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the Lea, because these rivers are liable to pollution, however
perfect the subsequent purification, either by natural or artificial
means, may be. But, having regard to the experience of
London during the last thirty years, and to the evidence given
to us on the subject, we do not believe that any danger exists of
the spread of disease by the use of this water, provided that
there is adequate storage, and that the same is efficiently filtered
before delivery to the consumers.
With respect to the quantity of water which can be
obtained within the watersheds of the Thames and the Lea,
we are of opinion that, it the proposals we have recommended
are adopted, a sufficient supply to meet the wants of the
Metropolis for a long time to come may be found without any
prejudice to the claims, or material injury to the interests, of any
district outside the area of Greater London. We are of opinion
that an average daily supply of 40,000,000 gallons can be
obtained from wells and springs in the chalk of the Lea Valley
without affecting any material interests, but that, if this quantity
be exceeded, it is probable that the springs and wells in the
parts of the Valley immediately adjacent to the wells and all
the districts farther down the Valley may be injuriously
affected.
From wells in the chalk area on the south side of the
Thames, in the district of the Kent Company, we are of opinion
that a daily average supply of 27,500,000 gallons may be
obtained. We think it of very great importance that distinct
obligations should be laid upon any Company or Local
Authority which is allowed to pump water from the chalk for
purposes of public supply to keep accurate observation of the
effect of their operations on the level of the water in the
wells from which they pump, and return the results to the
Water Examiner under such regulations as may be framed.
The great difficulty which we have had to encounter has
been in getting accurate and reliable information as to the actual