DISASTROUS FLOOD.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16033, 26 January 1920, Page 9

DISASTROUS FLOOD.

TE AWAMD’i’U WATER SUPPLY CARRIED AWAY.

(Pw United Prtet Association.)

TE AWAM.UTU, January 26. _A disastrous flood occurred at Mount Pirongia, carrying away the dam of the borough water supply system, and seven out of eight pipes and bridges between ■tha dam and the reservoir, which is 14 miles distance. The supply was maintained until Sunday at midday, when the decreasing pressure resulted in an inspection. By this time the water in the reservoir had been exhausted, and the two supply entirely cut off. The Borough Council engaged special gangs in addition to the regular staff, but several days must elapsed before the supply can even bo temporarily restored. The service has been installed for six years. The intake of the dam is 20ft wide by 18ih., and was constructed of reinforced concrete. This has been broken and the valve chamber carried away. The 'hwh of water at this point cut out a fresh channel, and the stream is not now flowing into the intake at all. Huge concrete pillars carrying Bridges were carried many chains down* stream, and debris of all sort thrown high upon the banks. The stream has altered its course at several places, and the whole of the three miles of pipe-line through mountainous country has been demolished. The town is without water, except for tanks mounted on lorries, which make deliveries from, door to door.