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35
WATER SUPPLY.
In this particular we are fairly well to do with the water as sent out from the
mains, and in my opinion that part of the parish supplied by the Southwark and
Vauxhall Company is as fortunate as the remainder watered from the Kent Company's
wells. What is gained as to purity of the latter is lost as to its hardness.
But when we come to storage and reception, for which neither Company is liable,
we find most of the butts and cisterns placed over an unventilated drain or else on top
of the closet, in either case receiving sewer air, and many in a most filthy condition,
being without covers, and containing rank vegetable growth, dirt, and refuse of all sorts,
so that decomposition therein goes on to such an extent as to make the water not only
disgusting to taste, but dangerous to drink. The forms of organic life, shown by the
microscope in fresh water, are sufficient to terrify any one about to use it, and water
supplied in a state of absolute chemical purity would soon be as bad as sewage water, if
kept for any time in such places. Of course, the germs from the discharges of infectious
disease sent into the neighbouring sewers are taken up by this water, and thus
a common means of propagation of typhus, scarlatina, typhoid and diphtheria, is always
ready.
Owing to the wet summer, the quantity of organic matter both in Thames and
Kent watwr was larger than has yet been recorded, but this is of infinitesimal moment
as compared with the dangers of disease-germ pollution, incurred by the people's
persistence in employing the present system.
The remedy is in their own hands. All the Companies must give a constant
supply it called on to do so by the proper authorities, who, doubtless, would gladly
take such action, if urged to do so by their constituents.
Meteorology for 1881.
Mean Temperature of Air 49.4
Highest Mean „ 57.6
Lowest „ „ 42.5
Mean Dew Point „ 44.4
Mean Pension of Vapour 0.305
Mean Reading of Barometer 29.813
Number of Days on which Rain fell 158
Amount of Rain-fall 29.68
Prevalent Winds. N 62 days, E. 94 days, S. 76 days, W. 134 days.
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This statement shows the salient feature. of our Rotherhithe Climate in 1881.
It is deduced from my own observations made at the verge of Southwark Park, and
checked by comparison with Mr. Symon's Means recorded at Greenwich.