WATER SUPPLY

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 60, Issue 4349, 30 October 1950, Page 6

WATER SUPPLY

WAIHI BEACH AREA SAMPLES APPROVED MR WORLEY TO BE ENGAGED Samples of water from a creek on Mr Heslop’s property at Waihi beach had been taken by Mr W. Oliver, health inspector, stated a letter to the Ohinemuri County Council from the medical officer of health, Auckland, which came before the October meeting of the council. The chemical analysis indicated water of good quality but the bacteriological examination disclosed recent animal contamination, continued the letter, which went on to state that Mr Oliver reported that cattle grazed on the area near the stream and could account for the contamination.

In the event of the council proposing to use the water from that stream then the medical officers suggested the area in .such a way as to protect the area insuch a way as to protect the springs from contamination. It might mean acquiring an area of land sufficient for that purpose and, providing such precautions were taken, there would be no objection to the use of the water for domestic purposes. The result was very satisfactory, stated Mr W. Oliver, health inspector, He recommended that the council have the stream gauged to ascertain the amount of water available before committing itself in any way. Cr S. H. Thompson informed the council that he had viewed the area with Mr Oliver and thought it would mean taking an area of 100 acres. It looked a fairly costly scheme, said the chairman, Mr T. A. Barrett, for it meant buying "the land. The county clerk, Mr A. A. Jenkinson, suggested that councillors should view the locality. An expert should be employed in the coming summer to gauge the quantity of water or otherwise the council would not have much reliable information to go upon, said Cr A. F. Thorp. The possibility of joining in with the Waihi Borough Council was mentioned by Cr H. R. Morrison.

There was twice as much water in the stream the county council was discussing as in other streams in the Waihi beach locality, said Cr Thorp.

More than one stream would have to be tapped, said Cr Thompson. There would be need for two* separate schemes and unfortunately there would be no subsidy or grant if there were two separate schemes. It was resolved that Mr R. P. Worley, of Auckland, be engaged to give a preliminary report on the suitability of the stream through Mr Heslop’s property for a water supply to Waihi beach and that the investigation be made in a dry period.