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38
supply drawn from the rivers, consequent upon the
more efficient treatment by the Water Companies, has
been fully maintained during the year 1886.
The average temperature of all the river waters is
practically identical, but it is subject to great variations
according to the season of the year, whilst the
temperature of the deep well waters remains at all
times nearly uniform.
The temperature of the water chiefly from the
Thames supplied by the Chelsea, West Middlesex,
Southwark, Grand Junction and Lambeth Companies
varied from 36°0 Fahr. in March to 68°4 Fahr. in
July, whilst that chiefly from the Lea, delivered by
the New River and East London Companies, ranged
from 37° Fahr. in March to 66°6 Fahr. in July.
The deep well water, distributed by the Kent
Company, varied from 52.9 Fahr. in December to
56.3 Fahr. in July, and is therefore refreshing and
palatable in summer, and less likely to be frozen in
winter.
The largest amount of solid matter, consisting
almost entirely of mineral ingredients, principally the
salts of lime and magnesia, which are quite immaterial
as regards the fitness of the waters for drinking purposes,
but render the water hard and unfit for washing,
was found in the deep well supplies of the Kent