THE WATER SUPPLY

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 88, 15 April 1939, Page 8

THE WATER SUPPLY

Limited Hosing Allowed

PUMP’S EFFICIENCY QUESTIONED In view of the improvement in the borough reservoir levels, at its meeting on Thursday evening, the Woodville Borough Council raised the restriction on the use of the hose to permit watering for a half-hour in the evenings. This and other aspects of the borough’s water problem were discussed after the reading of the foreman’s report, an extract of which was:— “The engineer (Mr. J. R. Hughes, Palmerston North) and myself made a test of water flow into th'- reservoirs while the pump was working and found an irregular flow of water. I have since observed that while the pump is stopped there is a steady flow. I have also tested air valves without pump and found no air between reservoir and intake. The water in the reservoirs has risen from 9ft. 9in. and 6ft. to lift, and 12ft. lin. During that rise the pump has not been working as much as usual. I tested the pressure at the pump while pump was working and not working, while pump is working the inlet gauge drops, then rises to 40-50, the outlet rises to 150 then drops to 30-50-60 and the pump races, tho cause of this I believe is air. The spillway and intake are in good order.” Cr. E. J. Harding suggested that they would get more water without the pump. The Mayor, Mr. R. R. Johnston, said they would doubtless get to the root of the trouble when Mr. Hughes’ report became available, but certain gauges would have to be fitted by the council and the rush of work had prevented this yet being done. Cr. Harding pointed out that the engineer had not been asked to report on the present arrangement, but only regarding a new pipeline. Cr. H. Galbraith said there were two services from the main above the pump. He suggested that air was beiug drawn through them and an alteration would rectify the matter. A new pipeline not be necessary, he thought. Cr. Harding: If the pump is not doing its job it had better be taken out. Cr. Hustwick asked whether, iu the case of cutting off the supply to consumers outside the borough, the council could cut off those with water rights because the mains crossed their property, and it was stated that there were only two such and their rights were protected by agreements. Cr. Hustwick: Then we can’t cut them off. The others are only on sufferance. Cr. Harding: No. They are paying for it. The Mayor remarked that cutting off had not been necessary as things had “panned out better than expected.” Cr. J. T. Horne: Can we not have some more hosing on Yogel Street? Cr. Hustwick suggested daily hosing, but the Mayor stated that the contractors could not be interfered with. Cr. Horne then asked for garden hosing for a limited time each day. Cr. C. Forbes said the council was starting at the wrong end by ever restricting the use of water by ratepayers and not by those outside the borough. The Mayor: This time we are giving a concession. Cr. Forbes: I will have more to say later. The hosing concession was then approved by the council.