New Glasgow has a gravity water system installed in 1912, previous to which date it had a pumping system. The water comes from Forbes' Lake, fed by mountain streams and brooks about six miles distant. The lake holds about 300,000,000 gallons of water which is drained to a reservoir with a capacity of 2,500,000 gallons, from where a 100 pound pressure is exerted on the town's lower levels. The main line from Forbes' Lake to the reservoir is 22 inches in diameter and has a length of four miles, while the service mains are 6 to 12 inches in diameter, and comprise a total length of more than 21 miles.
Water rates are very low, and factories are granted special rates. The fire brigade has 48 men. Connected also with the department are five local hose houses including the one located in Parkdale where the Clay Products industry is situated. The equipment consists of four horses, a combination hose, ladder and chemical wagon for three horses, a hand chemical engine, fire engine and hand hook and ladder wagon. Each hose house has a reel and 500 feet of hose, and three of the hose houses have toboggans with 500 feet of canvas hose each, for use during very cold weather. An up-to-date fire alarm system, connects with the houses of the firemen, each of which have electric tappers, in charge of one permanent man during the day time and two at night.
To further guard against fires, the town has a brick district, extending from the river to Temperance Street, and from Marsh street on the south to George Street to the north.
New Glasgow has about 15 miles of sewer pipes of vitrified clay, draining all sewerage into the East river from where it is carried by the tide to the Strait of Northumberland and on to the ocean.
The town embraces an area of four square miles and has about thirty miles of streets, 9000 square yards of which have Bithulithic pavements, and 31/2 miles of concrete sidewalks. It has five police constables including the chief, and a railroad policemen, and is remarkably free from petty crimes and misdemeanors.
The water works is one of Stellarton's most valuable assets. It was established in 1892. The water taken from the East river after being filtered is pumped to a reservoir which has a capacity of 1,000,000 gallons, about one mile from the center of the town, the pumps being able to supply 1,750,000 gallons daily. From the reservoir the force of gravity carries the water to the homes and business houses, to which is added a direct pressure of 60 pounds on the higher and 90 on the lower levels in case of fire. The town has at present 42,240 feet, or eight miles of water mains extending to all sections of the corporation, including Lourdes near the Allen Shaft.
The town fire equipment consists of one horse, a hose waggon with 2400 feet of hose, 65 hydrants. The brigade consists of 46 men, whose efficient service has placed the town in a first class position on the books of fire underwriters.
The town has between three and four miles of sewers, valued in 1914 at $19,000, draining all sewerage into the East river, the tidal waters of which carry it to the Strait of Northumberland.
The streets embracing some twenty miles are well graded and are well lighted, a contract having been entered into during 1914 with the Acadia Coal Co. Ltd. to supply electricity for a term of five years at the rate of $4.00 per light including 60 lights free of charge.
The town has good police protection and petty crimes are rare.
Westville's water supply comes from the Middle river, one and one-fourth miles distant. It is filtered and pumped by a direct pressure system through the mains to stores and dwellings, the residue going to a reservoir having the capacity of 2,750,000 gallons. The water pressure exceeds 100 pounds to the square inch, whether from the pumps direct or from the reservoir in return. The town has about 14 miles of water mains. The fire brigade controls three reels and 1800 feet of hose and it composed of twenty-five men. The streets are being gradually graded and sidewalks are being laid. Part of the business section has concrete walks, and electric light has been brought in, while other improvements are being carried out by an efficient and progressive town government.
Two artesian wells each 300 feet deep supply Trenton with the purest water. In 1914 a reservoir with a capacity of 1,000,000 gallons and a pressure of 100 lbs., situated at a point 300 feet above the lower levels of the town, was completed, a pump and motor installed, and two miles of water mains laid down, the latter having been increased to 3 miles during 1915; on which has been expended so far about $45,000. The water service has already been installed in some 60 stores and dwellings, and 20 hydrants have been conveniently placed, so as to utilize the water efficiently in case of a fire.
The town has a fire brigade composed of 39 men. It owns three reels and 1500 feet of hose. In 1914 sewer construction was begun and it has at present some 11/2 miles of sewers. Logan's Park presented to the town by A. T. Logan comprises seven acres. The town is lighted by electricity. The streets are being gradually graded and sidewalks are being laid, and a mile of concrete pavement on Main street is to be constructed at a cost of nearly $40,000 during the coming summer so as to give it as far as possible the conveniences of a well governed and progressive municipality.