The Struggle for Seattle's Water System

The need for an improved water system in Seattle is imperative. It is recognized by the congested domestic consumption in the older parts of town, and by the rapid upbuilding of new districts, and for protection against fire. This last consideration is especially important. For the general residence part of the city there is now scarcely any protection, and in the lower business part the supply is only a little better. The recent fire showed how painfully inadequate it is, and it has not been improved since that disaster. With the new districts now rapidly filling up, we must have a new and adequate water system. It is an absolute necessity, and one that will not stand postponement. In view of the recent vote on the water question, wherein the principle of city ownership of the water system was approved in the most emphatic way, the company now supplying the city cannot be expected to do anything in the way of increasing its facilities. In this situation, it would seem the part of wisdom for the city to buy the works, provided they may be had at a reasonable price, and to develop them steadily to meet needs.