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170
condition, for potable and dietetic uses, than after detention,
for however brief a time, in a storage receptacle—even when,
as rarely happens, the receptacle or cistern is emptied and
cleansed (not once in six months but) once in every month."
The Sanitary Committee, in their report on the reference,
stated that, whenever a house is inspected by an inspector,
"the cistern always receives attention, and if it is found to
be uncovered or dirty, notices are served for the necessary
works to be carried out in compliance with the requirements
of the bye-laws above adverted to." The Committee, recognising
the probability that" very few householders are aware
of the responsibility that attaches to them under the bye-laws
framed under section 50 of the Public Health (London) Act,
1891, as regards the cleansing of cisterns," considered that it
"would be of advantage if steps were taken to acquaint them
with the duty which is imposed upon them," and they accordingly
recommended —
"(a) That the attention of Householders be called (i) to
their duty to empty and cleanse drinking water
cisterns once at least in every six months, and at
other times when necessary to keep the same in a
cleanly state and free from pollution; and (ii) to the
desirability of their seeing that the cisterns are properly
covered.
''(b) That it be also pointed out that, although the Vestry
have no statutory power to require that drinking
water shall be drawn from the rising main or servicepipe,
they strongly advise the adoption of this course,
as the water, as delivered from the main, is in better
condition for dietetic purposes than after its detention
in a storage receptacle.
The report was adopted, and the notice was issued accordingly.