WAIKATO RIVER.

Waikato Times, Volume 102, Issue 17284, 21 December 1927, Page 7

WAIKATO RIVER.

FALL IN LEVEL

ITS PROBABLE EFFECT.

INTERFERENCE WITH SHIPPING

HAMILTON WATER SUPPLY. A somewhat serious aspect has boon given the tests at the Arapuni dam in view of the effort Ihe complete closing of the sluice gates is likely to have at Hamilton. Although Ibis town is some 40 miles downstream from the scene of the operations, the drop in the water level was clearly discernible when the gates were partially closed on the first occasion, and it was several days before normal conditions were restored, the half-dead vegetable growth on the banks indicating that a drop of about two feet took place then. Now, with the tests it is proposed to put in hand at Arapuni within the next fortnight, it is estimated that the Waikato River will drop three or four feet below its normal summer level at Hamilton, and the reduction in river-level will be greater up-stream. It is expected that the lowering of the level of the river will interfere to a considerable extent with the shipping service on the Waikato River. At this time of the year, holiday excursions are numerous, and the fall in the river level may possibly mean the Withdrawal of the excursion steamer Manuwai from the run between here and Ngaruawahia until the normal conditions are resumed. The position is doubtful, and is causing the Roosc Shipping Company some concern. The drop in the water-level may render the waterway unworkable below Hamilton. The coastal steamer Progress is expected at Port Waikato on Saturday with 270 tons of cargo from southern ports. It had been arranged to bring the goods upstream on Tuesday, but it is stated that the decrease in the volume of water in the river may prevent the Rawhiti from running from Mercer to Hamilton. This will have a serious effect on consignees. In the event of considerable interference with the shipping services as a consequence of the tests at Arapuni it is difficult to state what action may be taken. Representations have been made to the Public Works Department regarding the matter, but so far no reply has been received.

With the smaller volume of water in the river, and the summer at its height, it is likely that the Hamilton water supply, which is pumped from the river, will be affected. One pump may be put out of commission, and reliance will then have to be placed on the remaining one. While the river level is down it may be necessary to restrict the consumption of water in Hamilton. This is a development which will be watched carefully by the borough engineer (Mr R. Worley), and a trial is to be made on Sunday next. Arrangements by Borough. It is understood that the river will be at a low level for eight days. Ordinarily the two borough pumps lift over 900,000 gallons of water daily, but with one pump working full time it is possible to still take 750,000 gallons daily. From this it is apparent that any temporary diminution in the supply will not be serious, the only restriction probable being the curtailment of the hosing of gardens between Christmas and New Year.

The Arapuni staff and Hamilton borough officials will be in close cooperation on the first day on which the reduction of the water level takes place, in order to note the effect, as it is impossible to foretell accurately what the exact drop will be at Hamilton.

Arrangements have been made to seal the man-holes and all cracks in the intake chamber, thereby causing a vacuum, which will have the effect of raising the level of the intake chamber Ift 6in above ordinary. If the river drops three feet below the present level it will be impossible to work the two pumps. By the alteration in the level of the intake chamber and the creation of the vacuum, the pumps can work successfully in the event of a 4ft Gin fall in the river level.