If the Embankment at Portfoolum is sound and watertight, the work has been done properly.
Aqueduct Pipe
The Aqueduct pipe (supply pipe) to Hong Kong is said to be incapable of delivering 1,500,000 Gallons daily.
I am not answerable for this, as I was never shown a Section of the line of Supply pipe, neither do I know the diameter of the pipe. The volume said to be actually passed through the pipe, or, supply main is so ridiculously small (494,000 Gallons per Day) as to indicate,
a. A pipe very small; less, in fact, than 8 inches diameter.
b. or; the pipes are partially obstructed. If there are up-bends and no proper air-valves, accumulations of Air will impede the flow of Water. Or maybe obstruction in the pipe.
It is no unusual thing for Water Works Mains to be obstructed.
1. By defectively made joints.
2. By foreign bodies accidentally getting in, or such have been put in foolishly or maliciously.
3. Or, there may be great loss of Water by leakage; from bad joints or unsound and broken pipes.
Remedial Measures suggested
The only remedial measures I can suggest will be to have the line of pipe from the Reservoir to the point of supply carefully examined, and tested to see if there are any internal obstructions, or any accumulations of air, or any leakages - and to remove such impediments, if found, and to repair unsound joints or defective pipes.
A correct Plan, and Section of the line of supply pipe, if not in the possession of the local Authorities, should be taken, showing the curves, valves, junctions (if any) and setting forth the diameter of such pipe. The length should be figured in Feet and Inches; as also, the gradient or fall from the Reservoir to the point of supply at Hong Kong.
Suggestions as to Information required
The fall of rain at Hong Kong should be given for as many years as possible.
The longest recorded intervals, without rain falling and flowing off the surface, should be stated.
The Area of the Gathering Ground above The Impounding Reservoir should be stated. The volume of Water flowing down any stream towards and into any Impounding Reservoir, at the driest period, should be given; with the longest ascertainable period of dry weather or minimum of water.