OUR WATER SUPPLY.
IMPROVEMENTS AT WAINUI-O-MATA.
The work of replacing the original and very defective water-race between the reservoir and the well at Wainui-o-mata has been completed, and yesterday the supply was turned on through the new 30in cast-iron pipes. It is satisfactory to note that there was absolutely no hitch of any kind, the pipe line and valves being found tight everywhere under test.
The water was let out of the reservoir at 1 o’clock on Saturday afternoon, when operations were at once commenced with the connection of the lower intake. The concrete dam was very soon broken through, the new inlet formed, and the screens fixed, whilst at the same time, the main pipe line was disconnected below the well, and the new main jointed up with the old.
Everything was completed on Sunday evening, the flukes shut down, and the reservoir sufficiently filled to allow of water being brought to the city on Monday. So far, therefore, as the old race is concerned, safety against collapse has been assured, whilst a slight increase of pressure (about 7lb) has been obtained by the direct connection with the reservoir.
The city supply is still, however, subject to the risks attendant upon the two river crossings lower down the Wainui. The higher levels of the city cannot expect to be better served than at present until the citizens consent to the construction of an impounding reservoir at a higher level and of an independent main therefrom, which will not be subject to the draw-off by dwellers upon the lower levels.
In connection with this work, it may be mentioned that a meter-house has been erected on the pipe-line, and fitted with a “Venturi” meter, the first of the kind introduced into the colony. A river wall has also been built adjoining the reservoir road to prevent the further encroachment of the river and to provide a secure foundation for the pipe mains past this point.
The work, which has extended over the past six months, was carried out by day labour under the direction of the City Engineer (Mr R. S. Fountaine), who made frequent visits to Wainui during the period the work was in hand.
Tags: Newspaper Water Race
