NORTH SHORE WATER.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 103, 5 May 1926, Page 14

NORTH SHORE WATER.

LAKE TAKAPtINA LOWER

NEAKDfG CRUCIAL STAGE'

The waterworks engineer, Mr. John Williamson, reported, to the Xorthcote Borough Council last evening that the level of Lake Takapuna was now down to 11J inches above high-tide mark, representing a fall of 61 inches during the past month, and the lowest level yet readied. It had, therefore, been found necessary to instal the centrifugal pump, which was in use about seven years ago. and was then found satisfactory. As the pumps had since been duplicated it would be necessary to purchase another four-inch centrifugal pump should the lake fall another foot. This would cost from £50 to £60. The council authorised 'the engineer to act in accordance with his recommendations should occasion arise. It is understood that by extension of the pipe into the lake, and by lowering the centrifugal pumps in stages at each drop of six feet, the water could be followed down in the lake for almost any distance for practicable purpose.?. The greater the depth, however, the narrower would the basin become. The fear in the past has been voiced that if the surface receded below sea level the tidal water would percolate into the fresh water and make it brackish. On the other hand, there is strong , belief that nothing of the kind would occur, and that the walls of the lake arc lava sealed. The developments in this respect during the ensuing months will be awaited with interest, though no anxiety appears to be entertained by those controlling the Xorth Shore water supply. Should such a contingency arise, however, doubtless the expedient of installing a tank for drinking water at each dwelling would be resorted to, and the lake water still be utilised for drainage and similar purposes.