QUEENSTOWN’S WATER SHORTAGE PROBLEMS

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 27916, 13 March 1956, Page 10

QUEENSTOWN’S WATER SHORTAGE PROBLEMS

‘The Press’’ Special Service

DUNEDIN, March 12. Queenstown thought it had solved its water shortage problems when it was decided to pump the crystal-clear water of Lake Wakatipu into the tew’n’s water supply mains. But one problem led to another. Because of the grave shortage of electricity, there is not enough power to run the pump and residents are still short of water, in spite of millions of gallons at their back door. Before the pump—it is powered by r a 20 horsepower electric motor—was brought into operation last week on a restricted scale, the power supply authorities delivered an ultimatum of either water or power for the town. However, as it has turned out. residents have very little of either. Four one-hour cuts' throughout the dav have meant that the pump can only be switched on for four hours a day. But this does relieve the situa-

tion to the extent of about 20.000 gallons a day. Normally. Queenstown’s water supply is drawn from the One Mile and Brewery creeks. These streams are so depleted that residents living on higher levels have to go without water at certain periods. It was thought that the pump from the lake would solve the problem, but the scheme will not be entirely successful until power restrictions ease. Augmenting the existing supply by lake water does mean, however, that residents can use hoses between 6 p.m. and 7.30 p.m.. when the pump is in operation. The lower levels of the town are sealed off and all the normal supply goes to the higher levels. The lower areas are supplied by lake water. With, power cut off from 8 a.m. until 9. from 10 a.m. until 11. from 2 p.m. till 3. and from 5 o’clock to 6 p.m. means added difficulties for housewives. Hotels also find that the serving of meals, especially breakfast, proi vides some problems.