Old Missoula

Water Main Across River Is Finished

Improvement Will Cost About $10,000

With the completion of the new pipe line across the Missoula river bottom, near the mouth of the Rattlesnake creek, one of the greatest improvements in the Missoula water system of recent years is practically finished.

This work was made necessary last December when the old water main broke. The break was caused by something carried in the ice floes and which struck the pipe. The break was repaired temporarily at a cost of $3,000.

The new water main has been buried in the river bottom to a depth of from four to six feet. The old main was laid on the bottom of the river. The new improvement is being made at a cost of about $10,000.

The new pipe is known as Universal cast iron pipe, and is fitted with machine ends. It is so constructed that no calking or other work is needed to make a water-tight joint.

The use of this pipe in the west is unusual on account of its great weight. It is so heavy that it can be handled only by the use of pulleys. Each section is eight feet long and weighs about 800 pounds. It is said that this new pipe line will last for many years.

The above article appeared in The Daily Missoulian on October 10, 1923.

https://www.newspapers.com/image/352380388