Of even greater value than her coal as a factor in the industrial
development of TACOMA is the utilization of the enormous water power
which has its origin and source in the snow-capped and glacier-buttressed
dome of Mount Tacoma. The mountain from which TACOMA takes her name is an
inexhaustible reservoir of power whose efficiency is immeasurable. TACOMA
lies at its feet and is the natural outlet and market for its harnessed
energies.
Science has discovered the means for the conversion of water power
into electrical energy transmissible over a wire from the place of its
generation to a convenient point for its application and use. There is a
loss in transmission which increases with the distance. Therefore TACOMA,
which is the nearest seaport and railway terminal to the mountain from
whose dizzy heights torrents of water rush ceaselessly to the sea level,
is favored by her geographical position in the use of this power. There
are numerous streams which make a descent of thousands of feet within
fifty miles of the city. Capital has been enlisted and freely expended in
the work of generating power for industrial and transportation purposes,
besides current for light and heat.
[Illustration: Puget Sound Power Company’s Plant.
1—Power House, 3 Units In Operation.
2—View of Flume Line.
3—Penstock Line and Power House.
4—Placing Water Wheel and Rotor Shaft in Bearings.
5—Intake and Dam at Head Works.
]