LONDON'S WATER SUPPLY

Evening Star, Issue 22804, 12 November 1937, Page 3

LONDON'S WATER SUPPLY

UNDERGROUND WELLS About I,OOOft below the streets of London is a huge underground lake, big enough to supply all the water needed by the millions who live above it. Only recently a method has been discovered of tapping the huge reservoir an'd pumping up the water in a condition fit for domestic use. Experiments are now being made with a new pumping apparatus which prevents any form of contamination with chalk or clogging. It is expected to raise about 5,000,000 gallons a day, and the water will be used to supply new housing estates. The underground lake extends over 400 square miles, and is about 6ft deep in most places. Its water is almost inexhaustible. Experts estimate that 100,000,000 gallons a day—one-third of London’s normal consumption—could be raised without perceptibly lowering the level, and in times of emergency the quantity could be increased. War Office and Health Ministry officials are watching the experiment closely. Its complete success would provide an easy solution of the problem of London’s water supply in war time. To supply all London about 200 underground electric pumping stations would be required, operating on wells sunk along a 60-mile horseshoe, within 20 miles from the heart of London. This work, it is said, could be completed in a few years, and the cost would not amount to more than £1,250,000. All that would show on the ground would be 200 manholes, 2ft in diameter. Surface reservoirs could easily be wrecked or poisoned by enemy airraiders. But the underground wells and pumps would be safe. The deep water is slightly green in colour and 50 per cent, softer than surface water.