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The Evolution of the Conservation Movement, 1850-1920

Conservation by sanitation; disposal of waste (including a laboratory guide for sanitary engineers) by Ellen H. Richards

Municipalization of Water Supplies
Conservation by sanitation; disposal of waste (including a laboratory guide for sanitary engineers) by Ellen H. Richards -- Municipalization of Water Supplies Go to: Next Section || Previous Section || Table of Contents || Bibliographic Information

So far has education of the people progressed that the voters of many communities may be safely trusted to see that waterworks are honestly managed for the people's good. They will tax themselves for public uses as well as for their own bath tubs, and kitchen sinks. They may make mistakes, but, in general, municipal ownership of waterworks is an advance over private supplies. For one thing, the long look ahead, which will be spoken of in indicated chapters as especially necessary, may be taken by a city when a private company with precarious tenure would hesitate. But great pains should be taken to keep the people informed, to explain harmless tastes and odors which may occur, instead of hushing up their presence. Here come into play the knowledge and wisdom of the sanitary engineer. He should be a trusted and not a suspected character. He

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should make it a part of his business to instruct as well as construct.

Then, too, the city will tax itself for that moderate quality known as "wholesome water" rather than for the promoter's competitive cry, "This is the purest water," a cry which in past time has not infrequently led to sad results. The people are learning everywhere that it costs to be clean and healthy under modern crowded conditions. They are learning the wisdom of coöperation.

Wholesome water for municipal use has been defined by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court as water "reasonably clear from dirt, discoloration and odor, reasonably free from bacteria and B. coli and other infection or contamination which renders it unfit for domestic use, and unsafe and dangerous to individuals."1

[Note 1: 1 Engineering Record, Oct. 31, 1908.]

This moderate requirement, if lived up to, will enable many cities to save money for extension of quantity.

The public discussion will be an education in itself and a certain sense of responsibility will inevitably develop.

The amount of money required for the modern plant is too great to be accepted from private sources. The investment is too liable to variation in value.

The paternal city can take care of its less fortunate citizens with less danger to their self-respect than can a private company.

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