NORTH SHORE WATER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18679, 8 April 1924, Page 9

NORTH SHORE WATER.

THE RANGITOPUNI SCHEME. OPPOSED BY DEPARTMENT. CATCHMENT AREA CONDEMNED. OTHER SOURCE MUST BE FOUND. The scheme recently submitted to the Lake Takapuna Board of Control for bringing water from the Rangitopuni stream, beyond Albany, to supplement the water suppy drawn by "the North Shore boroughs fiom Lake Takapuna, was reported upon adversely by the officials of the Health Department at a meeting of tbo board held yesterday afternoon. Mr. H. J. Lowe, commissioner of Ciown lands for North Auckland, presided. The report stated that Dr. Boyd, medical officer of health, Mr. Armitage, Government bacteriologist, Mr. Griffin, Government analyst, and the inspector, Mr. White, had visited the proposed dam site, and various samples of water had been obtained for bacteriological and chemical analysis. If the scheme were carried out the area of water impounded would reach back to the Dairy Flat bridge, and the water was likely to be highly charged with organic matter. None of those who inspected the catchment area were at all favourably impressed with it. The area was traversed by two roads and had for many years been the site of many gum diggers' camps. The country was" obviously not free from dangerous bacilli and bacilli coli had been found in as little as -5 cubic centimetres of the water sampled. The reports all tended to the same conclusionthat as a source of supply the area was far from satisfactory. Dr. Boyd stated that even were the board to purchase the entire area the contamination would remain for some time, as bacilli coli were already in the ground. A chlorinating and dechlorinating plant at the source of supply wou'd probably purify the (water sufficiently for drinking and other domestic purposes. He strongly recommended, however, that some other source of supply be found. The board decided to request the North Shore boroughs to subscribe £300 to meet immediate liabilities, and also to inform them that they may be called upon for the sum of £1000 to carry on the board's further schemes. A relpy was received from the Crown Law Office, to whom a draft of the proposed bill, giving 'the board more extensive powers, had been sent. It was indicated that the measure would have to be introduced as a local bill. A resolution was passed expressing appreciation of the past services of the present secretary to the board, Mr. J. Stalker, who has been appointed senior clerk at. Nelson in the Lands and Survey Department.