; for example, the heavy-producing season
for eggs is in the months of April, May and June, whereas, the season
for the heavy production of butter is in June, July and August. The
season for poultry is not so confined as it is for eggs, and the same can,
be said of fish, although certain, fish are caught in the largest volume
during certain periods, sometimes within two weeks and often extending
over two months. Were it not for cold storage, a large quantity of these
articles would become so altered that they would be unfit for food and
would, consequently, have to be destroyed, thereby causing an unneces-
sary destruction of good food, adding to the high cost of living. It is
at this point that cold storage enters to save and distribute the output of
these perishable foodstuffs by carrying the surplus of the fresh season
over to meet the shortage of the later season.
The above is the function cold storage plays in the proper preserva-
tion of articles of food, and our observations have shown us that such
a position is being met in a practical way through refrigeration or cold
storage.
On the other hand, there is the possibility of cold storage being used
by speculators for the purpose of buying large quantities of food in the
flush of the season, depositing them in cold storage until such time as
a shortage in such commodities occurs, and then placing them on the
market when large profits can be realized. When this occurs, it is an
abuse of cold storage, and should not be used to discount the practical
good effect of cold storage in the preservation of foodstuffs.
Notwithstanding the above commercial advantages from a speculative
point of view, the fact remains that cold storage is a practical and neces-
sary method of preserving articles of food for future use.
During the fiscal year ending Nov. 30, 1913, the inspectors of cold
storage under this Board visited every cold-storage plant within the
Commonwealth a number of times. Most of the places are kept in
good sanitary condition and appear to be well-conducted, and the pro-
prietors and managers all show a disposition to cooperate with this
Board in the enforcement of the law governing the business of cold
storage.
During the year it became necessary to condemn and destroy a large
amount of articles intended for food on account of decomposition, taint,
decay and being soiled; also, accidents to the refrigerating machinery.
These were condemned on physical examination or chemical analysis,
and were disposed of by rendering, incinerating, burial, or loaded with
garbage and taken to sea.
No. 34.] COLD STORAGE. 421
At the beginning of the year, Dec. 1, 1912, there were thirty-seven
licensed cold-storage warehouse plants, while forty-seven were licensed
Nov. 30, 1913.
It was also found necessary to prosecute some of the depositors of
goods in cold storage for retaining such articles in cold storage over
twelve calendar months; also, for removing goods that had been in cold
storage over twelve calendar months, without permission from this Board.
Nineteen requests for an extension of time on goods in cold storage
over twelve calendar months were made and granted by the Board for
the reasons given on each request, as will be seen in the following table : —
422
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
[Pub. Doc.
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