“BREACH IN THE AQUEDUCT  IN NEEDHAM

The breach occurred on the 29th of March, an account of which is given in the annual Report of the Board, and of the city Engineer, from which we make the following extract:

‘The Aqueduct, as its connection with the pipes crossing the Charles River, on the westerly side in Needham, gave way in the early morning, and the great column of water, which was passing through the same, in a very short time produced the most destructive havoc upon the premises,– carrying pipes, gravel, brick and stone masonry and other materials away, and precipitating them into Charles River, choking up its current, and causing it to overflow its banks and throw back water upon the meadows and hills above.

The sight of this devastating outbreak was truly appalling.

A young man, son of Mr. Reuben Ware, living near at hand, had the presence of mind to mount and ride with all speed to the lake to appraise Mr. Knowlton of the breach, and the water was instantly turned off; so that, in probably two hours from its occurrence, the water ceased to flow injuriously at the breach.

This prompt and highly meritorious act of young Mr. Ware, by which further incalculable injury was seasonably prevented, was deemed worthy of special notice by this Board, and he was presented by them a valuable watch and chain.’ ”

Reference Data:

History of the introduction of Pure Water Into the City of Boston, by Nathaniel J. Bradlee and the Boston Water Board, 1868, pages 187-8