WATER FOR 30 DAYS

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 31, 6 February 1935, Page 12

WATER FOR 30 DAYS

APPEAL TO CITIZENS

STATEMENT BY MAYOR

"The present position of the water supply makes the notice prohibiting its use for the purposes of ornamental ponds, fountains, etc., or for watering gardens by means of a hose or other removable pipe, essential," said the Mayor (Mr. T. C. A. Hislop) today. "Sirice the first warnings given some time ago, when citizens were pressed to conserve water as far as possible, they have assisted greatly, and the draw-off has been diminished. However, the continuance of the dry spell has had a very adverse effect upon the storage in the reservoirs. The present rate of consumption is from 8,500,000 to 9,000,000 gallons daily,- and the City Engineer advises that at this rate the supply of palatable water will last only,for 30 days if the present conditions continue. In the absence of rain after the thirty-day period, the supply will cease entirely. Of course such a period of drought would be unprecedented, but we have to take precautions. It is therefore essential that the restrictions above . referred to should be strictly observed.

"Citizens can realise to some extent the extraordinary effect of the present drought when surface flowj in the lower part of the Ohau has entirely ceased, the only water remaining being in pools, while there are parts of the riverbed dry from bank to bank.

"Every effort is being made to push on with the auxiliary artesian supply to avoid a recurrence of the present position in the future."