From the Ipswich Tribune
March 15, 1928 edition
WATER SUPPLY FOR IPSWICH?
Do you want a Hard or Soft Water Well for Ipswich? Sent in your Vote to the Tribune
The Ipswich water supply is now the question of the hour. The main issue is whether it would be best to put down a hard water or soft water well. There are arguments in favor of both sides.
The hard water well is the least expensive to put down. However, it is hard on the water pipes, causing them to rust and eat through, making an expense every few years. The amount of water softening compound used by families in Ipswich would total no small amount during the month.
The soft water well is more expensive to put down. The housewives of Ipswich would doubtles be strong in its favor, making washing easier and dish washing more pleasant. The water pipes would be saved.
The Tribune wants to be an open forum for discussion on the question. J. W. Parmley has an article on the subject this week. We welcome others.
We are asking Ipswich citizens to enter a straw vote on the question. In this way we are able to tell what the people really want.
WHAT ABOUT WATER?
The water problem in Ipswich again confronts us. Before going to the expense of a larger artesian well why not try out what many have thought would be a solution of the question.
Away back in the beginning of Edmunds county history an abundance of the purest water was found two and one half miles west of town on Section 30-123-68.
Tom Turner made a small fortune in hauling that water to town and dispensing it at so much per to the parched palates. He told me that he never could phase the flow. Geo. Engler with his windmill has never been able to lower it. The geology of the county leads one to believe that there is a bed of gravel left from the washout of the melting ice sheet which makes an immense reservoir. As far as I have been able to learn there has never been a well in this gravel that failed and that none ever went to the bottom of the deposit.
Isn’t it worthwhile to put down some test holes and determine the extent of the vein or reservoir and if extensive then a well and give it a week or two test with a pump and see if sufficent for our needs.
Gravity would bring it to town and then there’s the purest palatable water and who wouldn’t like a drink of ice cold water on a hot day; and who wouldn’t like to get away from the “water softener” bill we have to foot.
A hundred dollars, yes, less will make the test and settle a question. Then if no good, go ahead with another artesian well. We can get that, but it takes time and money.— J.W.Parmley
Reader Comments(0)