WATER SHORTAGE AT TIMARU

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25732, 18 February 1949, Page 3

WATER SHORTAGE AT TIMARU

LOW PRESSURE FOR FIRE FIGHTING From Our Own Reporter TIMARU, February 17. After hearing a report on the pressure pf water ih the city from the superintendent of the Timaru Fire Brigade, Mr E. W. McCann, the Timaru Fire Board to-day decided to send the report to the Timaru City Council. The superintendent’s report said that the volume and pressure on some occasions recently was not sufficient for fighting a serious outbreak. The normal static pressure at the station was 781 b to 801 b, said the superintendent; the static pressure under existing conditions was as low as 491 b to 501 b. In the stores near the wharves a few years ago, when the mains were four inches in diameter, the pressure was 971 b; a few days ago the pressure from a nine-inch main in that area was 481 b.

The excessive general demand for water had caused a serious fall in volume and pressure generally, said the superintendent. In one area the city engineer (Mr R. J. Comrie) was compelled partially to shut off some of the main water valves in the surrounding area. This caused the volume and pressure to be lowered in other areas. “While I do not approve of this principle. it is quite anparent that the engineer has no option if the people in this area are to obtain water. The fact that the reservoirs are full, and yet we are subject to a water shortage. seems to indicate that the mains are only meeting the normal supply demands of the city, and that they are inadequate in rdaces to cary any reserve to meet further demands,’’ said Mr McCann.