TITAHI BAY WATER SUPPLY

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 88, 15 April 1939, Page 8

TITAHI BAY WATER SUPPLY

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —During the present severe drought the supply of tank water here has run out and more than threefourths of the residents have been carting water from the only other source, tha spring on the beach. On Saturday last the County Council erected a notice that the water was unfit for drinking purposes unless boiled, and removed the' tap. Why the tap was removed when the water can be used it is hard to tell, but the result is serious. There is now practically no source of supply in the district, and the council has given no indication of the steps it intends to take to remedy the serious position that has arisen. What is a local body for but to look after the interests of the inhabitants of its district?

The whole trouble is mysterious, and Residents of the Bay are bewildered. The water has been frequently analysed: the spring comes from a stratum about 40 feet underground; the nearest house discharge is 60 feet away and separated from the spring by a ridge of sandstone; and people have come for years from a distance to drink the water—with no ill effect. Now this is sprung on us, and we do not know what to think. All we know is that we must have water. When is the council going to give it to us? There are several springs on. the surrounding hills for a cheap scheme.—l am, etc., TITAHI.

In 'explanation, the County. Clerk, Makara, states: "The council is acting under instructions from the Department of Health, entirely in the interests of the public, and knowing the difficulties, both the Department and the council took the steps with the greatest reluctance." The question of a water supply for the district, added the County Clerk, is a very big question, and affects also large surrounding areas, both in the Makara and Hutt counties.