View report page

- 138 -

WATER SUPPLY.
The water supply in Kensington and Chelsea is almost entirely
provided by the Metropolitan Water Board, but there are four premises
which obtain water, used for domestic purposes, from artesian wells.
Samples of water were taken both by the Council and the owners for
bacteriological and chemical examination and the results were in all
cases satisfactory.
FLUORIDATION OF WATER SUPPLIES.
Fluoridation of water supplies to a level of 1.0 part per million
has been shown to be both harmless to health and most suited for the
purpose of dental protection. This concentration of fluoride occurs
naturally in many parts of the country, and artificial fluoridation in
London is intended to make generally available the protection which is
enjoyed by these other areas.
The Council have agreed to support the policy regarding the
fluoridation of water supplies in the London area.
Because of doubts expressed by some sections of the public on both
the efficacy of fluoridation and the policy of what has been referred
to as "mass medication", the Minister of Health made a statement in the
Press giving reassurance on the question of safety and on the need for
fluoridation of water as a preventive measure for dental decay. In
addition, the Minister issued a circular urging all local authorities
and water undertakings to make the necessary arrangements for the
fluoridation of water and offering, at the same time, to indemnify
authorities concerned in England and Wales in the event of legal
proceedings on lack of powers or on damage to health.
The London Boroughs' Association have had under consideration a
request by certain constituent authorities for the formation of a
concerted policy on fluoridation and, as a result, their General
Purposes Sub-committee asked for the Council's observations on a
suggestion that an approach be made to the Minister for the introduction
of legislation enabling fluoridation of water supplies to be directed
nationally.
The Council were of the opinion that such legislation should be
introduced and the London Boroughs' Association were informed
accordingly.
No action has yet been taken by the Metropolitan Water Board to
introduce the fluoridation of water in London.