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SANITARY CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE
AREA.
Water Supply.
The water supply in Camberwell is almost entirely provided
by the Metropolitan Water Board. As far as can be ascertained
there are 3 deep wells and 3 shallow wells at present in use in the
Borough.
With regard to the deep wells, in one case the water is obtained
from an artesian well for supply to a number of shopkeepers and
a private dwelling-house, and is used for all domestic purposes ;
this water is frequently examined, chemically and bacteriologically,
and has conformed to a satisfactory standard of purity.
In another case the water which is frequently examined
chemically and bacteriologically with satisfactory results, is used
as part of an industrial process for cooling purposes, and in the
third case the water is used only for washing down yard surfaces.
Concerning the shallow wells in use, in one case the water is
used by the occupier of a private dwelling house for domestic
purposes only in the hot weather. A sample of this water has
recently been taken for chemical and bacteriological examination,
and the reports indicate that it is unsuitable for domestic consumption.
In another case, at industrial premises, the water is used mainly
for domestic purposes, and it is also used occasionally for drinking
purposes by the employees ; this water is, however, examined
chemically and bacteriologically from time to time, and has been
found to be satisfactory.
In the remaining case the water drawn from the well is not
used for any purpose other than watering the garden.
Where water is used either partly or wholly for domestic
consumption, the desirability of discontinuing the use of the well
supply and to rely entirely upon a drinking supply obtained from a
public main, has been urged upon the consumers in view of the
risk of polluted surface water entering the boring.
During 1938 the Metropolitan Water Board notified this
Department that in 37 instances the water supply had been withdrawn,
either for non-payment of rates or on account of waste.
These cases were dealt with by the Sanitary Inspectors under the
provisions of the Public Health (London) Act, 1936.
Drainage and Sewerage.
The drainage of every house in the Borough is connected with
sewers. There are, however, two cesspools attached to sports grounds
which were systematically emptied during the year.