PUKEKOHE'S WATER PROBLEM

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 185, 23 June 1916, Page 1

PUKEKOHE'S WATER PROBLEM

LIVELY PROCEEDINGS.

"Crackers" were in evidence in the Pukekohe Borough Council Chamber at the Council meeting on Wednesday in connection with the consideration of a scheme for the improvement of the borough water supply, for which the ratepayers are in due course to be asked to sanction a loan, and some heated talk was indulged in—not, however, in opposition to the actual scheme but in criticism of methods taken for its furtherance.

Some few weeks back the Council "in committee " resolved to alter the whole system of the town's water supply in accordance with the recommendations of the Waterworks Engineer (Mr W. Wyatt), subject to the accuracy of the proposals being verified by an "outside" engineer, Mr D. W. McArthur, Engineer to the Piako County Council, Te Aroha, being selected to thus advise. ALTERATION OF SYSTEM. The following is Mr Wyatt's report as accepted by the Council to be carried into execution, viz.:— I would beg to recommend that an acre of land be secured on the top of Eoose's Hill, anjl that a covered reservoir be constructed thereon same to be of sufficient capacity to contain 100,000 gallons of water; that the present 6in. main on Nursing Home road be extended to this reservoir.

The main source of supply for this low level reservoir to be Hickey's springs, that the right be secured to use the present dam and springs, and to lay twj pipes therefrom, one pipe to run clear water from spring and the other to pick up water at spill of present dam to a site abutting the railway. That a site be procured abutting railway and a No. 2 Hydram be installed thereon. That a delivery or rising main from above site be laid to the reservoir on Boose's Hill by a route to be chosen. That the 6in. main in Edinburgh street be extended to Harris street to junction with (lueen street, and that an automatic valve be placed opposite fire station. That a 4in. main be laid from Moore's corner to pumping station with necessary fittings. That the non-return valve outside power house be removed from the supply. That a dividing wall be erected in present reservoir, same to be covered and connected by suitable valve and fittings for regulating flow of water. ADVANTAGES TO BE OBTAINED HY ABOVE KECOMJIEXDATIOXS.

The advantages to be t derived from the above suggestions are : It will be unnecessary to state that your supply to a certain point will be practically converted into a gravitation supply. The minimum supply of water from Hickey's dam is approximately 00,000 gallons per hour, of which repeated measurements for the past three years have been taken, with a fall of approximately 20ft to suggested site on which it is intended to erect the Hydram. The Hydram to be driven by the impure water while raising the water horn spring above dam to the reservoir on JJoose's Hill. Analysis has been taken of the water from these springs and found to bs a lirst-class potable

COUNCIL ADOPTS SCHEME.

I water, and very suitable for domes" tic supply. This water would be run by gravitation to the ram aud and emptied into a small cistern or settling tank, and .thence raised by ram to reservoir on Boose's Hill at a height of approximately 185 ft above ram. By utilising from 400 to 570 gallons per minute of the supply avadable, a quantity of 56,100 gallons of pure spring water per day of 24 hours wi§ be put into the said reservoir, or equal to six hours run of present pump (allowing for starting and stopping equal to seven hours' workV.

As the maximum daily consumption that has been used inside the area that will be supplied from this reservoir, viz., Harris street and all the town to the north of that street, allowing for the maximum in all cases other than those supplied by meter, shows a daily c onsumption of 23,00 C gallons, this would leave a surplus of 00.000 gallons per day of 24 hours, or a supply equal to 2J times the present daily consumption. The above figures are actual records taken from the present year's working. It is therefore evident that there will be 26,000 gallons per hour available over the present requirements with which to drive a duplicate or smaller type ram when found necessary. Both rams could be worked to deliver into the one rising main for which provisions can be made when carrying out the work. REBERVOIU. A reservoir placed on the site mentioned would give a standing pressure of 07.6071bs per square inch, or J3.7064 tons per square foot, at the junction of East Street and Manukau Road, and as the contour of the ground supplied by the reticulating mains is practically level, with the exception of Prospect Terrace, the pressure would not vary more than approximately Gibs per square incß over the area to be supplied from the low level reservoir, thus effecting a great saving in wear and tear on mains, meters etc. Such being the case the town would have a first-class pressure for domestic supply ; also for most tires, (many towns having less pressure for their whole requirements). Should a large tire occur, and more pressure be required, it would only be necessary for the Fire Brigade to open a small tap that would be placed ia the Fire Station and connected to high pressure main which would automatically open a valve which would bo placed on main opposite the Fire Station and thus make available the pressure from the top reservoir. The present break pressure valve would be eet to regulate same, aud would be made to work freely, as it would then not matter what amount of water leaked through the valve when valve was not in use, as it could uot get past stop, or automatic valve, in Edinburgh street, which would always be closed when not required for tire lighting purposes. By laying a lin. main from Moore's corner to Pumping station, either reservoir could be tilled from the present source of supply, thus providing a duplicate supply for reservoir on Roose's Hill. A check valve would be placed on rising main to new reservoir to prevent back ilow when water is turned on from present reservoir for tire purposes. By installing a Gin. branch

pipe behind non-return valve will compel water to enter the reservoir at the top when supplied by pumps, thus ensuring complete circulation.

It is a well-known fact that all water obtained from deep wells and bore holes scums over with a green growth when exposed to light and sun : local conditions have proved this fact to be correct, also repeated trials and tests carried out by me for the past three years from both sources, namely Hickey's and our present supply, prove that when excluded from light and sun it will store and keep clear and bright and of srood quality for a period of ten or twelve days, but when kept in an open reservoir after the third day the green discolouration becomes visible, hence it becomes necessary to have the reservoir covered to prevent the above mentioned growth. PARTITION" IS PBESEST RESERVOIR. Bo partition in present reservoir, which contains 025,000 gallons 1 would beg to recommend that 'a small compartment be divided off, say to hold 70,000 gals., which would be connected at the bottom with a valve to the present reservoir, and would work automatically as follows : when water in small compartment dropped to within two feet of bottom the valve would automatically open by means of a float and allow water to* enter from main reservoir; this would only take in the case of a large fire. By having the small compartment as mentioned it then only becomes necessary to ■ freshen up a small quantity of water by pumping in place of freshening up all the water in the main reservoir as at present.

Taking the present years figures as a basis a reservoir holding 70,000 gallons would be sufficient to supply the area from Harris street southwards for a period of 14 days. RE STOP VALVE OX RETICULATING MAINS. I would beg to recommend that a stop valve be placed where shown on accompanying plan to enable the supply to be more efficiently worked, also to prevent waste of water and inconvenience to consumers. When any small job has to be executed, as at present, the whole supply has to be put out of action instead of only the section affected which could be done by installing the suggested stop valvf s. RE EXTRA HYURAXT VALVES. I would recommend that an additional valve be placed between each of the existing hydrant valves in King street, also two in Uueen street beyond Moore's corner. INDICATOR TO 101' RESERVOIR. An indicator to show height of water in reservoir should be installed at power house, thus saving the inconvenience at present caused to pumping engineer by having to walk up to reservoir in order to find out how much water is in same. ADVANTAGES TO liE DEIUVEU J ROM THE A HOVE RKC'i IMMEXUATIOX'S.

The advantages to bo derived from these recommendations are not only linancial, but also safety in working, giving a pure water supply, and simplicity in construction. Every advantage has been taken of the present reservoir in formulating this scheme j and the break-pressure valve will be required when the present reservoir is used for tire lighting purposes. With the ram system it does away with the oil, fuel, and waste. The maintenance of the two systems is not to be compared as the maintenance on a ram is practically nil after once getting the ram in correct working order, an occasional visit once a week will be sufficient

just to see that things are all right. The energy that is required to put the spring water into reservoir on

Boose's Hill is derived ftom the fall and the volume of the w.iter tint is at present going to waste at Hickey's dam. The preseut pumping plant will only be required for waterworks purposes, based oil

present year's figures, for six hours

per week ; thus the present pumping engine could be utilised for electric lighting for the towu. The work that 1 would beg leave to suggest should be carried out to improve the present method of working is as follows: —Reservoir on Boose's Hill; -lin main, Nelson street from Moore's Corner to Power House; partition and cover on present reservoir; 10 only hydrant valves in King and Ciueeu streets ; 8 stop valves on present reticulating mains ; extension of main in Nursing Home road. Mr Wyatt estimated that a loan of £IOOO would fully cover the cost of his scheme.

MB M. ARTHUR'S CONFIRMA TION.

Concerning the foregoing, the following report from Mr McArthur was read to the Council on Wednespay, viz. : I have conferred with Mr Wyatt at some length, going over his report and figures and have pleasure in verifying same, and concurring with his recommendations.

In his suggested scheme Mr has certainly overcome the great difficulty always obtaining where the main reservoir is so high that the pressure has to be broken between it and the town; he has also overcome the enormous and everlasting expense of raising all the supply to present reservoir, while at the same time provision is made to keep a sufficient supply in it for those on the hill.

The arrangement provided for taking the supply from Hiekey's spring to a reservoir on Eoooe's Hill is good, and will result in a great annual saving. The fact of being able to supply this reservoir from pumping station in the event of anything going wrong with the springs plant is well thought out, and may possibly be found of value, although I do not anticipate such will be found necessary. The extra valves and hydrant valves suggested by Mr Wyatt are quite necessary so as to maintain an efficient lire extinguishing service. The valve at the Fire Brigade Station will be a necessity, for by it the pressure during lires can be regulated, besides removing the possibility of " water hammer " through a detective break-pressure valve. The break-pressure valve ie, 1 understand, defective in its working, and causes trouble throughout the present reticulation and at the pump, but seeing that such trouble will be overcome under the new scheme, it can remain as at present, and used only during iires when a higb pressure is required. The proposal to partitioa oil part of present reservoir and roof in same, is ingenious and will ensure a pure water supply to those served on the high levels, while at the same time enabling the contents of the whole leservoir to be available for lires when required, working, as des;gued, automatically. In addition to works proposed for the present by Mr Wyatt, 1. would strongly recommend the following : That dead ends in reticulation be done away with, and lor this purpose it would be necessary to lay a pipe from dead end in Hall street along Hall street to Harris street and along the latter to dead end in Edinburgh itreet, also from dead end at corner of Victoria and Dublin streets along Victoria street to dead end in Harrington street. Such connections will give a free (low all round present reticulation and so ensure a clear supply, whereas, to leave dead ends means the gradual deposit of silt and other possible impurities which, when allowed to collect and stand, become stagnant and so unhealthy to consumers and very often is the cause of highly discoloured water from taps; these connections also ensure a better supply all rouud for tire extinguishing. The additional cost of such connections, Mr Wyatt can supply, as he is conversant with local conditions and rates.

Mr Wyatt's two reports dated 15th March and 17th May, 1916, very fully detail his scheme which he estimates at £3918 all of which I have gone into and hud correct so far as present condition of pric3s and labour concern the question, so that if adopted you will have a good pure and easily maintained water service in your town, with a very much roduced annual outlay. With reference to the proposed site for reservoir on Eoose's Hill, 1 would suggest that a saving might possibly be effected by reducing the proposed area from one acre to half an acre, as the latter i» tuore tbau ample for the purpose desired. The estiu attd cost, say in round numbu-s, £4OOO with a possible £4OO or £SOO additional for my suggested dead end connections, brings the amouni to say £4500, and to ensure agamst Mirprises in the iron and labour market, it might not be out of place here for me to suggest that a loan of £SOOO be asked for. I would here mention that I have Known Mr Wyatt for over eight years during which time he has devoted himself to the study of and practical work connected with water supplies and I have very much pleasure in vouching for his ingenuity, ability and energy, knowing that whatever is entrusted to him he carries out thoroughly. In conclusion, I would recommend the adoption of the scheme under consideration, as it is well aesigned, will be economical in its working and be much appreciated when completed. THE DISCUSSION OPENS. The Major mentioned that Mr McArthur enclosed with his report an account for 15 guineas for his fee in respect thereof. His Worship went on to mention that the matter of dead ends and sundries recommended by Mr McArthur were not vital or urgent necessities, and did not require to be included in the loan that was now to be sought. He added that He understood Mr Eoose was prepared to sell to the Council a half-acre of land for £2OO, in place of the one acre at £3OO previously arranged for. On the motion of Cr Hubbard, seconded ty Cr Bilkey, it was agreed to purchase the half-acre from Mr Koose for £2OO. THE STORM BEEWS. Cr Eoadley then asked, " What is the next step 'i "

The Town Clerk : The Waterwoiks Engineer has already receivi d instructions to pruceed with the building of the new reservoir and to lay the pipes. Cr Koudley (to the Mayor) : Yif, but what about the lepoit ? Cr Hubbard rose to reply to Cr Eoadley, whereupon the latter indignantly exclaimed: "1 want an answer from the Mayor aud no interference from you." The Mayor : Mr Wyatt's and Mr McArthur's reports do not contiict and as we have already adopted Mr Wyatt's ioport it is not a question of adopting Mr McArthui's report. A CURIOUS DEVELOPMENT. / Cr J<oadlev (to the Mayor) : Do you or do you not propose to put it to the Council whether they are satit-ned with Mr McArthui's report ? The Mayor : There is no necessity to do so. Cr Eoadley: I propose that we employ the best engineer we can get in Aii'.'kland to report on the scheme. Cr Clarke seconded. Cr Barter suggested that Cr Eoadley should give some particulars in support of his motion. Cr Eoadley : Simply it is that I am not satisfied with Mr McArthui's report. Cr Hubbard : It is a peculiar stand fur Cr Eoadley to take. The Council have already decided to adopt Mr Wyatt's report and further to adhere to that position in any event. We only decided to get it verified for the benefit of the public and it has now been verified. If Cr Eoadley doubted Mr McArthui's ability he fhould have opposed his selection when the appointment was made. Mr McArthur is familiar with our water difficulties and is also a competent engineer and the Council should take it as a compliment that our own engineer's report should have been endorsed by so capable a mau as Mr McArthur. It seems to be that some Councillors are disappointed because their own engineer proves to be a capable mau and are dissatisfied because his report has been verified. " AT LOGGERHEADS" Cr Eoadley (heatedly : I object to these freuuent innuendoes from Cr Hubbard. Is that innuendo meant for me 'i Cr Hubbard : If the cap tits you can wear it. Cr Eoadley: Well, I am not going to take it up. Some further cross-table talk was interrupted by the Mayor sternly saying : " Eespect the chair, please."

CE BOADLEYS OBJECTIONS

Cr Eoadley : My objection to Mr , McArthui's report is that Mr Mc- [ Arthur has not Keen to Pukokohe to verify Mr Wyatt's report by goiug ! over the giound and viowing Hickey's dam aud the site fur the new reservoir. It is purely and simply a report on a report sent to him Such smallness of thought as disappointment that Mr Wyatt's report has been endorsed uever eutered my mind. I am acting on broad public grounds and I want to be quite sure wo are right bafurc we go before the public. Cr Hubbard : Mr McArthur has been to Pukokohe but perhaps h e did not make Cr Eoadley's acquaintance. Cr Roadley : None of that funnybusiness. Cr Barter: The point is, did Mr McArthur come here and go over the ground 'i Cr Hubbard: He has been over it more than once during the past eighteen mouths aud he knows our troubles, although he may not have come here after receiving instructions to report. Cr Barter: Eighteen months ago there was no particular talk of Eoose's Bush as the site for a reservoir or of Hickey's Dam. AN INDIGNANT ENGINEER. Cr Hubbard : Perhaps our Waterworks Engineer can say if Mr McArthur came here. Mr Wyatt (Waterworks Engineer), speaking excitedly : 1 have nothing to say iu the matter. There's my report, and if you don't like it you can leave it . The Mayor, at this stage, interrupted aud asked Mr Wyatt to resumo his seat. His Worship went on to say that he was tired of the engineer business. When he had moved a motion similar to that of Cr Eoadley bis sincerity was doubted aud his proposal was turned down. They Were changing their minds too many times, and should adhere to something. They had appointed Mr McArthur to advise and any point of dissatisfaction should be referred back to him. "OUTSIDE" TALK. Cr Clarke: The real trouble is that it is being stated outside the Council that Mr McArthur oiiginally drew up Mr Wyatt's scheme and that we thus appointed Mr McArthur to endorse his own scheme. These statements are calculated to poison the public's miud against the Council if not corrected.

Mr Wyatt (.heatedly): If the Council are going to listen to gabble

ia the street I am not going to work here any longer. AN AMENDMENT CARRIED. Or Patterson said that if the Council hud further money to waste they could go on appointing engineers. As things were, they did one thing one night and turned it down the next night. He moved as an amendment to Cr Roadley's motion that the Council should accept Mr McArthur's report, so far as actual necessary work was concerned, as verification of Mr Wyatt's report. Cr Barter seconded but mentioned that he would have beeu more satislied if Mr McArthur had visited Pukekohe and had gone over the ground in order to prepare his leport. Mr Wyatt : I ask that Cr Clarke should give me the name of his informant. Mr McArthur never saw my report. I want fair and honest play. The Mayor (to Mr Wyatt) : Sit down please. Cr Eoadley : The rumour should be cleared up. The Mayor : Cr Clarko did not suggest that the rumour was correct and only mentioned it to assist the Council. Cr Patterson's amendment was carried nem con and it was then agreed to ask Mr McArthur to visit Pukekohe in order to substantiate his report. \ THE FINALE. Mr Wyatt remarked that he was preparod to answer any question that any Councillor might like to put to him. Cr Roadley : You are not in question at all. We have accepted your report. The Mayor then asked if there was any Councillor who was not satisfied, but no reply was forthcoming. Mr Wyatt : I have done my duty towards the Council whether all of you think it or not. 1 have prepared my report from practical experience and I guarantee to carry it out. The subject then dropped preparatory to loan proposals being framed in due course and at a later stage in the meeting Mr McArthur's accouut for logns was passed for payment.