OUR WATER WORKS.

Otaki Mail, 13 June 1923, Page 3

OUR WATER WORKS.

To the Editor, i Sir, —The question of an a donate j test Of the new water system having j been brought prominently befewe the I Council, and from what has appeared I

in the "Mail," it docs not appear to me that any definite method of conducting the test was brought forward. In my opinion there is only one way that the test can be conducted which will give satisfaction to all parties. It is adopted by all engineers who desire to I see that the works, as carried out, are ' sound in every detail. It is as follows: I Fill the mains with water, this, in your ' case, includes the settling tank, and. j when everything is right full up, the ■ I valve at the intake, in your case, at the ' t Waitohu stream, should be closed up ! tightly and sealed up so as no water can ! I possibly pass through if. The Council; should place a reliable ma", or two men, in charge of this valve, so as to be sure I that no one opens'it and lets water pr.ss through to make up any deficiency that may be caused through there being any j leaks, either in the settling tank or in any part of the pipe system. The test | should not exceed 24 hours—that is

j ample time for any leaks to develop Minder stalie pressure. When the time is up all that is necessary is to open the settling tank and the result of the test will be there for all to see. If the whole job is tight as it ought to be thenwill bu found no loss of water at all. It. ought to be pointed out. however. that it is rarely the practice to conduct such a test as I have outlined until the whole scheme has been completed. Of! course, no harm will be done the portion as already laid down. but the Council should not be called noon to express any opinion "officially" till saeh time as the whole job has been completed and tested. It will bo noted that the secret of the above method is: Ire sure that no one tampers with the valve at the inlets, but just allow the system te stand full of water without anyone making iv- audit-"-- i i ■■ i' make tp for any leakage that rr.s<y or not occur. —I am, etc., WAITOIJU.