26 
I have placed the sum of the numbers so obtained, under the 
head of “ Valuation.” 
We find that the sample of Whitehaven water collected on 
April 4th, stands first, with a valuation of 5; Arlecdon is valued 
at 7; Keswick, at 9; Whitehaven, March sample, 10; Work- 
ington, 15; Cleator Moor, 24; Maryport, 30; and Millom, 35. 
It would, however, be very unfair for us to come to a conclusion 
regarding the character of a water supply, from the results of a 
single analysis. There are various causes which, as doubtless you 
all know, affect the purity of the water at different seasons, such 
as rain, snow, frost, freshly manured land, and the like. 
I think it is a great mistake that none of the waters are properly 
filtered, as the character of the whole of them might in this way be 
much improved, and the disturbing effects, produced by the above 
causes, to a large extent neutralized. 
I may mention, that a sample of Whitehaven water collected on 
February roth, was slightly turbid, and contained moving organisms. 
Its valuation stood as high as 17. Another sample, taken for 
analysis on the 5th of the present month (May), received a valuation 
of 7; and yesterday, a sample was drawn, and examined in the two- 
foot tube, when it was found to be slightly turbid; this was doubtless 
due to the heavy rain of the day before. You will notice some 
little difference, also, in the analyses of the two samples of White- 
haven water placed before you. Now, it is quite possible that the 
Millom, Maryport, and Cleator Moor waters were collected at a 
time when some one or more of these disturbing elements were in 
operation. In fact, any of these waters may have been at its very 
worst on the day the sample was taken; and the others may have 
been at their best. 
It is therefore necessary that frequent analyses should be made, 
say once or twice a month, for at least a period of a year; and 
that the mean of the results so obtained, should be taken to 
represent the average nature of the supply. 
And further, I consider that it is the duty of our Local Authorities 
to arrange for such a system of periodical examination of the various 
Public Water supplies. For in this way, much valuable information 
