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The conversion of open cesspools into waterclosets, the laying on of
water, the filling up of offensive ditches, the sanitary regulations as to
slaughter-houses, the construction of new drains and sewers, and the
altering of defective ones, have been amongst the more important improvements
which, it is considered, have largely contributed to produce
the satisfactory condition of the public health in Streatham; and not only
in that parish, but in an equal degree in both Tooting and Balham.
In Balham one great nuisance, that of the common sewer, open and
uncovered in the greater part of its course, and called the Falcon Brook,
is now, and has been for a long time past, universally complained of by
the inhabitants. It is true it has been cleansed out within the twelvemonth,
but its size appears to be quite inadequate to what is required of
it. In a sanitary point of view it has been rendered infinitely worse of
late by the construction of a barrel-drain from Clapham New Park opening
into it; hut which, it is hoped, will not be coutinued when the contemplated
grand scheme of drainage shall have been completed.
In the parish of Tooting, during the past year, most important measures
have been adopted for securing henceforth the general health and comfort,
of its inhabitants, both rich and poor.
Amongst the sanitary improvements already effected, as well as those
in progress, may be enumerated. 1. The external and internal cleansing:
of the dwellings of the poor by whitewashing, and the periodical removal
of noxious accumulations. 2. The conversion of many open cesspools
into waterclosets. 3. The laying on water to many houses from the
Company's mains, and the placing of large barrels, supplied from the same
source, to which the poor have ready access. 4. The removal, in many
instances, of swine where kept in close proximity to houses. 5. The improvement
of roads and paths, although from unavoidable circumstances
these are not yet completed. 6. The purification of slaughter-houses;
and (more important perhaps than all these), 7. The formation and
completion of the most perfect system of drainage for the whole parish,
in the construction of a large oval or egg-shaped brick barrel-sewer.
3½ feet in height by 2 feet in width, from the Broadway, Lower Tooting,
to some distance beyond the church on the Mitcham road.
Communicating, as this most important sewer does, with another of
a similar character, or rather being a continuation of one in Garrett Lane,
and receiving, by a large pipe drain, all the sewage from the Grove on the
Merton road to the Broadway; taking in all the intervening houses, and
also receiving by another pipe-drain the sewage from that part of Lower
Tooting between the Broadway and the commencement of Streatham
parish in Upper Tooting—forms for Tooting sub-district the most perfect
system of drainage possible, and must prove the most valuable means of
preventing disease and of preserving and securing the general health of
the inhabitants.
Into this sewer many of the houses are now, and all may be, drained
hereafter, thereby removing much that is detrimental to purity of
atmosphere and consequently to health. In addition to this the surface
water will be carried off to the depth of from 14 to 16 feet below the
ground, and thus render the village exceedingly dry. Nothing, it is considered,
can be more effectual or more satisfactory than this mode of
drainage.