Pipes - Frankford - Lardner's Point Pumping Station to Wentz Farm Reservoir - 1893

Annual report of the Chief Engineer of the Water Department of the City of Philadelphia. 1893

Fourteen thousand nine hundred and two (14,902) feet of forty - eight (48) inch pipe were laid for a pumping main from Lardner's Point Pumping Station to Wentz Farm reservoir during the past year, and at this date the work is nearly completed.

Owing to the proposed street where this pipe is laid not being graded, the excavation was exceedingly deep and dangerous. In some places the depth was 23 feet, and considerable credit is due the contractor for excavation for the manner in which he performed his work, as well as all the men employed by the City who handled the pipe.

The work of excavating the pipe trench was begun October 4, and finished with the exception of crossing four streets) within ninety - two (92) days therefrom.

Part of the main is laid upon trestle work 896 feet long, ranging from 0 to 15 feet high , and on piling 715 feet long, ranging from 0 to 10 feet in height. On both the trestles and piling the pipes were placed on a car upon the stringers and run endwise into position.

Plans of Several Reservoirs from Philadelphia Ward Atlases
Circa 1890 Compiled by PWD Public Affairs Interns Fall 2001