New York
State College of Agriculture

At Cornell Cniversitp
Ithaca, N. DY.

 

Library
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BSqC4

RESULTS OF EXAMINATIONS

OF

WATER

FROM THE

RIVER SCHUYLKILL

BY

CHARLES M. CRESSON, M.D.

COMMUNICATED, BY REQUEST, TO

Dr. W. H. McFADDEN,

Chief Engineer of the Water Department of the City of Philadelphia.

ft

March 8, 1875.

 

PHILADELPHIA:
WM. MANN, PRINTER, 529 MARKET STREET.
1875.

 

 

 

 
RESULTS OF EXAMINATIONS

oF

WATER

FROM THE

RIVE SORLUY LKITLs

BY

CHARLES M. CRESSON, M.D.

COMMUNICATED, BY REQUEST, TO

Dr. W. H. McFADDEN,

Ohief Engineer of the Water Department of the City of Philadelphia.

 

March 3, 1875.

 

PHILADELPHIA:
WM. MANN, PRINTER, 529 MARKET STREET.
1875.
@L27407
RESULTS

OF THE

EXAMINATION OF WATER

FROM THE RIVER SCHUYLKILL.

LaBORATORY, 417 WALNUT STEEET.
PHILADELPHIA, March 8, 1875.

Dr. W. H. McFappen,

Chief Engineer Water Department,

Dear Siz: In answer to your inquiry, I must say that I
am not prepared to furnish an exhaustive report upon the
sources of water supply to our city; but having made very
many analyses, with especial reference to the presence of
sewage and to the prevention of the ill effects of it, I gladly
furnish you with selections from them, and herewith present
the results of examinations of waters from various locations
on the Schuylkill, and from streams emptying into it. (See
Tables A, B, C, D, H, F, annexed.)

The mode of examination adopted is one which has re-
ceived the approbation of the highest authorities at home
and abroad as being the best suited for the analysis of potable
waters. For drinking and household purposes it has already
been decided that the nature and not the quantity of the
ordinary mineral constituents is of the greatest moment, so
long as the amount of inorganic impurity does not exceed
30 to 35 grains in one gallon, and of which not more than
2 or 3 grains are salts of lime or magnesia.

With respect to the organic constituents, such an amount
4

is not allowable, and as the hygienic effects of different sorts
of organic matter have been the subject of discussion for
several years past, I shall quote freely in relation to them
from the standard authorities. (*) ,

“The amount of organic matter, and closely connected
with it, the amount of ammonia, is a matter of prime con-
sequence.”

“The extreme minuteness of the quantity which makes
the difference between a good and a bad kind of water ren-
ders this branch of the inquiry difficult, and excludes the
employment of all the ordinary methods of chemical analysis.
The detection and measurement of the organic matters in
water belong to the domain of micro-chemical investigation.”

A comparison of the amounts of the “organic matter,” as
obtained by the old method of ignition, with those got as
‘*sewage” by the new methods (representing the deleterious
matters contained in water), shows that no reliance whatever
is to be placed in the amount of “organic matter” by ignition
as a means of determining the purity of waters.

A reference to Table D, which exhibits the amounts of
organic matter by ignition, more fully illustrates this point.

From this table it appears that the extreme variations in
the amount of organic matter in these samples amount to but
16.2 per cent., whilst that of the sewage varies to the amount
of 220 per cent., and the water containing the greatest
umount of “organic matter” really has in it but “traces” of
sewage.

The relative wholesomeness of water is undoubtedly de-
pendent upon the relative amount of certain kinds of organic
substances which may be present.

The kinds of organic substances that are deleterious are
those which contain nitrogen, and are therefore liable to
putrefaction. All such bodies can by proper treatment be

 

(1) Journal Chemical Society ; Wanklyn & Chapman, Water Analysis ;
H. Watt’s Dictionary of Chemistry; the works of Bloxam, Tyndale,
Fownes, Schorlemmer, Chandler, Krepp; Reports of the Commission
appointed to inquire into the best mode of distributing the sewage of
towns, etc., by Parliament, London.
5

converted into ammonia, and upon this property is based the
most approved method of determining the healthfulness of
drinking water.

“ By estimating the amount of ammonia obtainable from
water, noting the circumstances under which it is obtained,
we have a measure of the nitrogenous organic matter present
in water.

“Tn the whole range of chemical analysis there is no de-
termination which surpasses that of ammonia in point of
delicacy. It is questionable, indeed, whether any other
approaches it. The Nessler test is capable of indicating 1
part of ammonia in 200,000,000 parts of water, and even this
statement, surprising though it may seem, is an understate-
ment of the delicacy of the test. Such being the character
of the measurement of ammonia, the great advantage of
causing determinations of organic matter to depend on meas-
urements of ammonia will be manifest. By making these
measurements of ammonia stand for measurements of organic
matter in water, we apply micro-chemistry.”

Modern chemistry has also given us very delicate re-agents
for the determination of sulphuric acid, of which the presence
in very minute quantities may materially affect.the whole-
someéness of our water supply (*).

 

(?) I find upon my laboratory record the following memorandum by
Mr. Howard W. Mitchell, who has made a great number of determina-
tions of free acid in waters:

“ Hematoxyline in neutral solution, though belonging to the class of
general rather than special re-agents, seems as deservedly to possess a
claim in the domain of micro-chemistry as either the Nessler test for
ammonia, or the sulpho-cyanide test for ferric iron. Its efficacy as a re-
agent in the estimation of free acid in waters does not appear to have
met with that general recognition which is certainly its due. The perfect
simplicity of its application, and, within certain definite limits, the un-
varying character of its color changes, render hematoxyline solution
especially efficient for this purpose. In the examination of natural waters
with this re-agent by the use of a standard ammonia solution, it has been
found quite possible to detect the presence of .016 grs. of free sulphuric
acid in the gallon, or, in other words, to detect one part in about three
and a half million parts of water. This, however, requires some nicety
6

The presence of salts of lime and magnesia concerns chiefly
the relative economy of waters; that is, their power to de-
stroy soap, a necessary detergent in household use.

The destruction of soap is due to the formation of insoluble
salts, and not until the salts of lime and magnesia present in
the water have exhausted their chemical powers upon the
soap will there be a formation of lather.

Soft waters destroy at most but five or six grains of soap
to the gallon of water used; but hard waters are in use which
will destroy over forty grains of soap to the gallon of water,
so that the additional cost of soap required for household
use becomes a considerable item. ;

In addition to their soap-destroying power, there should be
considered the effects of the salts of lime and magnesia in
water used in steam boilers. This item is of considerable
consequence in a city of manufactures, such as is Philadelphia.

Since January, 1872, my examinations of Schuylkill, Dela.
ware, and other sources of city supply have been made upon
the improved methods referred to, and have been directed as
follows:

First, To the ESSENTIALS of a city supply—
a—Healthfulness ;
b—Kconomy ;
c—Quantity;
d—Suitability for manufacturing purposes.
Srconn, To the sources of DEPRECIATION—
a—Natural sewage ;
b—Sewage incident to cultivation of the land;

 

 

 

of discrimination. A very marked transformation is shown in the addi=
tion or subtraction of .06 grains of free acid, when one gallon of water
is the quantity operated-upon. From the first result it is readily seen
that, when working with .01 gallon, to determine .00016 grs. of sulphuric
anhydride is quite within experimental limits. The second result indi-
cates that in ordinary manipulation, within the detection of one part in
the million, no restriction to determination need be made. The presence
of sulphurous acid or other deoxidizing agents seems to impair, though

not entirely to destroy, the delicacy of this remarkable color reaction,”’
—H. W. M.
7

c—Sewage from factories ;

d—Sewage from slaughter houses, cesspools, cemeteries ;
and

e—Presence of hurtful metallic solutions.

Tuirp, To the PRECAUTIONS that are best suited to
preserve the water supply from contamination, and the
REMEDIES most appropriate to restore its purity when lost,
either by ordinary causes or by those that may produce
epidemic disease— _

a—Exclusion of improper sewage.

b—Natural treatment for the purification of bad waters.
e—Filtration.

d—Chemical agents to be used in case of emergency.

It is not necessary to discuss here in detail the course of
experiments or results obtained; but I will in a general way
give the conclusions to which I have arrived.

The river Schuylkill drains a vast agricultural territory,
and receives the drainage from two large and growing
cities, (*) beside many smaller towns, several of which are
centres of manufacturing industries.

Within a few years numerous iron banks have been opened
upon its tributaries, and iron furnaces built upon its margin.

The quality of the water varies materially with the loca-
tion from which it is taken, the season of the year, and is
gradually being deteriorated by the influx of foreign matter,

 

8 Cities and towns draining into the river Schuylkill above Fairmount

dam ;
Population from Census, 1870.

Reading, . . . - 5 + + « + 88,980
Pottsville, Sp oa . . 12,884
Norristown, : . » + 10,758
Tamaqua, . . ‘ ‘ . 5,960
Schuylkill Haven, ; . 2,940
Pottstown, 5 ea 4,125
Pheenixville, : . 4,886
Manayunk, . Body SB cae Mae 8,000)

Auburn, Port Clinton, Hamburg, Shoemakersville, Leesport, Birds-
boro, Douglassville, Schwenksville, Bridgeport, in all representing an
aggregate population of over 90,000.
8

both organic and inorganic, from the refuse of the manufac-
turing establishments which it drains.

‘As a natural source for city supply, the river Schuylkill is
unequalled. It furnishes a soft water containing but little
mineral matter, running in a shallow stream over a rough
rocky bed, with numerous rapids and cascades, which give it
every opportunity for aeration and the destruction of organic
matter. The limited amount of salts of lime and magnesia
renders it a suitable and an economical water, not only for
household use but also for most manufacturing purposes.
The frequent examinations made by the city authorities and
the corporations using the water, show that the volume is
such that with the precautions and the devices that have
been suggested “the average flow of the river would then
give sufficient water power to raise into distributing reser-
voirs at Philadelphia over three and one-half billion gallons
per month, or 116,000,000 per day, throughout the driest por-
tion of the year.” (*)

Depreciation of the water supply by sewage, incident to
natural causes, is at its maximum in the autumn, when the
leaves and seeds have fallen from the trees, and when the
ground is closed by frost, so that the winter showers and
water from melting snows do not soak into the ground but
flow over the surface into the creeks and rivers.

For a similar reason the sewage from the manuring of
farms is greatest in spring, at the breaking up of frost, and.
entirely ceases when the surface of the ground is broken up
by the plough. Fortunately at such season there are usually
freshets, which rapidly and effectually cleanse the river from
impurity, and a sufficient margin of the river is enclosed
within the limits of the Park to prevent the entrance of such
drainage unless at points at such a distance (several miles)
from where our chief supply of water is taken as to secure
sufficient exposure to natural influences and counteract any
ill effects.

 

(4) Report of a special committee of the Commissioners of Fairmount
Park, upon the preservation of the purity of the water supply.—1867.
9

Natural sewage rarely exceeds 1 to 14 pounds to the
1,000,000 U.S. G.

The sewage run into the river from the manufactories
located within ten miles of Fairmount dam consists chiefly
of the following materials :

Refuse from bleaching and printing.

u “ scouring and dyeing.

es “ paper works (alkaline).

ig “gas works, tar, ammoniacal liquor, and wash.
from foul lime.

The nearest mill is about 3} miles, and a majority of them
are over 5} miles, ‘from the Fairmount dam.

That portion of the sewage which consists of decomposing
vegetable substances does not produce the hurtful effects of
that from decaying animal matters, and if cesspool] and sur-
face drainage could be excluded, the whole of the refuse
matter from the factories (except that of wool washing and
scouring) at present, put into the river by these factories
could readily be rendered innocuous by proper exposure to
air and light.

That not only the whole of this sewage, but also a great
portion of that received from the borough of Norristown, is
reduced by oxygenation during its course down the river is
evident from an inspection of Table A.

Analyses Nos. 1266 and 1269 (lines 17 and 20) were made
of samples taken the same day, one from the inlet to the
Roxborough Water Works, containing sewage (from Norris-
town) to the amount of 423 lbs. to the 1,000,000 U.S. gallons,
and the other from the pool of Fairmount dam, at the inlet
to the Belmont Works, containing 19.4 lbs. of sewage; so
that 23 lbs. of sewage had been oxydized, in addition to that
received by the river from the factories and from Wissa-
hickon Creek and elsewhere.

That portion of the sewage which is most dangerous, and
which would in the presence of an epidemic produce fatal
results, is derived from the cess-pools and the drainage of
slaughter houses. Singularly, the river is tolerably free from
such sewage until it enters the pool of Fairmount dam.

2
10

Into this pool from both sides of the river is poured an
enormous quantity of animal refuse from slaughter houses,
in which I am informed not less than 25 per cent.-of the whole
number of animals needed for our market are killed.

The accumulation of this drainage when the water ceases
to flow over the dam at Fairmount is evidenced by the amount
of sewage found July 24, 1874,in Analyses Nos. 1152, 1158,
1154 (Table A, lines 16, 19, 24), at the inlets to the pump
works at Belmount, Fairmount, and Spring Garden to the
enormous amounts of 98.06, 97.14, 121.37 Ibs. to the 1,000,000
U.S. G., respectively. It is to be noted that the creek empty-
ing into this river below the inlet to the Spring Garden Water
Works was, September 5, 1873, conveyiug water containing
227.68 lbs. to the 1,000,000 U.S. G. (Table A, Analysis No.
658, line 8), whilst Mantua Creek, on the western bank, was
conveying the drainage from slaughter houses killing a much
larger number of animals than that upon the eastern shore.
The amount of sewage found in Fairmount forebay, Febru-
ary 9, 1872, was 6.65 lbs. per 1,000,000 U.S. G., and gradu-
ally increased until about November, when a large increment
was added, and it has been steadily increasing since that
time, until the water is occasionally charged with an amount
of sewage exceeding that carried by the river Thames at
London (England), and is totally unfit for use. Unless some
precautions are soon taken to prevent the influx of this great
amount of sewage of animal matter into our source of supply,
we may certainly expect to have our city visited by some
epidemic scourge.

The remedies to be applied are, first:

The exclusion of improper sewage.

Channels should be provided at once for the conveyance of
all sewage on both banks of the river that now enters it below
Columbia Bridge.

Provision should be made for the conveyance (at an early
day) of all sewage that enters the river at and below Mana-
yunk, by canals or sewers on each side of the river, to points
below Fairmount dam. /

In this sewage should be included, if possible, the waters
11

of the Wissahickon Creek, which now drains a large portion
of a thickly inhabited district.

Water plants, such as float upon the water with their roots
in the liquid and leaves in the air, should be cultivated in the
stream.

The drainage from the gas works especially should be
diverted.

If practicable, it should be so arranged that the water
which is pumped into the reservoirs shall flow into each
reservoir over an artificial bed, forming as extended a cascade
as possible, thus obtaining as much as can be the benefit of
exposure to air and light, and so reduce to a minimum the
amount of oxidizable matter.

Filtration would remove much of the floating matter, and
greatly improve the quality of the water; but if proper pre-
cautions are used, it may be rendered unnecessary.

If at any time the condition of the water supply should
become seriously polluted, chemical agents may be employed,
which will at least render it harmless.

The following extracts from “The Sewage Question,” by
Krepp, show the mode of the propagation of epidemics, and
from a study of the conditions therein stated, we are able to
learn the means of prevention and of cure should epidemics
unfortunately make their appearance:

“Dr. Klob, of Vienna, has recently, by means of a micros-
cope of 800 to 1000 power, discovered in the evacuations of
cholera patients millions and millions of microscopic fungi
very similar in form to common mushrooms.

That these fungi form the basis and medium of propaga-
tion of that terrible disease, there can hardly be any more
doubt, as all kinds of fungi most rapidly propagate under
favorable circumstances.”

«The most eminent physicians of the southern part of the
United States now acknowledge that yellow fever is much
promoted, if not actually generated, by the decomposition of
large masses of human faeces left exposed to the open air,
though they very much disagree respecting the manner in
which this terrible distemper is propagated. According to *
12

Captain Liernur, who was for a number of years a resident
of the Southern States, and from whose notes, as stated in
the preface, we are working—according to his decided opinion
the infection by yellow fever is simply caused by the germs
of infusoria or fungi, developed by a combination of faecal
matters with vegetable substances, putrefying together under
the influences of a torrid clime.”

“Both yellow fever and cholera germs, whether of the
vegetable or animal, fungus or infusoria class, abound of
course in the evacuations of the stomach and bowels of the
patients, a single drop of which, however diluted, contains
millions of these poisonous atoms, which are ever taken up
into the air by the evaporation of the infectious fluid, and
afterward return in the rain.

“The scientific investigations of the celebrated Professor
Pettenkofer, of Munich, have thrown additional light upon
this subject, and disclosed important facts, which may be
summed up as follows:

“1, Cholera is neither altogether a contagion nor entirely a
miasma, but a most dangerous bastard, combining all the
virulence of both.

“2. The origin of cholera lies in a specific ferment or germ,
contained in the excrements of cholera-stricken persons, or
even of otherwise healthy people, coming from an infected
locality.

“3. Cholera, if once introduced, in the shape of this germ,
develops itself into an epidemic only in such localities where
the water, circulating in a loose, porous soil, is impregnated
with faecal matter, through percolation out of cesspools,
sewers, and gutters.

“4. Such polluted subsoil water becomes the more dan ger-
ous when, by atmospheric influences, it alternately rises and
falls, leaving in the latter case the upper strata impregnated
with putrid organic matter to dry up, and thereby exhale
volumes of most poisonous gases, which enter the human
system through our lungs.
13

“5, Cholera is, therefore, propagated not only by the at-
mosphere, when charged with fecal gases, but also by wells,
when contaminated by excremental percolation: the latter
being by far the more dangerous mode, as the cholera fer-
ment or poison is much more concentrated and powerful in
the water we drink than in the air we inhale. .

“6, Excrements, even of cholera-stricken persons, never
spread their infectious ferment whilst they are fresh, but only
after the second day, when alkaline fermentation sets in,
which therefore must be prevented by admixture of proper
disinfectants in sufficient quantity.”

“Tn the year 1849 nearly all the water used in London for
drinking and culinary purposes was notoriously contaminated
by cesspools and water-closets, in many instances even by
direct percolation of the evacuations of cholera patients.
Fortunately the quality of London water has since improved.
Hence the mortality by cholera in the years 1849, 1864, and
1866, has decreased as follows: 62—43—18 of every 1000
inhabitants.”

“When river water holds in suspense effete organic sub-
stances of the animal or vegetable kingdom, a process of
combustion rapidly goes on by the oxygen contained in the
water itself; and when all the oxygen which for that purpose
can be spared is consumed, the remaining organic ingredients
pass into a state of putrefaction.” a

From the above statements it appears that a condition of
alkalinity is necessary for the propagation of typhoid and
choleraic disorders, and all of the modern authorities assert
the danger of drinking alkaline waters containing much
sewage.

The best corrective is sulphuric acid. By the use of a
proper amount of this acid putrefaction is prevented, and the
dangerous characteristics of the water disappear.

Its properties and therapeutical effects are thus expressed
in the U.S. Dispensatory, 1865, Wood & Bache:

“Diluted sulphuric acid is a tonic, refrigerant, and as-
tringent.
14

“It is given in typhoid fevers, and often with advantage.
The dose is from ten to thirty drops, three times a day.

“Tn 1851 attention was called by Mr. Buxton, of London,
to the remarkable efficacy of diluted sulphuric acid in severe
forms of diarrhea, especially choleraic diarrhea.

“In October, 1853, Dr. H. W. Fuller, of St. George’s Hos-
pital, published a paper in the London Medical Times and
Gazette, in which he strongly recommends it in choleraic
diarrhea, from his own experience and that of his friends in
more than ninety cases without a single failure.”

During the summer of 1849 the workmen employed at the
Philadelphia gas works were directed, before drinking the
river water, to add to each pint one or two drops of sulphuric
acid, which was furnished to them for the purpose. So far
as my knowledge goes, and I was constantly at the gas works
during that summer, not a single case of cholera occurred
among them, although the employment, location, and habits
of the men predisposed them, and favored an attack of the
epidemic, of which they were in the midst.

In addition to the natural advantages possessed by the
river Schuylkill for the purification of the water, it happens
that it receives from many sources quite large amounts of
free sulphuric acid. (See Table C.) his acid is derived
chiefly from the decomposition of the pyrites of the coal
waste at the mines near its source and from the refuse of the
iron furnaces erected along the course of the river.

From an inspection of the table, which contains the results
of observations upon samples taken from the river on one day
and on one ebb tide, below the Fairmount dam, it will be
seen that the amount of acid, free and combined, varies very
much, although the points from which the samples were
taken are but a few miles apart.

These changes are the result of the action and reaction
between the acid and the organic matter, resulting in the
oxidation of one and the conversion of the other into a
gaseous form, in which shape it escapes into the air.

The additions of acid below the City of Reading come
15

chiefly from the oxidation of the sulphur in the slag heaps
from the furnaces; a portion is, however, derived from ore
heaps exposed to atmospheric influences upon the banks of
streams emptying into the river, and from chemical works
similarly located. (°)

At the foot of the table I have placed the results of an
examination of water from a well at the “ George’s’”’ Man-
sion, near George’s Hill, in Fairmoynt Park. This water, ,
which contains 0.98 of a grain of Sulphuric Acid of commer-
cial strength in each gallon, is in constant use for drinking
purposes, and is considered to be an especially excellent and
healthful water.

To neutralize the free Ammonia in the Schuylkill water
on February 25th, 1875, would for every gallon have required
of commercial Sulphuric Acid only 0.05363 of a grain, or one
grain of acid in about 19 gallons of water, and it is only
proposed to neutralize and not to add an excess of acid.

As the amount of free ammonia rarely exceeds that stated,
the proportion of acid needed is very minute and affords a
ready and safe remedy in case of necessity.

The pollution of the Schuylkill river has been increased to
such an extent as occasionally to class the water as “un-
wholesome ;” prompt measures should therefore be taken to
relieve it of sewage containing fecal and decaying animal
matter. The greatest proportion of these are now received
from the streams draining into the pool of Fairmount dam.
Preparations have been made to conduct that on the west
sid. of the river to below the dam by means of a sewer, and
similar provision should at once be made for the sewage
on the eastern shore.

When the flow of this sewage shall have been diverted into

“some new channel, then the sedimentary matter depositeddn
the river near the places of its entrance should be at once

 

5 The sewage of the city of Reading not only neutralizes the free acid
found in the river at Schuylkill Bridge, but renders its waters alkaline.
This alkalinity is in turn corrected by the free acid draining into the
river from the slag heaps of the iron furnaces located just below the city
at Upper Neversink.
16

removed, and before the summer heat can set up putrefac-
tive fermentation.

In conclusion, I will briefly enumerate what I deem to be
the proper steps to be taken to restore and maintain the

purity of our water supply:

- 1. The diversion of all sewage now flowing into the pool
of Fairmount Dam below the Falls Bridge into some other
channel. : 7

2. The diversion of all sewage containing fecal and animal
matter now flowing into the river below Flat Rock dam into
some other channel.

3. The filtration of the sewage from all mills, so as to
exclude solid matter, animal or vegetable.

4. The exclusion of Ammonia waste and surface wash
coming from the Gas Works, cemeteries, etc.

5. The cultivation of fish and of suitable plant life in and
upon the waters of the river,

6. The erection of suitable cascades over the reservoirs, 80
as to secure the benefits of eration to as great an extent as
is possible.

7. The employment of proper prophylactic and curative
agents as occasion may require.

Respectfully yours,

CHARLES M. Cresson, M.D.

Norse.—The tables annexed are expressed in pounds to the 1,000,000
U.S. gallons.

#o convert pounds in the million U.S. gallon into grains to the gallon, -
it is only necessary to set the decimal point three figures to the left and
multiply by 7, thus :—92.85 Ibs. to the 1,000,000 U.S. G. = 0.09285 x 7 =
0.64995 grains to U.S. G.

To convert pounds in the 1,000,000 U. S. G., into parts in the
1,000,000, divide the pounds to the 1,000,000 U. S. G. by 8.38, thus :—
92.85 tbs to U. S. G. = 11.14 parts in the 1,000,000.

United States gallon = 231 cubic inches = 8.832698 tbs.
RESULTS OF THE EXAMINATION OF WATER FROM THE RIVER SCHUYLKILL.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE A. ; Cuarres M. Cresson, M.D., 417 Walnut Street, Phliadelphia. .
: Anal. rove niece Sew- Sul- : hlo-
FROM WHENCE OBTAINED. No. DATE. solid |——W1_—_——_—_ age. phurie ie REMARKS.
Album-| From i
Matter.| Free. enoid. |Nitr’tes Acid.
POUNDS IN 1,000,000 U.S. GALLONS. =
Tak
1, Fairmount Forebay,.............-. 329 February 9, 1872. 899.10] 0.99 | 0.66 | 10.27 6.65 | 169.53 | | 37-18 |)
2. Belmont Inlet,. ...........0..0 04 330 By 9, “ 928.80 0.17 2.13 eS 21.28| 202.28 | | 34.62 |
3. Schuylkill River, below Manayunk, G.W.,.. . 336 i 9 993-60 7.32 0.67 e8 6.65 | 198.53 39-95 No Water over Dam for 8 days previous, and very little
4, we “Wissahickon Creek, . . 335 2 9 * 594-00 |Traces only | 1.99 so 19.96 | 63.67 39-95 for 15 days previous.
&: & “ “ Dobson’s Mill,. . .- . 333 9, 982.80 0.17 0.70 nhs 6.98 | 191.13 | | 31.97 |
6. “ « « Simpson’s Mill, . . . . 334 = 9, “ 934.20 |Traces only. « » | -ag5.0g | | gzs28 | |
7. Creek below Spring Garden Water Works Inlet,. 361 April 26, *“ 5 eee 1 qR68 9.98 3.33 99.79|. . .| 2. ; ;
8. i tt “ iT ‘“ “ “ 658 September 5, 1873. a 2.73 22.77 eons 227.68 38.57 65.71 \ sewage from Slaughter Houses, etc., on east side of River.
9. Schuylkill River, below Manayunk, G.W.,.. . 600 | July 24, “ ee a ee 6.86 an 68.57 | 140.00 | | 45.71
10. “ “ “ Wissahickon Creek, . . 599 ne 31, 2 ey a Tea 4:57 dias 45.71| None. | 40.00
11, “ a “ Simpson’s Mill, . ... 364 April 20, 1872. oe 3.66 3-33 4.82 B93 86 4) ea « || Peo
12. “ tt “ ut “ anand 656 August 29, 1873. oa Go 0.46 2.28 ye 22.77 | 133-57 | | 28-57
13. Belmont Inlet,. 2. 0 6 6 ee ee 331 March 9, 1872. g01.80] 0.17 1.33 utes 13.80 | 226.19 | 38.72
14. ce GH in, 2. 6 Potion, aoe en Se Sark SORE Ae GRA an 634 -| July 31, 1873. ee a | PRI 3.21 oN 32.14| 82.86 | | 40.00
18. “ ua wa? GANS. Se BR sive lah Pima, er her's. ht ae. & 657 September 5, ‘ at je, 0.30 1.82 rg 18.21) 127.14 | 50.00
16. is is Boga te fh) OS Se pearen Seceta ere ees ea 1152 July 24, 1874. ck A 2.43 9.81 19.43 98.06 | 79.00 ; 34.29 No Water over Dam for 4 days previous.
17. t “ De tes wise Serr Sen SS aig ee He ORES ioe fe GEA. ho 1266 November 7, * . . «| None, 1.94 12.14 19.42) 205.71 | 25.71
18. Spring Garden Water Works Inlet,. ...... 655 August 27, 1873, a SEA oe 7.86 1.79 8 17.85 | 122.85 | 40.00
19. “ “ “ “ a ded ae Sul a tag ee 1154. July 24, 1874, oh % 2.42 12.13 14:57 | 924.387] 71-43 | ; 31-43 | No Water over Dam for 4 days previous.
20. Roxborough i Re Shark Teas sae 1269 November 7, ‘ ee 4.12 4.25 18.21 42.50| 197-14 | | 21.42
21. Fairmount Forebay,. .- .-- - + s+ + ee ee 329 February 9, 1872. 899.10 | 0.99 0.66 10.27 6.65 | 169.53 37-18 | No Water over Dam for 8 days previous.
22, “ “ eee ee eg BR Bom Se 512 January 6, 1873. | 1067.10] 1.67 2.51 Us 25.17 | gi. 110.00 Slight freshet. High Water for 2 days previous.
23. us “ ee 1025 ee 22, 1874. 817.31 | .0.76 2.13 4.68 21.25 | 210,00 | 114.28 . (previous,
24. eo “ be he eee ap. Ae EA eG) ES 1153 July 24, sons 1.94 9-72 19.43 97.14) 71.43 | 30.00 | No Water over Dam for 4 days. Low Water for 10 days
25. Z Pea greene es oe, Go cee eres dre oe 1414 January 19, 1875. 998.57 1.21 3.06 24.28 30.60 | 168.57 [7842 No Water over Dam for 6 days previous.
26. Croton—New York City Supply, ..- +--+ .:+.. 337 March 7, 1872. 507.60 | 0.99 0.99 1.25 9.97 | 34.92 | | 21.36
27. Loch Katrine—Glasgow, . . -- +--+ ++ + + +s ee etMiheds Wee. ie de 235.73 0.03 0.66 2.58 6.66 46.64 | 39.15 ° |
28. Bala Lake. ....-- ++: 233 40| 0.08 208 a ae 20.82| 29.15 | } 60.80
29. Thames—London Supply, .-..--- +++: ea fs se ee oe | 2577-90] O.24 1.33 28.82 13.32| 261.56 118.28 > From Watt’s Dictionary,and Wanklyn, Chapman, and
30. Ke London Bridge, ......-..... Sale bs ici. tect BAe, op.) ll earomie oe | 4.91 tad 49.14 | 268.22 529.78 | Smith’s Manual. .
|; @1. River Lea, London, ....-.- ++ + +e ees se oe soe ew ew ee «| 2798.88 0.24 0.74 30.07 7.41) 369.01 h27 45

 

 

 
II.

RESULTS OF THE EXAMINATION OF WATER FROM THE RIVER SCHUYLKILL.

Cnarces M. Cresson, M.D., 417 Walnut Street, Phliadelphia.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table B. FAIRMOUNT FOREBAY. Table C. SULPHURIC ACID AND CHLORINE.
Anal, Sere a Chlo- | Sew- Anal. SULPHURIC 26D. Chlo-
DATE. ee ae = phuric | vine. Bae eG LOCATION. | a opine.
Free. a Noteise Acid. : " Free. Poe. Total.
POUNDS IN 1,000,000 U.S. GALLONS. = POUNDS IN 1,000,000 U. S. GALS.
1, February 9, 1872. 329 0.99 0.66 10.27 169.53 37-18 6.65 A, 1302 | Canal Level above Schuylkill Haven,. ...... . «| 3803 | 476.25 | 514.28 | 20.00
2. April 26, * 364. | None. 0.95 9.56 || 2 1300 | Lippincott Dock, Schuylkill Haven,........ . . | 12.89 | 379.97 | 392.85 | 21.42
3. May I, “ 364¢ 0.95 9.55 || 3, 1301 | Port Clinton, Canal Dock, ...... 1... 27s 7-87 | 1363.56 | 1371.43 | 18.57
4, June 8, <“ 364d te 0.83 s. W 8.32 4, 1424 | Schuylkill River, at Port Clinton,. ......... 4.80 | 378.06 | 382.85 | 21.42
5. July 6, “« 364¢ | Traces. 0.66 2.69 6.65 S. 1245 ae “at Schuylkill Bridge, Reading,. . . . | 54.28 245-72 | 300.00 | 12.14
G. September 7, “ 364f | 0.99 0.99 2.69 9.97 6. 1237 “ at Neversink, Upper Station, .... 24.00 461.71 | 485.71 14.28
7. November 2, ‘“ 364g | None. 2.69 1.25 ‘ 8 26.99 Y. 1235 i “at Monocacy, . . . 1. ee ee ee 28.57 337-14 | 365.71 18.57
8. January 6, 1873. 512 1.67 2.51 eS gi.II | 110.00 | 2517 8. 1223 “ ‘above French Creek, . . . . . . . . | Notdet | Notdet. | 391.42 | 17.14
9. March 29, 548 0.70 1.80 5.80 94.20 | 125.70 | 18.80 9, 1230 7 “at Perkiomen Junection,. ...... “ « 4li.42 | 14.28
10. January = 22, 1874. 1025 0.75 2.13 4.68 -| 210.00 | 114.28 | 21.25 || 10, 1267 at “at Spring Garden Forebay, . ... . | None. | 154.28 | 154.28 | 35.71
11, July 24, ‘ 1153 1.94 9.72 19.43 71.43 30.00 | 9Y,74 || 77, 1268 a ‘at Fairmount Forebay, ....... ce 162.85 | 162.85 30.00
12. November 7, * 1268 Traces. 3.15 18.21 162.85 30.00 | 31.57 || 12, 1276 “4 “s below Dam at Fairmount Bridge, . . “ 382.85 | 382.85 11.42
13. January 19, 1875. 1414 1.21 3.06 24.28 168.57 71.42 | 80.60 || 13, 1277 & a at Gray’s Ferry Bridge,....... “ 967.14 | 967.14 21.42
14, February 25. “ 1431 2.67 5.15 24.28 134.28 27.14 | 51.57 || 14, 1278 “« “ at Penrose Ferry,. ......... “ 845.71 | 845.71 18.57
15. Well Water. 1428 None. 2.62 48.57 155-71 | 275.71 | 26.22 || 15, 1428 | Pump Well at George’s Mansion, near Fairmount Park, | 114.28 41.43 | 155.71 | 275.71
Table D.
Table E. MEMORANDUM.

ORGANIC MATTER DETERMINED BY IGNITION AND SEWAGE BY THE
METHOD OF WANKLYN AND CHAPMAN.

 

 

 

 

SELES. Beem Seuuyi RL Analysis| Solid Matter Organic Matter Sauk:
RIVER AT No. after Ignition. by Ignition.
POUNDS IN 1,000,000 U. S. GALLONS.
J, Fairmount Forebay. 329 675.00 224.10 6.65
2, Inlet to Belmont, . 330 712.80 216.00 21,28
3. ts st 331 | 677.20 224.60 13.80
4, Wissahickon, . 335 378.00 216.00 19.95
&. Dobson’s,. 333 761.40 221.40 6.98
6. Simpson’s, 334 702.00 232.20 Traces.
¥Y, Manayunk Gas Works, 336 793.80 199.80 6.65
8. Croton, N. Y., . 337 372.60 135.00 9.98

 

 

 

 

 

In the analysis (829, Table F) of water from Forebay at Fairmount, February 9, 1872, there
was found sedimentary matter (to U.S.G.)=1.92 grains.

This consisted of Silica,... . . 48.8 perct. Clay, ....... . . 68.0 per et.
Alumina, ... 858.0 % «& or Alumina, ........ 188 6 &
Combined water,18.0 “ « Water, . 2 a os + « = « 18.0 “- «#

A trace of Lime and of Oxide of Iron.

The particles of this sedimentary clay are very minute, of dimensions between the 1-20,000
and 1-80,000 of an inch in diameter, and give a peculiar taste to the water.

They are too small to be removed by ordinary filters, and remain in suspension for several
weeks, although the. vessels containing the water are undisturbed.

This clay is derived from a thin belt crossing the River Schuylkill above the city of Reading,
and is seldom brought down by the stream except at such times as the margin of the river is
covered with melting snow or ice.

 

 

 
III.
RESULTS OF THE EXAMINATION OF WATER FROM THE RIVER SCHUYLKILL.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE F., Cuartes M. Crssson, M.D., 417 Walnut Street, Philadelphia.
| "ANALYSES OF WATER FROM FAIRMOUNT FOREBAY.
Analysis made by | Prof. Boyé,|S. C. Phillips. | —~— — fone ee ee
1842. 1870. Feb. 9, 1872. | Jan. 6, 1873. | Mar. 29, 1873. | Jan. 22, 1874. | Jan. 19, 1875.
ee aig awe - + «POUNDS IN 1,000,000 U. S. GALLONS. Aig 2
Analysis Number, | = - = - iat oe BBQ | B12 | = B48 | 1088 1414
a
Sediments ~ % > 4-4. due Ss ee a a A 8 Hone (6 | aes ors | 274.28 Se | 339.00
Solid Matter upon Evaporation to Dryness,. . . 585.9 652.41 899.10 1067.10 | 606.20 = 817.31 998.57
Inorganic Matter, . 2... 1. 1 we ee ee 580.7 615.70 675.00 | 891.40 | eo | ky VES 722.85
Organic Matter, by ignition, .......... 5.1 36.71 | 224.10 175.70 | | 275.72
Silica (S1'O,),.6 ge % 6 © & HB BES Hes BOR eS 56.4 42.66 > ise Js 357-70, 73.40 | 15.12 92.85
Alumina: (AlvOs), 46 4 « & 8 5% 4K we ot a SS a ee et Bae sd bed oc | 5 alas 4 29.01 7.28
Oxide of Iron (Fe,O;3), 2. 6 ee ee 3 4 fo = hase. | ee es ee 2s es 37-40 8.43
Silica, Alumina and Oxide of Iron,. ...... Sarkes os | wie a ! 78.30 Sg. 8 | ye. lle |
Alumina and Oxide of Iron, ..........- 11.0 13.34 | 27.70 | 98.80 |
Lime (CaO) ae 8 ae Be ee el Sk ae 2 175.2 141.83 | 86.40 | 61.88 | 142.91 56.14 135.20
| Magnesia (MgO),- ©. - 6 ee ee ee 31.4 | 38.75 | 21.38 | 97.40 - | 43.10 | 52.61 76.11
| Sulphuric Acid, free ‘(SO,), One, eee 2 hoc a eH | | None. | None. None. . | None. | None.
fe “ in combination, ........ 44.8 91.01 | 169.53 | QI. 94.20 | 210.00 | 168.57
Chlorine, free (Cl), . : | None. | None. | None. | None. | None.
ss in combination, ....... ae 13.3 42.44 | 37.18 110.00 | 125.70 | 114.28 71.42
Potala. porn Reed SAW es Py Spey 33-28 | seating ace. Ranatenee 1.) Renee | Raa
- 85.27 |S fc : | : ;
| Soda: (Nereis re False Be we ee 62.1 67.03 j oer { sais ai i Bete cl ie
| \
| Ammonia, free (NH;), | 0.99 | 1.67 | 0.70 | 0.75 1.21
te albumenoid, | 0.66 | 2.51 | 1.80 | 2.13 | 3.06
Nitrogen from Nitrates and Nitrites, | 10.27 | Not determined. | 5.80 | 4.68 | 24.28
Sewage, Bo in eee Bocte, wie homie EL RGly oa atlas At ae a, ee io sdon beg | 6.65 | 25.17 | 18.80 | 21.25 | 30.60

 

 

 

Nore.—The Sulphuric Acid in all of the Tables is expressed as Sulphuric Anhydride. The Residues entered as Soda and Potash consist chiefly of Soda.

 

 
Corneil University Library

TD 387.S39C9

Hina

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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