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WATER SUPPLY
The water supply in Kensington and Chelsea is almost entirely
provided by the Metropolitan Water Board, but there are two 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 examinations, and the results were in
all cases satisfactory.
Swimming Baths
There are five swimming pools in the borough, two at the
Public Baths in Silchester Road, two at the Public Baths in Chelsea
Manor Street, and one private pool, used by school children,
situated in the Kensington Close Hotel.
The water used in the pools at Silchester Road and the
Kensington Close Hotel is taken from the main supply of the
Metropolitan Water Board, and the pools at Chelsea Manor Street
are supplied from a deep well situated beneath the baths. In all
establishments, the water is treated by chlorination and continuous
filtration.
During the year, samples of water were taken from the pools
and from their sources of supply, for bacteriological examination,
and all were satisfactory.
Regular examinations of the bath waters were carried out by
the department, and full chemical analyses were carried out
periodically by the Public Analyst.
Fluoridation
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 general policy regarding
fluoridation of water supplies, but no action has yet been taken by
the Metropolitan Water Board to introduce the fluoridation of water
in the London area.
BACTERIOLOGICAL AND ANALYTICAL WORK
During the year, arrangements were continued whereby specimens
of milk, water and ice-cream for bacteriological examination were
dealt with by the laboratory at County Hall, and all other specimens
were sent to the laboratory at St. Stephen's Hospital.