WITHIN A WEEK

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20139, 8 January 1940, Page 6

WITHIN A WEEK

HOSE RESTRICTIONS BOROUGH WATER SUPPLY HEAVY DRAW-OFF AGAIN AFTER-HOLIDAY EFFECT “If rain does not fall in the meantime, it will be necessary to impose restrictions on the use of water,” stated the borough engineer, Mr. E. R. Thomas, when commenting to-day on the exceptionally heavy use of water since the holidays. Mr. Thomas said that during the holidays, when some large business users were closed down and when many householders were away for the holidays, the consumption fell to a comparatively low level for a summer period, but since normal business had resumed and people returned from their vacation to tend once more to their gardens there had been a sudden jump in the draw-off. Up to the present sufficient rain had fallen at Waingake to meet the requirements of the borough. During the holidays the headworks had received the benefit of the thunderstorms experienced in the district, but the effect of these showers was becoming less and the" draw-off threatened to become excessive. If the heavy use of water continued without further rain falling, it would be necessary to impose restrictions on the use of hoses within a week. Normal During Holidays The normal requirements of the borough were about 1,000,000 gallons a day, and during the week ended January 1 the draw-off was maintained at about that level, the total consumption for the week being 7,040,000 gallons. The highest weekly reading for the present summer • to date was 8,770,000 gallons for the week ended December 18, and judging by the draw-off this week’s figure would exceed 8,000,000 gallons.

'“'The day-time pressure in town was becoming lower, Mr. Thomas continued. During the holiday period the lowest pressure during the day-time was 801 b. to the square inch, and it went up to about 1001 b. on occasions, but during the past few days it was sometimes as low as 301 b. and 401 b., rising to about 801 b. at night. When the pressure reached the 301 b. level the position was becoming serious so far as fire-fighting was concerned, and if rain did not come to give relief during the week restrictions would be inevitable.