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80
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 which are regularly examined, 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 artifical
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 for
bacteriological examination were dealt with by the laboratories at County Hall or
St. Stephen's Hospital.