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1899] 232
WATER SUPPLY.
The water supply of the district was satisfactory, no complaint
having been made to the Public Health Department either as to its
quantity or quality. For several years past the New River Company
has been actively engaged in supplying the district with a constant
water supply, and I am now able to announce that it has completed
its work.
During the year 45 new houses have been examined to see
that the Vestry's regulations as regards water supply have been
carried out before certificates have been given to their owners
(under Sec. 2 of the Public Health (London) Act, 1891) to allow
the houses to be occupied. This section says that "a house ....
shall not be occupied as a dwelling house until the Sanitary
Authorities have certified that it has a proper and sufficient water
supply."
The examination of the water fittings of new houses has in
many instances led to the discovery that the service pipes had not
been laid sufficiently deep in the ground, and, where they pass
through cellars or where fixed to eternal walls, had not been
protected from frost. The trouble and care expended on these
inspections will without doubt result in the houses being assured
their water supply in very cold weather.
Before a certificate is granted by the Sanitary Authority
it is necessary that each house shall be provided with an adequate
and sufficient water supply, and that the following requirements
are carried out:—
1. The water service pipe has been buried in the ground to a
depth of at least two feet six inches.
2. Where such service pipe passes through the open air or
through cellars it has been amply protected from frost.