NEW WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM AT TAMPA, FLORIDA.


 NEW WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM AT TAMPA, FLORIDA*
 BY NICHOLAS S. HILL, JR.*
 [Read February 9, 1916.]
 HISTORICAL. ,
 Territory Supplied. Tampa, which claims the greatest population of
any city in Florida, is located on Tampa Bay at the mouth of the ls-
borough River. The city has enjoyed a continuous and rapid gr wth
throughout the past forty-five years.
 The 1920 Federal census gave Tampa a population of 51 608. est
Tampa, which immediately adjoins it on the west, had a population of
8 463 in that year. The population of the Tampa water district, whichh
includes Tampa, West Tampa, and environs, was, in, 1920, 69 589. (The
state census of 1925 recorded approximately 95 000 people in old Taspa
alone, an increase of 84 per cent. in five years. The estimated population -
within the present city limits of Greater Tampa is 150 000.
 Tampa is a city of substantial industries and resources. Tha its
recent phenomenal growth is not wholly the result of the recent Fiqrida
real estate boom, with which all are familiar, is apparent from a considera-
tion of the following figures, all but the last of which are taken from Federal
census reports. The figures apply to the population within the old city
limits.
 Census Year. Population. Increase per Decade. F
 1880 720 i
 1890 5532 668%
 1900 15839 186%
 1910 37782 139% ,
 1920 51608 37% J
 1925 .95000 168%
 Tampa Water Works Company. Until 1923, when the plant was pur-
chased by the city, the Tampa water district, including Tampa, West Tampa,
and environs, was served by the Tampa Water Works Company. At that
time, only two and one-half years ago; the population in the district 'Was
estimated to be 83 500, but two-thirds of the present estimated population,
and the population served 73 500.
 The company was organized in 1887 by Messrs. Boardman and J ter.
A thirty-year franchise with a five-year extension privilege was secred.
Later, the property passed into the hands of the R. D. Wood Company,
who controlled it until the date of its,acquisition by the city.
 Under the franchise the city had the option of purchase, and for many
 Consulting Engineer, New York City.