Design of a Water Pipe System to Create Improved Pressures in Lexington, Va.

Abstract

The need for a new design for the water pipes and mains in the town of Lexington is evident. There are no existing maps showing the plan of the system, nor is there any knowledge of the location of mains, hydrants, gate, blow off or waste valves, other than common knowledge of those men who have been connected with the water department of the town for a great many years. There is no engineer in charge of the water department, rather the head of the department is a man who is in his position because of his general knowledge of the existing system. Upon investigation it has been found that the present system coasists of a great number of dead ends, and that there is not proper pressure at the curb to supply some of the taller buildings in town. A map in the Supertendent of Water Work's office shows pressures at several points in the town to be less than twenty (20) pounds. . . . It is not the purpose of this thesis to show how the moneys are to be raised for the improvements, but to give a plan for a new water supply system that will benefit the town in giving better pressures at the curb. [From Introduction]