Notes on the Intercepting System
in relation to the Clean Streams Law of 1905

SOURCE: Bureau of Surveys Annual Report for 1906, pages 53-54.

During recent years the attention of the Bureau has been given largely to the planning of drainage systems to improve the sanitary condition of the larger streams within the City's borders, which have, by reason of the rapid growth of the City, become polluted.

The necessity of speedily constructing sewers which will intercept the drainage now reaching such streams as Cobb's Creek and Frankford Creek is emphasized by the attitude of the Commissioner of Health of the State, who by Act of Assembly has been given large powers in order to preserve the purity of the waters of the State.

Heretofore the City has endeavored to keep free from pollution the Wissahickon Creek, its tributaries and the (page 54) Schuylkill River, with its direct tributaries, within the City, all of which contribute to the water supply, but the demands of the State Department require the same treatment of other streams.

As a result, an intercepting system along Cobb's Creek is projected, and a portion under contract, and a large percentage of the system with the ultimate purpose of purifying Little Tacony Creek has been constructed.

The beginning of the work of constructing a sewer along Wheatsheaf Lane, with the ultimate purpose of purifying Frankford Creek, is urgent.

In fact, the work upon all the intercepting sewers is urgent....