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51
we are of opinion that, if 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
effect of the operations now carried on. The importance of
procuring this will increase each year as the limit of what can
be taken from any district with safety is gradually being reached.
From the River Lea we are of opinion what with adequate
additions to the present system of storage, 52,500,000 gallons
may be taken daily. We are of opinion that, by the construction
of storage reservoirs in the Thames Valley, at no great distance
above the intakes of the Companies, it will be possible to obtain
an average daily supply of 300,000,000 gallons without taking in
any objectionable part of the flood water. The average daily flow
of the Thames at Teddington Weir, adding the water taken by