WATER SUPPLY AND SEWAGE DISPOSAL 171 



source of pollution, it is almost certain that the water in 

 the well will be contaminated. If the ground slopes toward 

 the well, this will favor contamination. It is very desirable, 

 therefore, that a well be located far from all possible sources 

 of contamination, that the ground slope away from it in 

 all directions, and that it be tightly curbed and covered. 



In many communities water is 

 secured from wells frequently sev- 

 eral hundred feet in depth. The 

 water which enters a well from 

 the deeper layers of the earth's 

 crust has, of course, percolated a 

 long distance through soil and rock 

 and is very nearly free from bac- 

 teria, but such wells must be care- 

 fully guarded agp.inst the entrance 

 of surface water. The lining of the 

 well should be water-tight, and the 

 surface waters carefully drained 

 away from the vicinity of the well. 

 A deep well protected so that sur- 

 face water cannot enter is one of 

 the most reliable sources of pure 

 water. What has been said above 

 regarding wells applies also to 

 springs. Whatever the source of 



water for the rural home, it may be piped through the house 

 in a manner similar to the city supply. Continuous pressure 

 at the faucet may be obtained by pumping the water into a 

 high tank placed either outside of the house or in the attic, 

 or by an air-compression tank (fig. 87). 



184. Disposal of wastes in rural districts. In many rural 

 districts the disposal of wastes is not given the attention that 

 its importance demands. Too often manure heaps are allowed 

 to become breeding places for flies, human wastes accumulate 



From pump 



FK;. 87. Compression tank 

 for rural water supply 



Water may be held in the tank 

 under pressure of the air by 

 means of a valve in the pipe 

 from the pump, and when the 

 house faucets are opened the 

 compressed air forces water 

 through the faucets 



