RAIN ON THE RANGES.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 280, 26 November 1928, Page 9

RAIN ON THE RANGES.

OITY WATER SUPPLY. HUGE QUANTITY IN STORAGE. The refreshing rain which fell copiously throughout the night, and made tome Aucklanders exceedingly damp while on their way to work this morn*n&f appears to have been a special dispensation for thirsty suburban gardens, where the peas and beans have not been making much headway of late. Up on the Waitakere Ranges there was only a mild drizzle and a bit of Scotch mist, with the result that the city water supply did not benefit as much as was anticipated. Not that this has caused any misgivings, ae the position of Auckland's water supply for the summer is assured and there is more than twice as much in storage as there was at this time last year. Up at the head works there is a storage capacity—since last summer the Waitakere dam has been reined—of 1040 million gallons, and so far only 50,000,000 gallons have been drawn on, this despite the fact that with a run of hot weather during the past few weeks there was a big viae in consumption. Mention of millions does not convey an adequate idea of the amount of water impounded behind huge walls of masonry, and it is best visualised by eeelng the two large lakes and the companion smaller one which give a picturesque touch to the crest of the hills. In addition, compared with last year, water from the Huia Valley is now available, and should it be necessary an additional million gallon* a day can be switched on at short notice. Lastly, mention might be made, of the Western Springs. Only in a case of emergency would they bV used foi an auxiliary supply, as of late years they have been mildly suspect, and it has been alleged that their clear, cool depths harbour coli and other unpleasant things. Many a good Aucklander assauged his thirst last summer with.a draught from the springs and, thanks to a very efficient chlorinetion process, appeared to thrive on it.