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60
PART II.
ADMINISTRATION.
Water Supply.
In March last, I reported on the result of examinations of the
water of the Plumstead Well, made by the director of water
examinations for the Metropolitan Water Board. The report
showed that the water of !the Plumstead Well had been in a
comparatively impure condition. This was attributed to excessive
pumping, causing the Thames water to be drawn through the chalk
more quickly than was desirable. On pumping less quickly, the
quality of the water improved. The Council requested the Board
to have monthly examinations made of the water of the Plumstead
Well, and to furnish the Borough Council with copies forthwith,
011 the report being presented to the Water Board.
Although the Council's request has not been specifically complied
with, it appears from a report printed in July, that all the
Kent Wells, including the Plumstead Well, have been receiving
considerable attention. Fifteen samples of the Plumstead Well
Water were analysed, and examined bacteriologically between
December 4th, 1905 and July 12th, 1906.
The report says:—
"All the Kent Wells have been examined once a
"month bacteriologically, and once a quarter chemically,
"but the results obtained have been grouped together as
"averages—a procedure open to some objection, scientific"ally.
The time has now come when it is desirable to take
"stock of these observations. This is the more important
"since but little is known of the bacteriological (as com"pared
with the chemical) qualities of deep well waters."