WATER SHORTAGE

Opotiki News, Volume II, Issue 164, 29 March 1939, Page 2

WATER SHORTAGE

BOROUGH TO TAKE ACTION ■ a PREVENTION OF WASTE LEVEL BELOW SPILLWAY Tlie problem of the existing water * shortage was discussed at last night's . meeting of the Opotiki Borough Council. A request was received from a number of countyi residents on the northern side of the Waioeka bridge fur an extension of the water system. 1 Or. Short said the position was. whether the he rough could afford to extend the water system. The waterlevel at the Gain was falling and was then, 18 inches below the spillway. . Or. Webb asked if the dam could he raised and to this Cr.- Short replied in the affirmative. Cr. Day asked what the result of Monday night’s rain was on the supply. and to) this the town clerk replied that the level given was for that morning (Tuesday). It was stated that one - of the streams running into the main stream just above tlie dam water level had completely dried up. Cr. Short: There is a lot of waste and 1 abuse of the water. Cr. Biridger considered there should be an annual inspection of all taps. Councillors referred to instances of waste of water, taps being let run full bore all day. Cr. Johnson said a lot mere houses will have to be connected in themear future in the borough and it was probable that the dam would have to be raised shortly. After further discussion Cr. Johnson suggested that the council reply to the letter pointing cut that in view of the experience during the dry spell and until provision was made for bigger storage, that the system could not be extended. Or. Short said the position could he improved in regard ta the use of the water. The water supply was again discussed after the reading of the foreman’s report and Or. Bridget- suggested the council advertise pointing out the serious position and! asking consumers to conserve the water as much as. possible. It was decided to take the necessary steps to improve the position.