WATER SUPPLY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 18996, 18 April 1925, Page 8

WATER SUPPLY.

An unusual amount of public interest attaches to the schemes now being considered for obtaining a water supply from Lake Taupo. In the very centre of this island, well above sea level, is an immense natural reservoir, surrounded by an ideal catchment area. Water in plenty, naturally filtered and of perfect purity, there awaits distribution to tho multiplying towns of this island, and it is particularly accessible to this provincial district, which presents a rapidly-increasing demand for this primary necessity. The proposals submitted by the preliminary investigators, even the least ambitious of thoso proposals, involve a very large expenditure of public money, and already this city and the larger towns of the area to 1 be administered by the proposed Water Board have made provision for the needs of the present and the immediate future. But it is obvious that, sooner or later, there must be recourse to a scheme of the magnitude and comprehensiveness of the one now under discussion. Indeed, Auckland's Waterworks Engineer, in a report made nearly ten years ago,expressed the desirability of giving thought to Lake Taupo as an eventual source of the city's supply. The day must come when this possibility, eo providentially available, must be fully exploited j even within a- very few years it may prove the most efficient and practicable possibility for provincial centres impelled to initiate or improve water-supply systems. There is no need to abate activity in developing the system that supplies Auckland and its neighbourhood. In the Waitakere area is a sufficient supply for this region's need for years to come and there is every justification for amplifying and perfecting the system now established. But it is wise to look at the Taupo proposals in the light of needs beyond this region and its present requirements. In due course, this city's capital expenditure on the Waitakere system should have been met by sinking fund and a project of greater magnitude be justifiably shared ; and in the meantime, by the initiation of the Taupo system, the needs of other centres may be most satisfactorily met. In undertaking that scheme, although it involve a large initial outlay, it will probably prove ultimately economical to make provision for a supply in excess of immediate requirements ; and, from the figures supplied by the preliminary investigators, it would seem that, apart from Auckland's participation, their project could be financed. There are, of course, very serious questions of both engineering and financial import calling for further consideration before this new project should be undertaken, and the prosecution of this inquiry should be carofully continued.