(21)
263
This would be sufficient for a population of 266,000 persons, or the estimated population in 1910.
165. Though I have assumed that the rate of increase in the population of the City will be maintained for the next 10 years at the rate of 5,000 persons per annum, I am of opinion that, considering the limited area of the City and its present overcrowded condition, such a rate of increase should not be permitted and is not likely to occur.
166. In view of the recent improvements in Kowloon, it appears probable that the increase in the population of the Colony will to a large extent be confined to that district, the water supply of which is entirely separate from that of the City of Victoria.
167. Should such, however, not be the case, a material increase in the water supply derived from the Taitam Valley may be obtained by the construction of the reservoirs on sites Nos. 4 and 5 shewn on Drawings Nos. 7, 11 and 12 and the water pumped up to the existing reservoir.
The catchment areas of these reservoirs, exclusive of the portions intercepted by the existing
and proposed catchwaters and present reservoir, are 260 acres and 250 acres respectively.
As this project involves pumping, the material for forming a reliable estimate of its cost are not at hand, and as it will probably be several years before such works will be undertaken, I merely place the outline of the project on record.
USE OF SEA WATER FOR CERTAIN PUrposes.
168. During recent years, many seaside towns have adopted a dual system of water supply using sea water for watering streets, flushing drains, fire service, &c.
169. In considering the foregoing, the practicability of adopting such a system for the City of Victoria has not been lost sight of, and though the use of sea water favours deposit in sewers, its adoption for street watering has advantages over the use of fresh water and may with advantage be used in comparatively level localities.
170. Any project for the utilisation of sea water for such purposes in the City of Victoria owing to the varying elevations of the built area, viz., from practically sea level to 600 feet above sea level, must necessarily involve the installation and maintenance of pumping machinery and the construction of service reservoirs in addition to those used for the water supplied for potable purposes. It would further be necessary to lay throughout the City a separate system of distribution mains and hydrants.
The cost of such a project would not compare favourably with those gravitation projects put forward in the preceding pages of this report, and, consequently, I am of opinion no such project should be entertained so long as a supply of fresh water sufficient for all purposes can be obtained at a reasonable cost by gravitation.
EXPENDITURE.
171. Expenditure. The following is a summary of the expenditure on the water works for the City and Hill District since the year 1860:-
1860 Mr. RAWLING's Project,
1866-71 Mr. WILSON's Project,
1876 Pokfoolum Conduit,
1883-89 Taitam Project,
1889 Pokfoolum Filter Beds, &c.,
1890-92 Distribution,
1891 Peak Water Works,..
$ 170,000 225,937
62,091 1,257,474 37,431 164,024
32,585
1893-95 Distribution Works,...
6,516
1895 Taitam Extension Works,
37,453
Further Expenditure to complete works in hand,.
59,489
Total,....... ...$ 2,053,000
172. Estimated expenditure on proposed works:-
Works immediately required,
Additional Reservoir at Pokfoolum, &c.,
Raising Present Reservoir Embankment at Pokfoolum, Catchwater Pokfoolum,
Reservoir Taitam Site No. 1,
"1
>>
*1
19
11
"
"
3,
..$ 260,000
250,000
35,000
18,000
140,000
56,000
60,000
Total,.
$ 819,000