View report page

13
i
an examination of the Well Waters of the District. The inquiries
have embraced, 1st.—the waters of the public pumps; 2ndly,—those
from private wells, and 3rdly,—those from artesian springs of great
depth. With regard to the 1st.—they are nearly all derived from
surface wells of very little depth, they contain for the most part a
very large quantity of impurity, both organic and inorganic, derived
from the soil, and, in many instances, there is unmistakeable evidence
of direct percolation from adjoining cesspools. A considerable part
of the cottage property of the district is entirely without a supply ox
water, but wherever it is obtained by pumps the water is invariably
bad, and in Fuiham particularly so, from the highly manured condition
of the large area used as Market garden ground. Even the
Public Pumps, though they can not be otherwise regarded than as a
boon (in lieu of better things), supply a water highly charged with
impurity.
The table below shows the results of my examinations, and
seriously points to the conclusion that an improved water supply for
the Fuiham District is indeed a necessity. It is even fair to infer
that a great part of the sickness and mortality from Diarrhoea which
annually arises may have its principal origin in this cause. I have
felt it my duty from time to time to urge upon your notice the great
advantage which would arise from an extension of the water-mains
through both Hammersmith and Fuiham. The Chelsea, Grand
Junction, and West Middlesex Water Works severally pass partially
through the District, and I cannot too strongly recommend that some
immediate steps be taken to induce these Companies to lay down
mains through most of the principal thoroughfares.
The new system of Sewerage will indeed render such a step not
only desirable, but absolutely necessary, if we are to derive the full
benefit of the improvement.
The importance of Public Water supply had not escaped the
attention of Philanthropists in Fuiham even in the 17th century,
for we find Sir Samuel Moreland gave a well, pump and iron ladle
for public use at that time, a tablet with an inscription showing its
object.
From the table will be seen the qualities of the different waters
available for our supply; and, whilst we ohserve that the surface
wells hitherto in use have produced a water perfectly unfit for
drinking, that to be derived from artesian springs and from the
water companies is comparatively pure and wholesome: with such
means then within our reach, shall we continue our present system?
METEOROLOGY.
The mean reading of the Barometer for the year has been 29.936.
Only during the months of February, September, and December, has
the mean reading been above 30 inches. Mean Temperature, 49.6.
Mean Humidity, 82 (Saturation 100). Mean amount of Ozone, 2.4.
Mean Cloud, 7.0. The total amount of Rain has been 26.45 Inches