WELLS RUN DRY

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32588, 23 April 1971, Page 17

WELLS RUN DRY

Waimak- Ashley area Many persons in the Waimakariri-Ashley Water Supply Board’s area were pumping water from stock water-races for household use because their wells had run dry during recent weeks, the board was told at its meeting in Rangiora. “I can tell you that I am one of them,” said Mr M. G. Thome, who for three weeks has been drawing water from a nearby race for household use and carting drinking water from the Oxford township high-pressure system in cream cans.

Mr Thorne said the level of water in his household well dropped 15ft in less than a week and dried up. A Coopers Creek resident had only about 6ft of water in a 142 ft well, which normally had a level of 80 to 100 ft. He asked other members what was the board’s policy regarding the use of race water for households, when wells dried up and there was no other alternative supply. “I’ve always considered, that a ratepayer can take water from a race for his household supply without any prior approval by the board,” said Mr F. A. Sheat, a member for almost 52 years. Other members supported this opinion. They considered that, particularly this year, there would be much greater need for this practice and they had no objection to its continuing.