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The Waters

Sulpho Saline Location: When it was ascertained that wells at different depths brought forth different mineral waters, many wells were drilled. Sulpho saline water was discovered 1460 feet down. The visiting world now had both tonic and laxative waters. There were three sulpho saline wells located in Excelsior Springs: Broadway Sulpho Saline, Siloam Sulpho Saline, and Elms Park Sulpho Saline. These three wells were located at the Hall of Waters, Siloam Mountain, and the Elms Hotel.

Description: Sulpho saline is rich in the chloride of sodium and the sulfates of sodium and magnesium.

Uses: The Sulpho saline group of mineral waters has a mild laxative effect that tends to aid elimination and assists in restoring regularity. Mild and gentle, it is not as harsh as many commercial laxatives. This group of waters is also recommended for relief of conditions where a gentle flushing of the system is indicated: stomach distress, liver trouble, and related ailments. In addition to internal use, these waters were also used for gargling, douching, and bathing.
Sodium Biocarbonate

(Soda Water)

 Location: One of the more popular soda wells was the Jones Well, located at the home of the Jones' on East Excelsior Street. There were several different types of soda water: Seltzer Salt-Soda, Soda Carbonic, Vichey, Peerless Water Co., Empire Twin Well, City Wells, Sulfur Salt Soda, Hiwatha, Jones, Soda Saline.

Uses: The principle content of soda water is the bicarbonate of calcium, commonly prescribed as a diuretic and solvent. It is alkaline in reaction and is a valuable aid in the "Springs Treatment."

Iron Manganese Location: This well was located under the Hall of Waters in Excelsior Springs. The water is very rich in iron, but not "hard water."

Uses: Iron Manganese is a reconstructive blood builder that exerts a specific influence on the formation of hemoglobin (blood iron) and the cellular elements of the bloodstream. It is also an active diuretic, increasing the volume of urinary fluids and elimination of solids. It helps Bright's Disease, diabetes, cystitis, and congestion of the kidneys. It slows down curable liver disease. It also benefits malnutrition, blood diseases, and indigestion. It is good for people with delicate stomachs.
Calcium Location: One of the main types of waters in Excelsior Springs is calcium. There are may wells in Excelsior Springs that contain lithia, now known as calcium water. One of the wells, known as Lithia No. 1, was located at 245 East Broadway. It was the private water supply of Mrs. Hallie Collins. It was dispensed at the Hall of Waters. Other wells, known as Excelsior Lithia and Soda Saline were found at 302 W. Excelsior Street. A third location was the Crystal Lithium Well which was owned and operated by Mr. and Mrs. J.M. Courtney and located on the corner of Saratoga and Benton.

Uses: These wells had water that was beneficial in the treatment of indigestion, gastritis, and all forms of stomach trouble and intestinal tract disorders. The waters were said to keep pure and sweet for a year and to ship well.

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Last Updated 10/23/2002