WATER SUPPLIES

Hawera Star, Volume XLIX, 30 August 1929, Page 5

WATER SUPPLIES

CONDITIONS IN TARANAKI. INVESTIGATIONS MADE. HEALTH OFFICER'S REPORT. (By Telegraph—Special to the Star.) WELLINGTON, Aug. 30. Bacteriological examination of water used xor human consumption at all towns in the Taranaki district have oeen made at New xTymoutii hospital laboratory, ana, according to the district otticer of health, the reports received indicated that practically alt sources of supply were contaminated to a greater or less degree as compared with English standards for a good water.

The Guitar a supply consistently gave the poorest results, though the oue chemical analysis made indicated a satisfactory water.

Kaponga supply was bacteriologicallv the best.

Chemical analysis was made of Kaponga, Inglewood, Stratford, Waitara and New Plymouth (two) supplies, and a.l gave satisfactory results. it is probable that some degree of animal and possioly human contaminations takes place on the Watersheds, which in all cases include a varying amount of farm lands in their respective areas. The chemical analyses, however, indicate that this pollution is not very extensive, or else is well diluted by the volume of water. in addition to the above examinations, water supplies from various isolated hotels, seaside resorts and camping grounds were tested. Certain of these were reported on adversely to the authorities concerned.

During the year the ratepayers of New Plymouth approved of a loan being raised for the provision of a retaining; dam on their combined hydroelectric and water scheme. This had been previously approved by the Local Government Loans Board.

“White I regret,” states Dr. Alacredy, “that the borough council did not see its way. to utilise the excellent water from the Kiri River, the safeguards agreed to by them in the combined Waiwakaiho and Alangamahoe scheme should ensure an adequate and safe water supply for New Plymouth for many years to come.

A water supply ought to be provided at an early date in Opunake, and investigations of available sources were commenced with this end in view.