RESTORING WATER

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19622, 4 May 1938, Page 13

RESTORING WATER

ALL HASTE BEING MADE FROM DAYLIGHT TO DARK PRAISE FOR THE STAFF TANKS STILL ESSENTIAL The men engaged in restoring the dislocated pipe-line for the borough water supply have been instructed to work from daylight to dark and on Saturdays and Sundays, in order to complete the work as soon as possible. A statement to this effect was made to the Borough Coined last night by the Mayor, Mr. D. \ r . Coleman, M.P., after visiting WaingaKe Valley during the day in company with the borough engineer, Mr. E. iR. Thomas, to survey the flood damage. The Mayor also pointed to the necessity of residents continuing to use water. "An inspection was first made of the section of the pipe-line that carried away just below the caretaker's cottage, and which completely cut off the settling tank from the town," Mr. Coleman stated. "From the debris deposit on the banks of the stream, it is quite evident that the flood-waters passed over the top of the pipe, and I can see in no way how the concrete piers c'ould resist such a volume of water such as must have passed down the stream on the night of the flood. "The engineer pointed out to me a suggested deviation of the pipe-line which, in his opinion, should be undertaken to reduce one of the danger points on our long pipe-line. The details of the deviation I have instructed be placed before the council with as little delay as possible, as I consider the work must be undertaken at the earliest possible date. Emergency Intake. "We then visited the emergency intake, which is located below the settling tank. To raise the water? level of the creek to such a level as to flow into the pipe has necessitated the placing of a timber dam across the stream, because the heavy scour which has taken place in the steeambed had dropped the water level at least four feet. On a previous visit to the headworks the caretaker pointed out to me the pipe he always used as an emergency intake, and I could hardly .believe that it was the same pipe shown me and that it could be left so high and dry above the creek. "Before proceeding up the valley to inspect the breaks in the pipe-line above the settling tank, I convinced myself that the chlorinating plant was in operation, for following my discussions with the medical officer of health I am very concerned about the quality of the water, which he assured me must be heavily disinfected by chlorine. "The trip up to the intake was surprising to me, for from the many slips on the hillside it is almost unbelievable that the line has only been carried away in four or five places. In one place a slip has practically covered a timber trestle, and still the line is intact, and in many others large slips have passed over the top of pipes, leaving them in position. Clearing of Slips. "In the four places where the pipeline has been carried away, much work is necessary for reinstatement, as the ground is completely broken and full of water, and to me it seems an almost impossible job to get a solid foundation for the relaying of the pipes. Both the engineer and Mr. Wykes assure me that a sound foundation must be excavated, and that at least three to four weeks of work will be necessary before the slips are cleared and in condition to replace the pipes. "From the manner in which the work is proceeding, I can assure you that a water supply from the bush area will be available at the first possible moment. I have given instructions that the workmen are to work from daylight till dark and on Saturdays and Sundays, these long hours being necessary to expedite the completion of the work, which, after 1113 inspection, I realise is most urgent for the safe keeping of the public health. Appreciation of Staff. "I wish to expres my sincere appreciation of the work and initiative of Mr. Wykes in the manner in which he tackled a most difficult position. We are indeed fortunate that we had a man of his calibre on the spot. "I would also like to express appreciation of the work of the borough engineer and his staff. I found the men all willing and anxious to render all the assistance they possibly could. Not one man raised the slightest objection to going out and camping a' Waingake. "I must again urge the people to continue to use their tank water for domestic purposes, and on no accou".: to use the town supply without boiling it first. I can assure them all is being done that can possibly be done." Question of Chlorination. Mr. H. H. DeCosta questioned the necessity for chlorinating the borough water, and said that he had been drinking the present water in sp. • of the warnings against it. The Mayor: Then if you get dysentery do not blame me. Cr. H. E. Maude said that the council could not go against the recommendations of the Health Departmen; The Mayor said that the medical officer of health, Dr. L. S. Dav.s, assured him that when the counc.l fi:-: commenced to chlorinate, the wa:cv was dangerous from a health standpoint. For a little while after thcouncil commenced to chlorinate the water was still in the danger zone, but since then there had been a grea improvement. However, every nov. and again, following a fresh, it wanot fit for drinking. At present the danger mark was higher than it nno ever been He must continue, on iv>« recommendation, and Indeed instructions, of the health officer, to urge on the residents to use tank supplies 101 drinking. Cr J. Webb said that the public had got out of a very dangerous situation during the time of the water dislocation and those who were connected with the position were worthy oi all commendation. The Mayor said he also appreciated the manner in which the public had treated the matter.