Letter from the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce to W. H. Comstock, A. S. Halstead, W. R. Bracken, and J. Ross Clark, August 13, 1919

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 LAS VEGAS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Las Vegas, Nevada August 13, 1919. W. H. Comstock A. S. Halstead W. R. Bracken J. Ross Clark IN RE: The matter of Water Pressure for Fire Protection for the City of Las Vegas, Nevada. Gentlemen: At a largely attended meeting of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, the matter of Las Vegas Land and Water Company's water supply and hydrant pressure for fire purposes was taken up and fully discussed. The following fact was clearly shown, to-wit that at the last three fires that we have had in the City the wat- er pressure was so low that it was of little, if any value in controlling the fires. The question is: Why is this condition? You have a fall of some eighty feet from source of supply into your mains that are laid in our streets and alleys, which should give us at least thirty pounds pressure after allowing for ordinary friction not through pipes, etc., while at the last fires we have/had to exceed. ten pounds of pressure. For this deplorable condition there must be a cause. We feel that it is your duty as a corporation doing business under and by virtue of the laws of the State of Nevada, and by furnish- ing water to the City of Las Vegas, Nevada under and by virtue of a franchise from the City of Las Vegas, to give this matter your earnest attention, and as soon as possible. If the large main leading from the source to the city mains is not carrying a full supply of water,for the present needs, we feel that it should be put in condition to do so. If the main line is carrying a full supply of water for the present needs, and that supply is turned into mains covering the City and no pressure is obtained for fire 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 purposes, then it is evident that the Railroad, Ice plant, and citizens for irrigating purposes, are using the water nearly as fast as it flows. If it prove true, upon your examination, that the citi- zens are using water for irrigation in unnecessary quantities, then in our judgment it is your duty through the City Commissioners to curtail and restrict its use within reasonable bounds by restricting the use of water for irrigation to a certain length of time, and in certain districts of the City at such times as you may think best for the interests of all. This matter you can take up with the City Commissioners. As a Chamber of Commerce we are taking this matter up with you for prompt action which we feel will be for your best interest as well as for the best interest of every citizen of your City. Respectfully Submitted, Attest _________________ Secretary President of Chamber