Mr Smith's Water Works, Hanley (on left in background)

The Commissioner's notes on Burslem state "Great complaints of want of water near Old Church, obliged to carry it from spring, a quarter of a mile off and scant supply there." Mr Smith's Water Works, Hanley (on left in background).

Answers to the Questionnaire give us the additional information that the supply is obtained from "two reservoirs, one in Hanley, and the other in Burslem. The water is conveyed in pipes and may be had by all who pay for it. There are also several springs in the vicinity from which the inhabitants fetch water." "Of the 3,013 houses in the town and suburbs about 2,000 are supplied."

"There were frequent complaints of deficiency of supply during the summer months, until the Burslem water was laid on; but this is now remedied by the addition of that water and is constant."

"The water rate is ten shillings per year for small houses; larger ones higher in proportion."

From other information it is evident that the two reservoirs referred to were one in Market Street, Hanley, owned by Mr. John Smith, and the other at Hill Pottery, Liverpool Road, Burslem, to which Mr. Samuel Alcock pumped water. It was supplemented by water from Bycars Mill.

Residents in the 'Hamill' area obtained their supply from Mr. Clewes' Colliery.

Newcastle

The Commissioner stated that "although the water is generally good in quality, frequent complaints are made by the poor women that public pumps, from which many are supplied, are out of order or give an inadequate supply. Part of the town is supplied by pipes, and the whole might in the same way be easily furnished with this indispensable necessary at a moderate cost, from an unfailing source."

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