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fall off. The boring was then deepened by 50 feet, but this made little
difference. About the end of 1940 or beginning of 1941, samples
began to show the presence of coliform organisms, indicating organic
pollution, and use of the water was thereupon discontinued. The cause
of the pollution was suspected to be fracture of the upper part of the
well lining tube, resulting from bombing in the vicinity. In 1943, and
again early in 1944, further works were carried out, but no material
improvement resulted. Towards the end of 1944, an entirely new
lining, 240 feet deep and 7 inches in diameter, was put down inside
the old lining, which was 8½ inches in diameter, at a further cost of
£667 18s. 0d. The account for this work, carried out by Messrs.
LeGrand, Sutcliff & Gell, Ltd., was produced. Further samples were
then taken and submitted to several different Analysts. The results
were conflicting, some samples being reported satisfactory and others
to contain coliform organisms, some of faecal type, in 100 c.c., 10 c.c.
and 1 c.c. In view of the uncertainty of the position, the firm ultimately
decided to abandon the use of the well, and state they will have the
boring sealed as soon as opportunity offers.
It was not possible to obtain a sample of the water, as the pump
is out of order.
This case is of special interest, as being of the type to which
particular reference is made in the Ministry's letter.
140 Battersea Park Road, .S.1L.11. Two borings. The well here
was, it is understood, used by the previous occupiers, Messrs. Spiers &
Pond, Ltd., for their business of launderers. They left the premises
in January, 1942, and since then the well has not, so far as can be
ascertained, been used. The present occupiers, Messrs. Dalanium, Ltd.,
a firm of engineers, state that they do not propose to use it, but have
made no arrangements to have it sealed. No sample of the water could
be obtained, as the pumps were out of order.
Battersea Borough Council Public Baths, Battersea Park Road,
S.W.8. One boring. One of the two borings here is in use and has
already been mentioned under Category 1. The Baths Superintendent
informs me that the other has been out of use since September, 1943.
Prior to that date, the yield had been falling off, and on examination
it was found that the borehole (originally 440 feet deep) had silted up
to the extent of 84 feet. Efforts by Messrs. LeGrand, Sutcliff & Gefl,
Ltd., to clear the silt failed, and it was therefore decided to abandon
the boring. Instructions have now been given for it to be sealed.
I would draw special attention to the existence of the above three
disused borings. They represent a particularly serious danger, as in
the event of their becoming polluted, the pollution is likely to remain
undiscovered until, perhaps, it contaminates some other well.
(3) Borings Sealed.
There are 3 premises within this category, as under:—
Garton, Sons & Co., Ltd., Southampton Place, York Road,
S.W.11. Two borings.
Price's Patent Candle Co., Ltd., Belmont Works, York Road,
S.W. 11. One boring.
Meux's Brewery, Ltd., 27 Nine Elms Lane, S. W.8. One
boring.