110 HALIFAX WATER WORKS. JOHNSTON. 



In 1905 there were 69.68 miles of mains and distribution 



pipes, and 804 valves. 



Hydrants. 



There were 424 hydrants in use at the end of 1904. A 

 large number of these are of an old style set in a brick-well 

 or chamber below the sidewalk inside the curb. The chamber 

 is covered with a cast-iron plate, provided with a hatch, by which 

 access is gained to the bottom of the hydrant where it joins the 

 branch from the mains. This arrangement, while admitting 

 of the easy removal of the hydrant, is objectionable on account 

 of the difficulty and expense in keeping the valves free from 

 ice, and the large iron plate becoming smooth and dangerous 

 to pedestrians. These hydrants are gradually being replaced 

 by a hydrant of a special pattern. The main valves and guide- 

 rod, which also forms the waste valve, are similar to the 

 Matthews' hydrant. A brass and leather attachment to the 

 valve rod forms the waste valve. There is a waste hole bored 

 in the center of the flange in the stand pipe against which this 

 valve works. The hole was formerly at the bottom of the hy- 

 drant, but owing to the difficulty of reaching it, it has in the 

 later patterns been placed in the side. The main screw of the 

 valve rod is protected from the action of frost and water by a 

 partition and stuffing box. The frost jacket is securely bolted 

 to the iron seat, and when once set need never be removed. 

 It forms ain air chamber which prevents the frost from reach- 

 ing the valve. A third nozzle is added to take the suction 

 hose of the fire engines. The hydrants are examined and 

 opened twice a day by the employees of the water department 

 all through the winter. 



Service Pipes. 



When the city took over the works in 1861, only about one 

 quarter of the number of families on the line of pipes were 

 supplied with water directly by service pipes to their houses, 

 the remainder obtaining their supply from the free domestic 

 hydrants paid for by the city. These service pipes were in all 

 cases f inch cast iron pipes connected to the distribution mains 



