Pahiatua Water Supply

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 63, 16 March 1938, Page 2

Pahiatua Water Supply

REPORT OF INVESTIGATOR At the meeting of the Pahiatua Borough Council a report was brought for ward by Mr. J. C. Davidson on the progress made at the Balfour springs. After much discussion, it was moved by Cr. Judd that Mr. Davidson’s report be received, and that no further work be carried out on the site meanwhile, and that a special meeting be called after receiving the report of the Health Department. If the report of the Health Department is satisfactory then the consulting engineer, Mr. Toogood, is to be called in to advise tho council further. This suggestion was unanimously adopted. The report is as follows:—“On checking the flow of water in the main drain to-day I find it has decreased since it was measured a month ago by 10,000 gallons per day, tho total flow now being 377,000 gallons a day. When the creek was measured before opening up the drain the flow was 265.000 gallons per day, and I am of the opinion that the flow in tho creek to-day would not have exceeded 130,000 gallons per day. My reason for coming to this conclusion is that the level of the springs has been dropped three feet, which increases the flow enormously due to easing off the back pressuro on the springs and also we have brought two springs to the surface which previously did not feed the creek. These two springs alone are flowing at the rate of 45,000 gallons per day. Taking these figures as approximately correct, it means that the water at B and C on the sketch totalling 96,000 gallons per day with the addition of 40,000 gallons from the present reservoir will keep the old creek running at normal summer level. This leaves 281,000 gallons per day available for use. In addition to this, I have measured tho quantity flowing into the present well which amounts to 3300 gallons per hour, or 79,200 gallons per day. This makes a total in. round figures of 360,000 gallons per day available. Actually, a great deal more water than this is available if the level of the water is lower even by six feet further, which would be quite possible. “In connection with harnessing the scheme for immediate use, I offer the suggestion that the pump be placed at the site of the springs on the Balfour estate, that a permanent pipe line be constructed from the springs to the water main in front of Mr. Shackleton’s gate, and that water be pumped from such springs at the rate of 8000 to 20,000 gallons per hour. “The water is flowing into the reservoir to-day at the rate of approximately 41.000 gallons per day. A month ago the flow was 57,000 gallons. “Owing to the breakdown in the pump to-day I had an opportunity of examining the impeller and found it worn down round the impeller rings. This should be attended to as the efficiency of the pump is very greatly affected thereby and makes pumping expensive. At present the pump is only pumping about 5000 gallons per hour and using the full load current of the mdtor. ’ ’