13
451
nection with
33. The results to be obtained from the provision of additional storage, at Pok- The effect of the proposed foolum, are more promising of success than those to be obtained from similar works in con- works, within the existing Taitam gathering-ground. The present proportion of Pokfoolum. storage to gathering-ground is far less in the case of Pokfoolum than it is at Taitam. At Pokfoolum there is, at present, 70 millions of gallons storage to a gathering-ground of 416 acres, or 168,000 gallons storage per acre, whilst at Taitam there is 406 millions of gallons storage to 1,093 acres or 371,000 gallons storage per acre. Consequently, by augmenting storage at Pokfoolum, an increase of supply may be anticipated; if it be safe to assume that the proportion of available rainfall is the same in both cases. This, however, seems to be doubtful, for, according to the evidence before me, it appears that the overflow at Pokfoolum, last year, was not
great.
source of
supply.
34. There are, however, sentimental if not real objections to Pokfoolum as a Disadvan source of supply. The crests of the hills, forming the boundary of the gathering-tages of Pok- ground, are crowned with houses. These do not indeed drain into the gathering- ground, but there will always be a suspicion that filth may be washed down from them, into the reservoir. ground, than in the case of Taitam. Lastly, the buildings of the Convent are on the immediate margin of the site of the proposed reservoir, so that there would be suspicion of contamination from them. Therefore, I consider that works at Taitam should have precedence over those at Pokfoolum.
There is also more traffic, through the Pokfoolum gathering. Tara before
Pek fooCom
preferable to
Pok foolum.
35.. If, however, the proposed low-level reservoir is to be constructed at Pokfoo- Pumping lum, then I beg to record my opinion that it will be more convenient, if not more econo- gravitation mical, to pump its contents into the existing conduit, than to lay a new main and supply from construct new filter-beds, as proposed by Mr. COOPER. The creation of a third zone of supply, within the City area, will further complicate a system that is already sufficiently intricate. Pumping will only be wanted, for a portion of each year, when the supply from the old reservoir is less than that which the existing filters can treat.
intermittent
36. In a report, dated 7th August, 1894, I discussed the disadvantages of the As to the intermittent system of supply, in any case, and I further pointed out that, in the system. case of Hongkong, the well-known evils of this system were aggravated, by the fact that the distributary system was designed for a constant supply, and, therefore, houses were not provided with cisterns, ball-valves, and other appliances, essential to the proper conduct of an intermittent supply. The evils of an intermittent supply were thus summarised :- "The intermittent supply, even in its most perfect Cf. cit.
form, has a radical defect. The water must be stored, in or near the dwelling, "and is, therefore, liable to contamination, of the most serious nature.
66
* *
Disadvantage t
나 "In addition to this defect, which is inseparable from the intermittent system, it presents, as carried out in Hongkong, the following disadvantages:-
(a.) The entrance of foul air, foul liquids, and possibly disease-germs,
into the public water-inains.
(b.) The growth of fungoids and corrosion in the pipes.
(c.) The undue wear and tear of the distributary system.
(7.) The difficulty of equitable distribution of water, throughout the
water-works area.
(e.) The waste of water.
(f.) The failure to provide efficient fire-service.'
These evils are fully discussed, in the subsequent pages of this report. I must, however, record my opinion that the intermittent system is, at the present moment, being carried out with great skill, and as efficiently as the existing conditions permit.
paras, 31-32.