Cumberland Dam facts for kids
The Cumberland Dam was built across the North Branch of the Potomac River. It is located near Cumberland, Maryland. The main purpose of this dam was to move water from the river. This water then flowed into the beginning of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. The company building the canal started working on Dam No. 8 in 1837. Construction continued on and off, finally finishing in 1850. The dam held back water for about 3 miles (4.8 km) up the river. Just above the dam, you can find where Wills Creek joins the river.
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Dam's Impact on the Environment
In the early 1900s, Wills Creek received a lot of waste. This waste came from many factories and businesses. These included a paper mill, a brewery, and a distillery. There was also a cement factory, a tannery, and dye works. Coal mines also added to the pollution.
Water Pollution Problems
Around 1900, the city of Cumberland used a lot of water each day. They also put a lot of used water back into Wills Creek. This used water was often dirty. All these pollutants gathered in the pond behind the dam. It was like a big settling pool. This was especially bad when the river water was low. During these times, no fresh water flowed over the dam.
Drinking Water Issues
The city's water intake was about 400 yards (366 meters) above the dam. This is where the city got its drinking water. The water was pumped straight into homes. It was not cleaned or filtered first. People often complained about the water before 1900. During dry seasons, the water tasted bad. It was also often too dirty even for washing clothes. A lot of the dirt in the water was likely sewage. This sewage came from the city itself and flowed back up to the water intake point.
How Things Improved
Luckily, many things have changed since 1900. The city's economy is now different. It no longer relies heavily on factories and coal mining. Today, the city's drinking water is cleaned and filtered. It also comes from other, cleaner water sources. The city's used water is now treated before it goes back into the river. This helps keep the environment much cleaner.
