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53
In conclusion, I would put forward, for the consideration of the
Council, the following recommendations:—
(a) That the occupier of every premises in which there is a well
sunk into the chalk, whether that well is in use or disused
(unless in the latter case the boring has been effectively and
permanently sealed), and for whatever purposes the water
may be used, should be required, at his own expense, to
submit samples of the water to a competent and independent
person, for bacteriological examination at intervals of two
months, and for chemical analysis at intervals of twelve
months. Where there are two or more borings, whether or
not interconnected for pumping purposes, each should be
regarded as a separate well and separate samples submitted
in respect of each boring.
(b) That the occupier, on receipt of the reports on the examination
and analysis, should be required forthwith to transmit copies
to the Medical Officer of Health for the district.
(c) That the Medical Officer of Health, if he is satisfied, from
the reports, that the water is polluted to a degree dangerous
to health, in whatever manner that danger may be apprehended,
should be empowered to give notice to the occupier
requiring him immediately to discontinue use of the water
(if it is being used) either entirely or for such purposes as
may be specified, and to take all requisite steps to ascertain
and remove the cause of the pollution, or alternatively to have
the well permanently and effectively sealed.
(d) That where the occupier has taken steps to remove the cause
of the pollution in consequence of a notice served on him
under (c) above, he should have the right to apply to the
Medical Officer of Health for the revocation of the notice.
Power should be given to the latter, before complying with
the request, to require the occupier to furnish such further
reports on the quality as he may consider reasonably necessary,
and also to make the revocation conditional upon the
occupier restricting use of the water to such purposes as may
be specified.
(e) That right of appeal should be provided to the occupier against
any action taken by the Medical Officer of Health under (c)
or (d) above.
(f) That the Medical Officer of Health should be required to
report to his Local Authority and to the Minister of Health,
all actions taken by him under the above powers.
It is, of course, appreciated that to provide some of the powers
suggested in these recommendations would involve additional
G. Macdonald,
Medical Officer of Health.
Public Health Dept.,
Electric House,
204 Lavender Hill, S.W.11.
January, 1948.