The Warmth of Tradition
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As we build the modern New West Parish Treatment Plant, our crews also must carry on their day-to-day duties to deliver daily drinking water to 250,000 people. Working within a system that was originally designed in the early 1900s means some of those duties have remained in place for decades, lending credence to the old adage, “Sometimes the old ways are the best ways.”
From Hay to Lanterns
The 42-inch transmission main, constructed in 1909, runs from West Parish Filters to Provin Mountain Reservoir and onward into Springfield. Along this historic main are 15 air-vent chambers installed to release accumulated air from the system. Within each of these chambers are risers that lead to valves to open or close the transmission main when necessary.
Originally, the risers inside these chambers were positioned above the frost line, causing them to freeze and occasionally burst during cold months. If a riser freezes, it can lead to structural stress, misalignment, or failure of the valve. Early crews found a creative solution by placing burlap bags filled with hay and manure inside the chambers. (This method was recently confirmed by a longtime resident in West Springfield.) As the material decomposed, it generated enough heat to keep the valves and risers from freezing. This approach, however, required frequent replenishment throughout the winter and extensive cleanup in the spring.
Sometime in the 1960s, workers transitioned to using fuel-powered lanterns. The lanterns are lit and placed on a flat surface inside the manhole, warming the ambient air within the chamber and keeping the surrounding valves and the riser from freezing during cold winter months.
A Provin Mountain crew changing out lanterns at a West Springfield location.
Over the years, the Commission has explored more modern alternatives, such as solar-powered heaters with battery storage. However, these options present challenges, including limited space in the chambers, potential battery hazards like leaks or breakage, and continued maintenance needs. Lanterns, in contrast, offer a simple, reliable, and lower-risk solution.
Lighting the Way
From November through April 1, maintenance technicians service all 15 locations, replacing lanterns three times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. It’s a busy schedule, often impeded by deep snow or ice, and a testament to the dedication of the Provin Mountain crews that keep the lanterns lit for the benefit of the whole system. But until a more optimal technological option emerges, "the old way” will continue to be the “best” solution.
Staff changing out lanterns at a Feeding Hills location.