The Troy Water Works

Abstract

Troy was chartered as a city in 1816, and is located on the easterly bank of the Hudson River at the head of navigation. It occupies the river plain for about six miles north and south, and extends back up the hills eastward from one to two miles. The general elevation of the river plain is about 30 feet, while the hill sections are from 300 to 500 feet above tide water. It is now about one hundred years since the public water supply was projected, for in the year 1829 a private concern, The Troy Water Works Company, was incorporated. This Company did little or nothing, so in 1830 the Common Council authorized a committee to investigate and report upon a supply of water for the city. Later in that year a report was submitted suggesting two possible supplies; one at an estimated cost of $60,000, taking the water from the Gorton Springs; the other to use the waters of the Piscawan at an estimated cost of $80,000. In 1831 attempts were made to negotiate with the Troy Water Works Company, but these failed. In 1832 the city purchased the Company charter tor $174.34; this amount being the actual expenses of the Company to date. At this time the population was about 12,000, and a house to house canvass was made; the result being that 627 were in favor, 8 opposed and 18 indifferent to the water works project. However, 178 agreed to take water when it was brought to the city. In 1833 construction of a reservoir on the Piscawankill was started,, and contract was let to Samuel Richards of Philadelphia for the cast iron pipe and castings. The prices for the pipe delivered in Troy were as follows: