WATER SHORTAGE AT WHAKATANE IS VERY SERIOUS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 13, Issue 33, 15 December 1948, Page 5

WATER SHORTAGE AT WHAKATANE IS VERY SERIOUS

Restrictions Now Imposed On Hoses “Consumption of water" has risen very considerably during the recent •dry spell at Whakatane and the position now is very serious,” said the Mayor, Mr B. S. Barry, at the ; monthly meeting of the Whakatane Borough Council on Monday night. “Yesterday the draw on the was so high that it resulted in the reservoir being completely -emptied so the town was without water.” Because of the seriousness of the position the council decided to impose restrictions on the use of fixed hoses. They are now to be used only between the hours of 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., and .are to be held by hand. Mr Barry said that the matter was just cause for concern when the Borough reached the stage where it had ho water. It was a particularly dangerous position in the event of fire. “I think,” he continued, “that this shortage has been brought about by wastage, chiefly the use of' hoses. Recently many 'resi - dents have been fixing hoses and letting them run all day and night. This, of course, is useless on Whakatane soil, as the water just runs away.” There was only one thing left to .■■do and that was to impose penalties • on the use of water.

Mr Barry said he thought it was only a selfish few who were making abnormal use of the supply, and they were not only doing a disservice to others but also to themselves. If there were no water .in . the case of a fire very little could be done by the Brigade. With the approach of holidays, it vwas essential that there should be ample water available and this •could be only brought about, it appeared, 'by restrictions.