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Water Supply.
The system of constant water supply to the poorer districts of the
Metropolis, ought to be insisted on by the several local Boards, for it is the
only plan which will give the poor a sufficient quantity of wholesome water
for domestic use. All, or nearly all, the existing water receptacles in the
poor localities are unfit for the purpose of storing water for drinking. They
should therefore be abolished, and a constant supply of water, direct from
the main, without the intervention of either butts or cisterns, should be
substituted.
The Water Companies are willing to assist the Local Boards in carrying
into effect this important sanitary improvement; and I am able to report
that there are 92 water-waste preventers in this District, which afford a
constant supply to more than 7,000 poor people. Besides these water-waste
preventers, there are several houses occupied by the poor which are supplied
with water direct from the main. In this way, the 15 houses in New Court,
Fashion Street, are supplied. Each house in this Court is furnished with a
small pipe, which is in connection with the main, and is provided with an ordinary
tap; so that, with the least possible trouble, an ample supply of water at
all times can be obtained. The houses in this Court have been supplied with
water in this most simple manner for the last thirteen years and upwards to
the great comfort of the tenants, and without waste of water to the detriment
of the Water Company. Three houses in Spital Street, three in
Spital Court, eighteen in Easington Buildings, fourteen in Crawford's Court,
two houses in Finch Street, both of which are occupied by several families,
seven in Great Tongue Yard, and several of the common lodging houses,
which are under the supervision of the Police, are supplied with water direct
from the main.