Since the decline of many of the small manufacturing and engineering industries in Central London, the water level in the natural artesian basin (which once powered tha fountains in Trafalgar Square) has risen alarmingly. A large amount of energy is used to pump out the tube system and other subterranean installations - and the situation is getting worse. Ironically

Thames Water and the EA have shown no interest in using this vast underground reservoire because they say that the water contains too many impurities. A private survey, however showed that the cost is comparable with recycling sewerage and waste water (which is done at the moment) and that many of the minerals which would be removed would have a considerable commercial value. EA have even refused licenses for several proposed private ventures to drill the necessary bore holes.