ALTERNATIVE PLAN

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20492, 28 February 1941, Page 7

ALTERNATIVE PLAN

TOWN WATER SUPPLY HANGAROA PROPOSAL DEEMED UNSUITABLE A proposed Hangaroa source, the Rangiora Stream, as a possible alternative supply for borough water is not considered suitable, according to a report submitted to the Gisborne Borough Council last night by the borough engineer, Mr. E. R, Thomas. The engineer's opinion that the proposed source was unsuitable was arrived at mainly for two reasons, firstly owing to the small volume of water available during the summer months, and secondly, to the low elevation of the stream, which presents difficulties in discharging water into the Gisborne watershed. “The stream drains the eastern slopes of the Whakapunaki Mountain, the run-off ultimately discharging through the Mangapoike Stream and the Hangaroa River into the Wairoa River,” the report stated. “The highest point where the run-off could be collected is approximately 838 ft above the town datum, and only approximately 100 ft. above the present intake at Waingake. “To drain by gravitation into the Gisborne watershed would require a tunnel in the vicinity of five miles in length, the outfall being into the upper reaches of the Kaiwaewaka Stream; a very costly undertaking. “The measured flow of the stream on Feburary 5 was under 30,000 gallons per hour —a little over half the present summer hourly requirement. During drought conditions this quantity would be considerably reduced.” The report was adopted.