AUCKLAND WATER SUPPLIES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18762, 16 July 1924, Page 8

AUCKLAND WATER SUPPLIES.

The question of water supplies for the whole of the Auckland metropolitan area is given a new, and much simpler, aspect by the statement of the City Council. Although the position in regard to : the city and its present customers has been fully discussed at various times, it has not previously been understood that the capacity of the system was great as the council now declares it to be. There was certainly no such impression last summer, when drastic restrictions were imposed on consumption. However, the Mayor's statement removes any uncertainty. Having expressed its disapproval of the suggestion that a water board should undertake to supply the whole area, including the North Shore, the council states that it is in a position to supply all the districts at present not drawing water from the city's system, and can undertake to obtain from the Waitakeres a sufficient supply for many years. The suburbs concerned would be well advised to enter into negotiations with the City Council immediately. Erom the frank warning given by the medical officer of health, and from the actual experiences of districts that have been forced by a realisation of the risks he describes to abandon the treacherous springß, they may perceive for themselves the perils of apathy and delay. In such a matter, a decision cannot be made upon a simple consideration of cost without regard to purity, nor can the mere presence of chlorinating plant be regarded as reliable protection against the certainty of contamination. The risks to public health, moreover, are too great to be sacrificed to any parochial jealousies. It may assist the districts 'concerned in their consideration of the matter to be reminded that the medical officer of health has statutory authority to prohibit the supply of water from polluted sources, and now that he has the assurance of. the City Council's ability and willingness to supply the areas concerned, Dr. Hughes may be compelled, in the public interest, to i exercise those powers.