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97
There has been no increase in the storage capacity of the New River Water
Company, but that Company supplies water largely from wells, and the River Lea
above its intake is less subject to pollution than it is lower down the Valley.
The waters of the several Metropolitan Water Companies have, during the year,
1897, been subjected to much more frequent bacteriological examinations than
formerly. This is a matter of very great importance, where the safeguarding of the
health of millions of people depends upon the efficiency with which filtration is
carried out, frequent bacteriological examination enabling early information being
obtained as to any deterioration in the action of the filters.
According to expert opinion the various London waters taken as a whole were,
bacteriologically, highly satisfactory, combined storage and filtration being very
efficient in producing waters fitted for domestic use.
In accordance with the requirements of Section 48 of the Public Health (London)
Act, 1891, 15 dwellings were certified as having a proper and sufficient supply of
water. The Water Companies require the, provision of storage cisterns before they
will lay the water on. Such cisterns should be so constructed and placed that they
may be conveniently inspected and cleansed, and where used for domestic purposes
it is preferable that they should be of a self-cleansing pattern, that they should be so
placed as not to be liable to exposure to foul emanations of any description, and they
should be properly covered, to exclude dust and other extraneous matters as far as
possible. A tap should be provided on the rising main so as to enable water for
drinking and dietetic purposes being obtained direct from the Water Companies'
pipes. The waste preventing apparatus for flushing water closets should be supplied
through the storage cistern, and not directly from the Water Companies' pipes. The
advantage of this is, that should from any reason the water be cut off, the water
closets will not be without water so long as there is water in the storage cistern.
During the year 115 communications were received from the Water Companies
with respect to the cutting off of the water supplies to dwelling houses, 79 from the
New River, and 36 from the East London Company. These communications referred
to 182 premises, 44 of which were empty.
The laws respecting the Metropolitan Water Companies have been amended
during the year by the passing of the
METROPOLIS WATER ACT, 1897 (60 and 61 VICT., C. 56),
Which confers powers upon the Railway and Canal Commission to deal with
complaints made by water comsumers or by local authorities respecting defaults of
Water Companies. If on hearing any such complaint, the Railway and Canal Commission
are satisfied that the Water Company has failed in its duty, they have power
to impose a penalty. If the Commission are satisfied that any complaint as to
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