WATER SUPPLY.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4583, 6 July 1923, Page 3

WATER SUPPLY.

MEETING AT WAITAKABCKV. A representative meeting of settlers of Waitakaruru and Pipiroa was held at the residence of Mr D. McAulay, Pipiroa corner, yesterday afternoon to consider a water supply for the district. Mr C. W. Parfitt was elected chairman, and said that the meeting was called to consider a scheme for a water supply from the Waitakaruru stream. Some years ago the proposal was mooted, a committee set up, and a report by a competent man obtained. The report was as follows : — “The area proposed to be reticulated comprises 12,600 acres, and would require a supply of 326,400 gallons of water a day, with a pipe distribution of 680 gallons a minute in the main pipe line. The only watersheds that could be taken into consideration were the Waitakaruru watershed at the north foot of Pukemaka Hill, the highest point of which is 910* feet. The catchment area comprises 2250 acres, but the watershed is almost completely cleared of bush, and in places it is almost barren. There are no natural reservoir sites within the watershed. “The other watershed adjoins the above-mentioned one, and comprises •4000 acres. The ridges range from 500 ft to 610 ft in heighit. The watershed has been comparatively cleared of bush, and is practically bare and of clay formation. There is a natui al reservoir site on the flats at the south of Mr Robinson’s farm. At this point there is a small run of water.

“The natural features appertaining to the proposal of the Waitakaruru stream as a supply of water are against the requirements and construction of a gravitating water scheme, but unfortunately not one that could be recommended with any safety during drought period, and this is the main factor. The watersheds, being cleared of bush,, would yield a .small supply during drought, and also taking into consideration the fact that the hills are very low, the position from a catchment point of view is bad. Another bad feature is that the fern is apt, to get fired and destroy the- water-holding capacity of the ground. The next bad feature presenting itself is the fall available should the watersheds be reserved and afforested and main--tained as a water reserve. The lowest limits of these watersheds are at a lever of about 110 ft above the general level, and this, head of 110 ft in itself would be in the main distribution lines utilised, thus leaving the minor distribution lines very weak. “Under the circumstances it is unnecessary to comment further. A water scheme to serve the district must be one with assurance, because the works in the distribution scheme are going to .be of an exceptionally expensive nature and non-fulfilment of its duty would be undoubtedly a calamity to those availing themselves of its use.

“The Chief Drainage Engineer, Mr J. B. Thompson,, had beep asked his opinion and had replied that the data at his command did not allow of the arrival of a close estimate. A rough estimate would be: Available supply, 11/2 million gallons a day; area to be reticuated, 12,000 acres—the available supply would serve a much larger area. Cost of dam, cast iron mains,, and laying, etc., approximately £45,000.” Mr C. W. Harris said that the question of a pumping station in the Ma’ingatarata stream to a reservoir on Coxhead’s Hill should be considered. This would mean a saving- nf three miles of pipe line, and there would be no danger of lack of supply during a drought. With the advent of electricity the pumping would be a small matter. The scheme should receive serious consideration. Members spoke against tlie pumping scheme if a gravitation scheme were possible. Mr C. W. Parfitt, said that if a small scheme suitable for a few year? could be obtained settlers would lose little when the larger scheme came along, as the pipe lines could be linked up. It was said that the scheme for the whole of the Plains would probably not eventuate for ten years. Mr Donaghy suggested getting an engineer’s report on a pumping scheme and any gravitation scheme that was possible. The Torphape stream was suggested, but thought impracticable. Mr C. W. Harris suggested asking the county engineer to report. Mr Parfitt was of the opinion that the council could not legally help in the matter. However, the maflter could be investiagted. Mr E. Keane moved that a delegation be appointed to wait upon the County Council and ask that its engineer supply the settlers of Pipiroa and Waitakaruru ridings with pr . estimate of atlernate - schemes for pumping" '*from "Waitakaruru and Mangatarata streams and a gravitation .scheme from the Waitakaruru stream; also the area that those sources could supply. Seconded by Mr G. French and carried unanimously. • The following were appointed the delegation : Messrs' ®. Keane, D, McAulay, R. T. Williams, and W. Stretton.'