Bay Of Plenty Beacon Published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 1950 BOROUGH WATER SUPPLY

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 14, Issue 88, 20 January 1950, Page 4

Bay Of Plenty Beacon Published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 1950

BOROUGH WATER SUPPLY

In a news story published today the Town Clerk warns that Whakatane residents must be careful with the water supply, if pressure is to be kept at a safe level for fire-fighting. Some might find it hard to understand ' why, if the water comes from the river, where the supply is unlimited, it should be necessary to ration water consumption. The answer lies in the storage capacity of the reservpir and the amount the pumps can put into it in a day. That is why the Council has decided upon the new water supply scheme. Quite adequate when the town was much smaller, the reservoir and pumping system now in use cannot meet the demand of an increasing population. That is why hosing of gardens has had to be prohibited, and why the restrictions must be strictly enforced. It is imperative that at least 100,000 gallons of water be kept in the reservoir to give the Fire Brigade a fair chance of handling fires. But lately it has been a struggle to maintain that level, with tfye daily draw-off tending to exceed the pumping capacity of the plant. Any interruption in the electricity supply to the pumps could leave the town disastrously short of water. It is fervently hoped that will not happen. But it could, quite easily.

Therefore it behoves every citizen to co-operate with the Council to the limit in conserving water. Hoses should not be used more than is absolutely necessary and under no circumstances beyond the hours permitted under the emergency regulation now in force. Taps should be turned off hard after use, and washers renewed in any that leak. Leaky

pipe joints and fittings should teceive immediate attention.

It is surprising the amount of water a leaky tap can waste. That constant drip, drip can build into a substantial gallonage in a day. Admitted, it is hard to see once-green lawns parched and sunbrowned. It is hard to see cherished plants wilting for need of water. But it would be harder still to have one’s home burned down, perhaps with relatives’ lives lost, because there was not enough water pressure for the Brigade to check the flames. Selfishness in this-regard could kick back hard.

Probably quite as much water is was’ted carelessly as is used illegally. And at a time like this carelessness is quite as reprehensible as downright selfishness. The result is the same. > Few will cavil at the Council’s advertised intention to enforce the rationing regulations rigidly. Public welfare demands firm action.

It is quite certain that all reasonable people will want to help in the difficult situation that has arisen, and will be careful about not using the hose more than the permitted time, turning off all taps firmly after use, and seeing that all leaks get prompt attention. This temporary inconvenience must serve to illustrate the wisdom of the Council in deciding to go ahead with a progressive waterworks programme, and Councillors should feel more than ever justified in pushing ahead with the scheme with all possible speed.