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168
The attention of householders cannot, therefore, be too frequently
drawn to the necessity for the periodical cleansing of
cisterns for containing potable water. These receptacles, moreover,
should be covered, to exclude light and dirt; and so placed
that the water may be kept cool in summer, without being in
danger of freezing in winter. The Public Health (London) Act,
1891 (sec. 50) conferred power on the sanitary authority to
make bye-laws, inter alia, for the cleansing of cisterns, and this
has been done. But no adequate steps have been taken to
make known the provisions of these (or, indeed, of any other)
bye-laws which householders are required to observe."
The report continued—
"The bye-laws—allowed by the Local Government Board
in 1893 are designed 'for securing the cleanliness and freedom
from pollution of tanks, cisterns, and other receptacles used for
storing water used, or likely to be used, by man, for drinking or
domestic purposes, or for manufacturing drink for the use of
man.' The first of the bye-laws dealing with this matter (it is
numbered 12) requires the owner of any premises who shall
provide a cistern, &c., 'to cause the same to be so constructed
and placed that it may conveniently be cleansed.' This is
no new requirement, a similar provision being contained in
the loth regulation made by the Water Companies, in 1872*.
Nevertheless, many cisterns have been so constructed and
placed since that date, as to be practically inaccessible for
inspection and cleansing.
"The second bye-law (it is numbered 13) requires an outdoor
drinking cistern to be provided with a proper cover,
and an in-door cistern, likewise, ' if not placed in a suitable
"The regulation reads as follows:—" Every cistern used in connexion with the
water supplied by the Company, shall be made and at all times maintained watertight,
and be properly covered and placed in such a position that it may be inspected
and cleansed."