WATER PRESSURE

Waipa Post, Volume 38, Issue 2285, 26 March 1929, Page 5

WATER PRESSURE

FIRE PREVENTION PROBLEM

Writing to the Borough Council last night, the Te Awamutu Fire Board called attention to the low water pr<%, sure on the occasion of a fire on December 25th. The- pressure was only 401bs and this low pressure was a danger. The Council was asked for an explanation. The town clerk said when the alarm was sounded on Christmas Day he came to the Town Hall water gauge.. It registered 701bs. He was astound-; ed to see the report ofj the fire superintendent that the pressure was only' 401bs. ’ j Cr Spinley said the report showed the menace of the water wasters anci indicated the Council would have to ’ take much more drastic action. Cr Reilly added that 401bs was absolutely useless for fire fighting purposes. It was just at that period the engineer was taking steps to locate the wasters of water, and it showed , how necessary such action was. Now ■ the Fire Board had decided to instal a i meter and keep a regular record of the pressure. It was therefore essential that particular care be taken to see the pressure in the mains is maintained. The town clerk said the office was closed that day, and it would be interesting to learn where and how the superintendent got the information the pressure was only 401bs. lhe gauge read 7Qlbs and it would appear the superintendent had made a lough guess. He very certainly did not inspect the gauge. It was decided to reply to the I 1 ire Board that the pressure stood at 70 lbs. The engineer reminded the Council that on an alarm of fire being given the Brigade could order to water to be cut off from any part of the town. The pressure at the moment of speaking is lOOlbs. . i The Mayor said the question show-i ed the importance of the water supply, which must unquestionably claim the attention of the incoming Council. The engineer pointed to the necessity of urging the people to regard it a public duty to shut off all taps when the fire bell rings. If they would do that the effect on the water pressure would be instantaneous.