Winsford Waterworks

WATERWORKS FOR SMALL TOWNS: WINSFORD - About three years ago the attention of the Local Board of Winsford was drawn to the then existing water supply of their district, which was both defective in quality and deficient in quantity, and a scheme was proposed to take the water from some springs at the source of Shaw’s Lane Brook. This scheme was approved of by the Local Government Board, and the works are now completed. The springs are about three-quarters of a mile from Oak Mere, in Delamere Forest, and at about 30 ft. lower level. From their steady yield all the year round, and from the fact that the Mere has no outfall, there can be little doubt but that the water percolates through the ground and comes from this source. The land between the Mere and the springs is composed principally of sand, and therefore forms a natural filter. The water is, as Dr. Frankland reported to the Local Government Board, clear, palatable, and wholesome, of most excellent quality for dietetic and domestic use, soft, and therefore well adapted for washing purposes. The water is conveyed from the uppermost springs, locally known as Stretche’s Springs, in a 12 in. earthenware pipe for a distance of 458 yards to the straining frame wells. Near the wells is another spring, known as Austin’s Spring, which is at a lower level than Stretche’s Springs by 10 ft. An embankment is formed across the valley, forming a small reservoir above; and by a self-acting arrangement this water can be utilised when required. At the present time, however, the uppermost springs ai-e found to yield sufficient for the domestic requirements of the district. The water after passing through the strainers is conveyed into a reservoir, and, by an arrangement of pipes and valves, can be passed round the reservoir into a circular well, and thence to the town. An iron pipe, 10 in. diameter, conveys the water for a distance of three miles and a half to the town. During the construction of the works great difficulty was experienced with springs, and it was found necessary to puddle the whole of the bottom of the reservoir. The greater portion of the district is supplied by gravitation; but for the higher section along Over the water has to be lifted 60 ft. by steam power into a wrought-iron tank built on the top of a tower. The length of the main is 14i miles, and the total cost of the works has been about £17,000. The contractors for the several works were, — Mr. C. E. Firmstone for the iron pipes ; Mr. George Oakes for unloading the same ; the Glenfield Company, Limited, Kilmarnock, for the valves and hydrants ; Messrs. John Pickthall & Sons, of Barrow-in-Furness, for the construction of reservoirs and laying mains ; Messrs. Ashworth, Brothers, of Manchester, for engine, boiler, and tank ; Mr. John Price, of Winsford, for building tower, engine-house, chimney, mechanics’ shop, and service reservoir ; Mr. Alfred Webb, of Belfast, for iron fencing; and Mr. John Lightfoot, jun., of Winsford, for fixing the same. The works were designed and carried out by Mr. Hanry Bancroft, civil engineer, of Manchester. [Builder 25 May 1878 page 533]

Reference    Manchester Guardian 5 August 1876 page 1 - contracts
Reference    Manchester Guardian 12 August 1876 page 1 - contracts
Reference    Manchester Guardian 13 January 1877 page 5 - contracts for Tower, Engine and Boiler House, Chimney, and Small Reservoir in connection with the intended waterworks.
Reference    Builder 25 May 1878 page 533