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37
The growth of this section of the refuse disposal services
has been rapid, when it is remembered that 7 years ago approx.
1 16 tons were disposed of while in 1937 the amount reached
approx. 200 tons.
E(3). Water Supply.
The water in this district is almost exclusively supplied by
the Metropolitan Water Board. The water, though possessing
a considerable degree of hardness, is of good quality and is
palatable. The supply in nearly all cases is led into the houses ;
standpipes exist on a few premises only.
Routine examination of such supplies has been undertaken
throughout the year with completely satisfactory results, and
arrangements are now in existence, with the Kent County
Laboratory, for samples of this supply to be taken monthly
from various points in the District.
The encampment on Belvedere Marshes derives its water
supply chiefly from bore-holes. Extensive sampling of these
supplies has resulted in warning letters, regarding the unsuitability,
for drinking and culinary purposes until it lias been
boiled, of water from a number of wells, being issued.
During December a report was submitted with regard to
certain of these bacteriological results, when it was resolved
that provision of a service pipe for water supply to the encampment
should be undertaken.
E(4). Drainage and Sewerage.
Extensions to the existing drainage systems were made
during the year by the completion of 510 yards of new sewer
to estates now being developed in the District, and, in addition,
there have been many extensions of house drains and connections.
E(5). Closet Accommodation and Cesspools.
The whole of the closet accommodation in both the older
parts of Erith and the newly built up areas is on the main
drainage system, there being only 21 premises which are drained
into cesspools.
Cesspools are emptied once a month by mechanical plant
by the Council free of charge, or more frequently as required,
when a fee is charged to cover the cost of labour. The contents
of these cesspools are discharged into the Council's Sewers.
The cesspools which now require the service are scattered
throughout the District, and, in the majority of cases, necessitate
travelling considerable distances both for pumping out and
conveying to the point of disposal.