MASTERTON'S WATER SUPPLY.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 7822, 13 August 1904, Page 5

MASTERTON'S WATER SUPPLY.

No Cause for Apprehension.

Capable of Being Largely

Supplemented

An Abnormally High Con-

sumption.

Out of all Proportion to the

Population.

Mr Leslie Reynolds to Furnish

a Report.

Mr Leslie Reynolds, C.E., accompanied by the Mayor (Mr J. A. Renall), Or E. Feist, and the Borough Engineer (MrD. Dobson) yesterday morning visited the beadworlis of the water supply to ascertain what steps might be taken to increase the supply in case of drought. The upper intake was first visited, and leveh taken from there at an angle to the river, ,a distance, approximately, of twenty chains. Calculating on the present position of the river at this point, it was found that by deepening the channel, the watercourse from which the present supply is obtained and opening up a trench for a distance of about five chains (to within two chains of the river), an abundance of water could be obtained. Levels were also taken at the lower intake, and Mr Beyoolds considered that the supply could also be supplemented here at a small cost. After measuring the present flow of water, he expressed surprise that there should have been any shortage experienced Jaat year. From present observations he did not think there was any need whatever to increase the supply, but that, if it should show signs of failing next year, he would like to make an inspection then. If it should prove to be necessary, he considered that, with two weeks' notice, he could supplement the supply by an unlimited quantity of water. When passing the reservoir at halfpast nine in the morning on the road to the intake, the inflow of water was diverted, and the town supply allowed to be drawn from the reservoir. By taking measurements on returning some two hours and fifty minutes later, it was found that the water had been lowered by twenty inches. Calculations showed that in the space of time mentioned the water consumption of the town had been no less than 60,000 gallons. Mr Reynolds stated that this was abnormally high—in fact, out of all proportion to the population.

When certain data which he requires have been supplied, Mr Beynolds will report fully to the Council, both on the sewage and the water questions.