214. The programme of improvement to the distribution system was continued. It was possible in many cases to improve the supply to upper floors of tenement buildings by providing separate metered connexions and by cross connexions from high pressure trunk mains to low pressure areas in the distribution network. The difficulties were intensified by supply being given in two periods—morning and evening—with the consequent time lag while pressures in the mains build up, and satisfactory conditions are impossible until the development of increased resources removes the necessity for the severe restrictions.
215. The resettlement of squatters was organized on a large scale by the Urban Council during the year and various areas were given a restricted free supply either direct from the mains or from new stream intakes constructed by this office with funds provided from an Urban Council vote.
216. In accordance with a resolution of the Legislative Council the Waterworks Renewals and Improvement Fund was closed with effect from 31st March, 1953, and the funds standing to its credit on that date were transferred partly to the Revenue Equalization Fund and partly to Surplus Balances.
217. The proposal to meter individual tenements was agreed to in principle and provision was accordingly made in the 1953/54 estimates for the purchase of additional meters and two billing machines.
Supply.
218. Rainfall. The rainfall for the year as recorded by the Royal Observatory was 105.26 inches which is 20.52 inches more than the average. This compares with an average of 106.26 recorded by the raingauges for the Waterworks catchment areas. The rainy season continued later in 1952 than in 1951 and very heavy rains fell during the month of September which brought the rainfall for the 2nd quarter of the year up to a total of 56.783 inches as compared with an average of 39.449 inches. All reservoirs were full as late as 24th September.
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