Letter from W. D. Johnston (Los Angeles) to A. Maguire, regarding water supply at Las Vegas, June 12, 1924

Water supply at Las Vegas Los Angeles - June 12th, 1924 While at Las Vegas last week matter of water shortage at that point, both for railroad and city supply, we causing Mr. Bracken and the Mechanical Department forces considerable anxiety and water from new well was running to waste. Went over situation with Mr. Bracken and tired to put part of the well water in 12" concrete pipe from spring as this pipe appeared to be flowing about half fall both above well and at point opposite same. This attempt was not successful, due to developments later showing that grade of concrete pipe was not uniform and evidently had an air pocket between well and forbay. To get additional water in forbay caused temporary flume 1400-ft. in length to be constructed and the entire flow of well is now going to forbay with the result that fall head at this point is being obtained and surplus water wasted at forbay. Am just in receipt of message from Mr. Bracken stating temporary flume solves all trouble, large volume and fine pressure. No need to pump for softener tanks. This temporary construction will cost us in the neighborhood of $200.00 but practically all material used can be salvaged with the construction of 16" wood stave pipe which, according to work order, extends from well to box located about 300-ft. south of forbay. It was necessary to take immediate action and flume presented the only way out. Its construction will necessarily be an Operating expense charge and as such will not show a deviation from work order authority. However am planning on putting forbay at well allowing spring served by 12" concrete line and the well to empty into forbay, go through to box at the head Page.2. of wood stave pipe line, raise boot to give neccesary head and retire old forbay which is in poor condition and leaking at a number of points. Will work this plan up and submit it for approval. Have already talked it over with Mr. Bracken and he believes this to be the proper construction. 3/L Cc-W. R. Bracken W. D. Johnston