1884-11-26aa Swamp Water and Hamilton Waterworks

In 1884, the Hamilton Waterworks system was almost 25 years in existence. Drawing water from Lake Ontario through a sand filtering basin on the beach, the process involved drawing that water through a large pipe to the Pump House.

          The large pipe was located in a marshy area, leading to some suspicions that the water might get contaminated by that matter.

On November 26, 1884, the Spectator described in detail a surprisingly operation that the Hamilton Waterworks did to allay such suspicions:

          “Quite unknown to the majority of people more particularly interested in civic affairs, the waterworks department has had the filtering basin at the Beach thoroughly cleaned out.

          “Of course, this is done every year. But the matter was kept quiet, because the department wished to experiment a little while the basin was empty.

“There has been considerable talk about a leakage in the conduit that carries the water from the filtering basin to the pumping well. It passes through a marsh, and it has been said that the malarial marsh water found its way in and mingled freely with the city water ; and that the water we drink is filled to overflowing with deadly fevers and contagious diseases of all sorts.

“The results of the experiment have been most satisfactory.

“The conduit was plugged up at the filtering basin, and the Worthington donkey pump at the pumping house was put in at the other end and all the water pumped out. It was found to be perfectly clear and pure, and free, as far as could be judged, from all foreign substances.

“When the water was let back into the conduit and the plug removed, the pressure of air and water was very great, and for half an hour or more the water at the mouth of the conduit was a seething, bubbling mass.

“Considering the terrible force in this air and water, if there had been any holes in the conduit, where it passes through the swamp, it would have sent the bubbles flying through the swamp water.

“But it did not.

“There was not a ripple on its surface, which is proof positive that the conduit must be perfectly tight.

“It would be hard to imagine how the water could get in anyhow. The pipe is firmly imbedded in several feet of blue clay, and this ought to keep out all the placid swamp water in creation.”¹

¹ “Our City Water : The Waterworks Department Does Surprising Things.”

Hamilton Spectator. November 26, 1884.