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Drainage.
The system of Drainage is by Sewers. The main portion of the sewage is
carried by the sewer laid down in 1898. This consists of a high level portion
taking the sewage from the upper portion of the District, and a low level portion
from the lower parts of the district and running from Abbey Wood to Erith. This
portion is worked on the Shone pneumatic system. The outfall works are situated
at Anchor Bay, and the sewage is treated here before being discharged into the
river Thames.
In Erith there is also an old sewer, with which a number of houses are still
connected. During 1907 a certain number of these houses were transferred to the
new sewer.
A number of houses built on the Marshes at Abbey Wood and Belvedere drain
into cesspools. During the latter portion of the year a new sewer was commenced
to take the sewage from the houses on the Marshes near Abbey Wood station;
hitherto the leaky condition of the cesspools attached to these houses has been the
cause of much pollution of the Marsh ditches, but I hope that the menace to the
health of the district from this will soon be ended.
Water Supply.
The water supply is obtained from the Metropolitan Water Board. The
water is very hard but of good quality.
House Refuse Removal.
The house refuse in the district is removed twice a week by the Council.
It is placed in sanitary dustbins, pails, &c. on the kerb, or in the forecourts of
the houses by the occupier. During the year 5,784 loads were thus removed and
deposited on the various shoots at the disposal of the Council.
Cow Sheds and Milk Shops.
There are 8 Cow Sheds, about 96 cows, and 26 Dairymen and Purveyors of
Milk in the district. The cow sheds and milk stores have been under constant
inspection and found clean.