Minimizing Service Interruptions Due to Transmission Line Failures [with Discussion]

water supply operation, the most important item is to maintain at all times the sanitary safety of the water. Next and not far removed in importance, is the continuity of the water service. So serious may be the menace to health, lives and property of the consumers created by a widespread failure of the public water supply that safeguarding against such an interruption and, if it occurs, minimizing its length should be primary "musts." Nevertheless, widespread failures of the supply have occurred in cities of substantial size and for periods ranging from several to many hours. Since the summer of 1948 five such interruptions were reported which developed in cities with combined populations of a million persons. In view of this record, it seems advisable to inquire into the causes of these water system failures and consider what can reasonably be done to minimize their effects. The five incidents will be related in chronological order, the descriptions of the first four being based largely on reports of National Board of Fire Underwriters engineers. The cause of the failure of the supply will be noted and suggestions made as to how the period of interruption might be reduced.