STEADY DECREASE IN WHAKATANE’S WATER SUPPLY

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 14, Issue 94, 6 February 1950, Page 5

STEADY DECREASE IN WHAKATANE’S WATER SUPPLY

With the Whakatane River dropping rapidly each day the supply of Whakatane’s water is decreasing steadily and, according to the electrcal engineer, Mr F. Lysaght, unless there is a careful watch on consumption it is probable that heavy water restrictions will have to be imposed very soon throughout the borough. At the present time there is virtually no water in storage and probably not enough to fight a major fire. Discussing the position Mr Lysaght said there were still a number of people who were not observing the proper restrictions. There had been a very large draw-off in the last few days and it was obvious that somebody was not playing the game. He pointed out that hoses could be used only between the hours of 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., when they must be hand held. N

Less Efficiency Mr Lysaght added that with the drop in the river the efficiency the pumps was deteriorating. They had more work to do and had to lift the water to a higher level. This slowed down the amount that could be pumped every hour. The pipes could only handle a certain amount of water, which was being used as soon as it reached the reservoir. None was being pumped for storage,, so that if any water was wanted to fight a fire there would probably not be the pressure available in the mains. Here again, Mr Lysaght warned that when the fire alarm rang all connections and taps must be turned off to allow as much water as possible to be directed through the fire mains. With proper care Mr Lysaght thought there should be ample water available for ordinary domestic and commercial needs. But this could only be accomplished by strictly observing the present restrictions and conserving water wherever possible. ' _