PURIFICATION OF WATER

Southland Times, Issue 23180, 22 April 1937, Page 6

PURIFICATION OF WATER

Scheme Started In Balclutlia BENEFICIAL RESULTS CLAIMED Numerous complaints of dirty water have been made in Invercargill by residents, and at the last meeting of the City Council it was stated by the Mayor (Mr John Miller) that the state of the water was caused by the flushing of the mains and would not be finally put right until a pumping plant had been installed at the water works. A purifying plant of a similar nature to that required in. Invercargill has been installed at Balclutha with beneficial results, it is stated, the water being reported to be “as clear as crystal.” The installation was made under the advice of Mr F. M. Corkill. the Invercargill city engineer, who was present at the official inauguration last Saturday. In a report on the results of the installation, Tire Clutha Leader stated that the successful operation of the plant was a revelation and the crystal clear water which was drawn off convinced everyone that the scheme had been a remarkably successful and economical one. The scheme, which is now practically complete, followed approval given by the ratepayers in February 1935 to the raising of a water improvement loan of £2500. It is stated that the expenditure was well within the amount of the loan. As a result of the new method of pumping a considerable saving in annual costs will be made. Though similar filtration schemes are in operation in various places, Balclutha is the first town to introduce the process for its general water supply. The amount of chlorine gas used to purify the water and kill any bacteria is so minute as to have no noticeable effect on the flavour of the water, which passes through the sand filter after chlorination.