HAMILTON’S WATER SUPPLY

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 88, 12 January 1928, Page 8

HAMILTON’S WATER SUPPLY

PLANT DAMAGED BY PUMICE STEPS TO MEET EMERGENCY Considerable damage has been done to the plant employed by the Hamilton Borough Council for pumping water from, the Waikato River into the reservoirs for the town supply by the fine pumice in the water (says the Hamilton correspondent of the “New Zealand Herald”). The position was regarded as very serious, and it was decided to impose heavy restriction's in order to curtail the quantity of water consumed in the town. The use of garden hoses is now strictly forbidden and the council has appointed four additional inspectors who will patrol, the town and rigidly enforce the restrictions. A large quantity of silt has passed through the pumps and great difficulty has been experienced in keeping the mechanism in good running order. Expensive replacements have been rendered necessary and the pumps can be kept going only with great difficulty and at great expense under present conditions. The purchase of another pump of from 45,000 to 60,000 gallons capacity has been authorised. It has been decided to treat the water with sulphate of ammonia and soda ash to produce coagulation. The object of this treatment is to endeavour to form a jelly-like substance on the surface of the water in the filter beds. When it sinks this jelly will, it is hoped, carry with it the fine pumice silt suspended in the water.

The council views the position with the utmost gravity and is anxious to restrict consumption to a minimum so as to reduce the ruinous wear and tear the silt causes to the pumping plant. The council is also anxious regarding the possibility of the silt choking the reticulation pipes supplying all parts of the town. It is feared that when the silt settles it will set firmly, and will be difficult to dislodge. The borough council also decided to communicate with the Public Works Department asking the Department to reimburse the council for the extra expense it has been put to through the operations at Arapuni filling the Waikato River with debris.

A water-wagon, owned by the borough council, is now constantly employed in supplying water from a spring to the Waikato Hospital, where the requirements total 3000 gallons daily. Generous supplies of water are conveyed to the hospital daily by various residents, and the position there has been greatly relieved. The hospital pumps which draw water from the Waikato River are working intermittently and the valves constantly require replacing.