FALL OF RAIN IN AUCKLAND

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23949, 17 May 1943, Page 4

FALL OF RAIN IN AUCKLAND

RELIEF FROM WATER SHORTAGE

INCREASE IN SUPPLY AT RESERVOIRS

(P.S.S.I AUCKLAND. May 10. Unexpected rain from late on Sat- ' urday night until midday to-day has given a welcome measure of relief from the threatened rationing of water from standpipes. The fall exceeded 2in at the Nihotapu dam and half an inch at the Waitakere dam. Water, in storage totalled 52.000,000 gallons at 5 p.m. yesterday, a gain of 140.300.000 gallons, with the prospect of more from the flow of streams. Although the City Council’s reserves of water were reduced by a further 2.100.000 gallons in the 24 hours ended on Friday morning, leaving only 13.200.000 gallons in the Nihotapu dam and service reservoirs, it was decided that rationing from standpipes could be deferred at least until Saturday, when the position would be further considered. Taps were fitted to street standpipes all over Auckland City on Friday and pipes in other parts of the supply area were also got ready. If they are brought into use householders will be able to draw water themselves but members of the E.P.S. will be detailed to keep an eye on supply points to see that water is not wasted or drawn in excessive quantities. It was evident that unless heavy rain fell, the little water still stored in Nihotapu dam would be exhausted before the week-end was over.