WATER SUPPLIES by R. W. Pomare The reliance of most Maori homes on wells, springs and creeks which have never been tested for their purity, and are very frequently found to be uncovered and unprotected from animal or human pollution, is of great importance in any attempt to safeguard the health of the people from diseases that may be spread in this way, such as typhoid fever, dysentery, diarrhoea and hydatids. When water contaminated with these disease germs is consumed by a person, the disease of that particular germ may follow. Each disease has its own germ, and one disease cannot result from another type of germ.

How do these germs reach the water supply? They come from discharges of the body. A person suffering from a disease such as typhoid fever drops the germs in his paru or mimi. These may reach the stream, well or other source from which drinking water is taken. If the germs are consumed, the process starts all over again. There is another source which is a very important one. This is the “carrier”, a person who has had the disease, and although feeling quite well, nevertheless can still drop the disease germ in his paru or mimi. Water acts as a means of carrying these disease germs from one person to another.

How wells are polluted Wells may become polluted from two sources (a) from underground waters, and (b) from surface drainings near the well. Underground pollution may travel some distance and results from contamination introduced at some distance away, such as through a cracked limestone formation. Surface pollution happens when drainage from the soil, from rain-water or splashings may be carried directly into the well by a loose top or poorly constructed sides. Filth of all kinds may be left on the well top by dirty boots, etc., and then later washed into the well. This is a common occurrence, especially where the well top is made of boards, and the sides are of loose stone or brick.

Protection of wells Since wells may be polluted in two different ways, protection must guard against both of these. Pollution from underground sources is difficult to prevent, but it should be kept in mind when deciding the site for the well. It should not be in such a position as to become contaminated from the wharepaku, animal yards or any other source. Pollution from the surface can usually be prevented by proper construction of the top and sides of the well. The top should be as watertight as possible, and preferably made of concrete. A concrete curb should be raised around the opening, and an overlapping cover placed over this. The sides should be watertight for a distance of 10 feet from the surface. A large concrete or earthenware pipe on end could very well be used for this purpose. If you use an unprotected well, spring or creek as your water supply then play safe—BOIL THE WATER before drinking, and seek the advice of your local Health Inspector (Kaitirotiro). Remember, a war must be waged against that unseen enemy, disease, lurking in every neglected hole and corner of your kaianga. This enemy is responsible each year for many deaths.

LARGER PROJECTS A community wishing to instal a large-scale water supply can obtain a State subsidy for a reasonable project. In the past, subsidies, chiefly to needy individuals, were granted by the Health Department. At present the Maori Affairs Department has finance available for water supplies, under the Maori Social and Economic Advancement Act. The Ratana Trust Board was granted £1010 recently to help install a 10,000-gallon concrete supply tank, a new bore, and a submersible water pump, together with approximately 1800 feet of main line reticulation. Although each case is considered on its merits, the principle is that such grants may meet up to half the cost of taking the water from the source of supply to the streets in the villages. Connection of the water with community buildings may also be subsidised, but it is left to the owners of individual houses to take the supply from the streets to the homes.