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Illinois Waters Bibliography: Survey of the Waters of Illinois (Illinois State Water Survey, 1895-1919)

A directory of documents on Illinois waters

On June 28, 1895, the University of Illinois Board of Trustees resolved to set aside funds from a special $5,000 appropriation for changes to the UI Chemical Laboratory $2,750 to “cover the expense of carrying on a systematic survey of the waters of the state.”  (Report of the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois1894/96). This action established the State Water Survey of Illinois now known as the Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS).  The focus of these early surveys was on public health and the safety of public water supplies of the state. Similar work is carried on today by the Illinois State Water Survey Public Service Laboratory

In addition to the reports on statewide sampling of water supplies, the Bulletins included investigations of typhoid outbreaks, reports on water quality of rivers based on extensive sampling, reports on targeted investigation of pollution at specific sites, and investigations of sampling methodology and other matters related to the ongoing work of the Water Survey.

The reports on this work were published between 1897 and 1920.  The first two reports were published as standalone documents.  Beginning with the 3rd report, they were published in the University of Illinois Bulletins as the "Water Survey Series."  In 1919 the Bulletin of the Illinois State Water Survey continued the Water Survey Series.

 

Cover of the oldest surviving sample log book from the State Water Survey

State Water Survey sample logbook, 1897 entries

State Water Survey sample logbook, oldest surviving sample records from the survey.

State Water Survey laboratory for sanitary chemical analysis, 1906. (ISWS Bulletin no. 3)

State Water Survey bacteriological laboratory, 1906 (ISWS Bulletin no. 3)

State Water Survey laboratory for mineral water analysis, 1906 (ISWS Bulletin no. 3)

Two photographs of the Bacteriological Laboratory of ISWS, showing lab benches and equipment

The Bacteriological Laboratory of the Illinois State Water Survey

The Bacteriological Laboratory moved in 1907 into specially designed quarters in the basement of the Chemical Laboratory building on the campus of the University of Illinois in Urbana.  Photograph from Chemical and biological survey of the waters of Illinois : report from September 1, 1906 to December 31, 1907 (Illinois State Water Survey Bulletin no. 6. 

Map of Illinois showing the locations of public water supplies

Public Water Supplies in Illinois, 1917.

Map from Chemical and biological survey of the waters of Illinois: Report for year ending December 31, 1917, Illinois State Water Survey Bulletin no. 15

Seminary Creek, Flora Illinois, 1917.

Seminary Creek, Flora Illinois, 1917.

From Chemical and biological survey of the waters of Illinois: Report for year ending December 31, 1917, Illinois State Water Survey Bulletin no. 15