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43
From this point we have made out that, on the average of three
consecutive dry years, 81,000,000 gallons a day will flow off by
the River. We have no definite evidence as to the capability
of the district below ; but from some remarks of Mr. Bryan's,
we judge that he does not calculate upon getting an
additional quantity proportional to the whole area, and we shall
probably be safe in calling the total available quantity 85,000,000
gallons. Of this the New River Company draw 22,500,000
gallons direct from the River above Ware; and the East
London Company have at times taken 37,000,000 gallons.
Dealing with the River as a whole, this abstraction is, in our
opinion, too great with the storage now in existance; but if
other reservoirs were constructed, adequately increasing the
storage capacity on well recognized lines, 52,500,000 gallons a
day may be obtained. The taking of the water should be under
regulations similar in character to those suggested for the
Thames, viz.—the first flush of floods to be rejected, and in dry
weather no water to be abstracted when the flow has run down
to a quantity hereafter to be determined.
"From Wells in the Lea Valley.— Into this part of the
case we have already gone very fully; and we need only
repeat here that in very dry years the Companies should not
calculate upon obtaining more than 40,000,000 gallons a day.
"From the Chalk on the South Side of the Thames.—
From the existing wells of the Kent Company, and others which
may be sunk within their district, we think that 27,500,000
gallons a day may safely be taken. From the tract of chalk
coantry in the valley of the Med way and larger area farther
eas!"ward to the coast, a very considerable addition is also
undoubtably procurable.
“The summary of the several quantities above stated is as
follows :—From the River Thames, 300,000,000 gallons per day;
from the River Lea, 52,500,000 gallons; from wells in the Lea
Valley, 40,000,000 gallons; from wells in the, 'Kent Company's