Construction by the Williamsport Water Company of a new impounding reservoir on Mosquito Creek to supplement the city’s present mountain water supply, and to alleviate water shortages was announced today.

Mayor Leo C. Williamson received a communication this morning from Jerome Powers of New York, president of the corporation which the Williamsport Water Company is a part, stating that the Board of Directors have authorized the improvements here.

For the past six months the mayor has advised of the water shortage crisis in the city, and if the drought continues it could be very serious. During this period Mayor Williamson held conferences with Mr. Powers and Timothy Kelliher, manager of the Williamsport Water Company many times.

The mayor urged water company officials to make available to the city every possible water outlet in this area.

Surveys of the land are to be started at once and the actual construction to be started just as soon as possible. It was pointed out that the construction will not use a critical amount of war materials. The company owns the land in which the reservoir is to be constructed.

This additional source of supply when completed will ensure the city ample mountain water for many years to come, Mayor Williamson stated. All present sources of supply will be maintained, it was stated.

Mayor Williamson has been assured by water company officials that this improvement will not carry with it an increase in water billing rates.