London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Southgate 1933
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Southgate]
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| Sample No. 6. Chemical. | "As compared with certificate Register No. 3705—i.e., Sample No. 5—the figures for the saline ammonia have increased. There is an excessive amount of organic matter still present as shown by the high figures for the albuminoid ammonia and oxygen absorbed. A reduction in these is highly desirable." |
| Bacteriological. | "The results of this examination are not so satisfactory as the last sample submitted on 1st July, 1933." |
The following facts emerge from a study of the above reports :—
1. The saline ammonia, albuminoid ammonia and oxygen
absorbed figures have remained at a dangerously high level throughout,
and are now showing a definite increase.
2. The Bacteriological Analyses are now even less satisfactory
than they were in February.
3. The samples have been taken irrespective of weather conditions,
which, apart from the fact that no rain was present when the
actual samples were being taken, have varied within considerable
limits, especially as to conditions, prevailing during the previous
few days.
4. The conditions found in Sample No. 4, following upon the
deposit of the unknown material in the lake, are present in an
approximately similar degree in Sample No. 6.
Having carefully considered the facts, collectively and individually,
I am of opinion that the lake should now be closed for
swimming.
Following the reception of this report, the lake was closed for
swimming and has remained so up to the present.
The Council has carefully considered schemes for purifying the
water. Chlorination appears to be entirely out of the question,
but a modified process, that of chloramination, was only abandoned
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