Water worries

Press, 14 August 1978, Page 2

Water worries

Arthur's Pass house and bach-owners think their! water supply is adequate, inspite of problems with freez- , ing in winter, according to a ! survey conducted by the Malvern County Council. The council has reservations about the lack of water for fire-fighting, however. A questionnaire was sent' !out to 112 people after there had been some demand for I an expansion of the county i 1 reticulated water supply.l Only 66 replies were re-i ceived by the county engineer (Mr A. C. Watson). Of those replying, 86 per! cent said they were not connetted to the existing counIcil water supply; 53 per cent! (said they did not want to be! I connected; and nearly all; ,said they got their water; from either streams or rain. Most — 79 per cent — | (consider their present supply!

I'adequate; 55 per cent said ■(they had proolems with • freezing; and 85 per cent of ■•those responding said they i'were not permanent resi?i dents. The average occupation by non-residents was ■! seven weeks and a half a fiyear. However, there is a shortage of water for fire fight- . ing, and on Mr Watson’s! : recommendation the council ' 1 agreed that if the existing (supply could be extended to • 160 connections, with another J7O properties paying half (charge, the annual cost to (ratepayers could be about; ($4O a year. At present there are 35 (connections, and another 25 (are seeking connection. On :ithat basis, the annual charge; I would be $45. The whole matter will be (referred to the property- ■ I owners for further comment (before any decision.