WATER CATCHMENT AREAS 243 



Of the Lliw area, the Corporation own 215 acres, of 

 which all but about 100 acres is occupied by reservoir sites 

 and works. Of the Cray area, the Corporation own 174 

 acres, of which all but 50 acres is occupied by reservoir 

 site and works. There would thus be in the two areas 

 about 150 acres of land owned by the Corporation available 

 for afforestation. This 150 acres is below 1200 feet 

 elevation. Mr. G. R. Collinson, the Water Engineer, is of 

 opinion that " the catchment areas, comprising principally 

 mountain pasture, seem to be lands which, in the event of 

 the State acquiring land for afforestation, could be more 

 valuably used for that purpose than remain in their present 

 condition. The few plantations that exist seem to indicate 

 that afforestation on an extensive scale and under proper 

 management could not fail to be successful. Unless the 

 Government can, however, obtain land more advantageously 

 than public authorities seem to be able to do so for public 

 purposes. State afforestation schemes would have to be 

 developed on very uneconomic lines." 



The Swansea water supply is described by R. H. Wyrell, 

 C.E., in Proc. Inc. Assoc. Municipal and County Engineers, 

 vol. 32, pp. 61-70 (1906). 



Margamhas a gathering ground of 1000 acres, at 400 to 

 1000 feet elevation. None of the area is owned by the Cor- 

 poration except the site of the impounding reservoir at Cwm 

 Wenderi, 10|- acres in extent, which is held on a lease 

 of 999 years. There are no habitations or farm-steadings 

 on the gathering ground, which is frequently inspected. 

 The water, which is not filtered, is frequently analysed. 



Neath receives its water supply from a gathering ground 

 of 843 acres, situated to the east of the town, between 200 

 and 1000 feet elevation. The area, none of which is owned 

 by the Town Council, comprises 80 acres of arable land, 

 533 acres of hill pasture and moor, and 230 acres of 

 plantations ; and upon it there are the five farms of Brynau, 

 Glannant, Cefn-Saeson, Crynallt, and Preswylfa. The water 

 is filtered, and certain drainage arrangements have been 



