CITY WATER SUPPLY

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 303, 20 November 1934, Page 8

CITY WATER SUPPLY

COMMENT ON FILTRATION

DISCOLOURATION EXPLAINED.

Comment on the state of the water yesterday in the city services was made at last evening’s meeting of the City Council. Cr. J. Hodgeus said that the water was like pea-soup, and he felt that the .filters at Tiritea were not functioning properly. Cr. G. Tremaine said the water was like coffee at West End. The city engineer (Mr J. R. Hughes) said that the water supply was drawn practically direct from the stream, as the big reservoir had not then filled, after cleaning operations. It was only practicable to put one filter out of action at a time .to clean it, for fear of further reducing the pressure. Men were kept constantly engaged cleaning the screens to provent them from blocking and stopping the water supply. The Mayor (Mr A. E. Mansford) asked if the main reservoir had not been filled up after the recent cleaning operations, and was informed that it had not had sufficient time. The Mayor remarked that, in that case, had the dry weather continued the position would have been serious. The engineer said that was not the case, as there was an ample supply of water. Tile conditions had been exceptional, and would not happen again, as the city liad been drawing its supply direct from a flooded stream. There were fourteen filters to receive attention. Cr. 11. B. Free said there seemed to have been ample evidence that the filter-house was undermanned in an emergency. It would be prudent to provide extra assistance at the filters on such an occasion, said Cr. Hodgens. The engineer said that the water was steadily clarifying, and the trouble would soon be completely rectified. The Mayor commented that apparently the trouble would not recur. Steps should be taken to deal with such an emergency. Supposing an accident occurred with only one man working by himself, said Cr. Hodgens, there would be no one within call. The engineer stated that when the screens had to be cleaned at night two men always went out together. The discussion was not pursued further.