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66
It is possible however that fissures may extend from the well to
some point in the uncovered chalk where contamination might take
place. Careful bacteriological examinations at frequent intervals
and especially after heavy rains will show whether any steps need
be taken to further safeguard this well. These frequent examinations
of this and of the other wells are especially desirable, because
we know that contamination, should it occur, is likely to be
intermittent, and might therefore pass unrecognised if the examinations
are made at long intervals.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS.- -It further seems to me that
while the Council will be well advised to proceed at once with a
scheme for safeguarding and extending the present supply, they may
reasonably look to the Local Government Board for assistance and
advice on the whole question of water supply from the chalk. In
this matter Croydon does not stand alone, as it is common knowledge
that other than Croydon wells have given rise to anxiety in
recent years. In fact to my mind the time has arrived when the
whole question of water supplies derived from the North Downs and
the sewerage and sewage disposal of the gathering ground should
be minutely investigated by some independent authority, which
should not only advise as to the purification of present supplies but
take steps to prevent the culpable contamination of our underground
reservoirs which certain sanitary authorities not only permit but
encourage.* Probably a Joint Water and Sewerage Board with
extensive powers over a large area will be the final solution of this
extremely important and difficult problem.
* In one district in the North Downs builders are permitted to dig cesspools
thirty or forty feet deep so as to get well into the chalk and avoid the trouble of
emptying the sewage.