MASTERTON’S WATER SUPPLY

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9067, 6 February 1908, Page 8

MASTERTON’S WATER SUPPLY

Press Association. Masterton, February G. The occurrence of a small fire yesterday afternoon near the Masterton railway station led to the discovery that tlie water pressure was almost nil, and further inquiry revealed the fact that the reservoir was practically empty. This was caused by the accumulation of leaves and other vegetable matter at the intake. The obstruction was removed and the reservoir rapidly filled. During the time when the pressure was so alarms ingly low steam was got up in the fire engine and ropes attached to the fire bell as precautionary measures in case of an outbreak of fire. The duty of removing the accumulation of vegetable matter was, entrusted to a lad who maintains that there was no neglect on his part. The waste of water is becoming a matter [for serious consideration. The supply provides for seventy-five gallons for each unit of the population daily whereas the actual consumption averages three hundred gallons daily. When pressure is concentrated ninety-five pounds pressure can he obtained but normally it barely reaches half that pressure.