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55
It would be in the interest of the public health if the Local
Government Board were to take such measures as to prevent a
repetition of the above-mentioned occurrence.
HACKNEY VESTRY.
To the Members of the Joint General Purposes and Public Health Committee of
the Hackney Vestry.
Report of the Medical Officer of Health and Public Analyst.
Gentlemen,—We, the undersigned, beg to report that on information
received, we specially visited Messrs. Berger's, of Homerton, Color Manufacturers,
and ascertained that this firm was supplying the East London
Water Company with water from a deep well upon their premises to the
extent of between 50,000 and 60,000 gallons of water per diem.
On examination of the arrangements by which this water was conveyed
into the mains of the water company, we found that it was pumped from the
well into a short conduit from which the water flowed into a lead lined
cistern about 3 feet square by 4 feet deep. From this cistern the water was
pumped into the mains of the East London Water Company.
Machinery was erected above the cistern for pumping the water into the
mains, and from this drops of fluid were seen during our visits to fall upon
the water in the cistern, leaving an oily film upon the surface. The cistern
was sunk in the ground, its surface being almost level with the floor of the
building in which it is placed. A movable cover for a part of the cistern had
been provided, but this does not appear to be used, as the surface of the water
required to be watched to prevent overflowing. The conduit, cistern and
machinery attached were situated in a corner of a workroom in which
a number of persons were employed in the making of pigments and colours,
one of these pigments being chrome yellow. We were however informed that
there was no lead or arsenic preparation in the room.
From a consideration of the above facts, we are unhesitatingly of opinion
that the arrangements adopted for the transfer of water from the deep well to
the main of the East London Water Company are most objectionable, and
are such as to expose the water to the risk of grave pollution.
Samples of this water have been taken and analysed by one of us, and
from the result of these analysis, we are of opinion that the water is unfit for
domestic purposes, and should be immediately withdrawn from general
supply.
Appended are the analytical reports.
We remain, Gentlemen, your obedient Servants,
J. KING WARRY, M.D., D.P.H., etc.
Medical Officer of Health.
LEO. TAYLOR, F.I.C., etc.,
23rd September, 1898. Public Analyst.