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"The Thames and Lea start from their chief sources as
free from organic matter as the deep well water supplied by
the Kent Company, but, in the winter months especially,
they become much polluted with sewage and the washings of
manured fields before they reach the intakes of their respective
companies.
"Notwithstanding the Act of Parliament passed in the
session of 1871 for the purpose of securing a constant supply
of water to the Metropolis, the delivery still continues on the
old intermittent system. The water drawn from the butts of
consumers is much more impure than the samples drawn
directly from the mains of the respective companies."
I have the honour to be, Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
F. E. WILKINSON.
To the Board of Works
for the Lewisham District.