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23
Water Supply.
The major part of the water supply in Battersea, in common with
other Metropolitan Boroughs, is obtained from the mains of the MetroPolitan
Water Board, who are responsible for its purity, and with whom
close liaison is maintained. One part of the Borough, however, namely
the Council's Latchmere Estate, is supplied from deep wells situated
at the Latchmere Baths adjoining the Estate.
Bacteriological examination of the well-water before chlorination,
and prior to its supply to the Estate, is carried out at fortnightly
intervals. Chemical analysis shows no significant change in the character
of the water.
In the event of a breakdown of the pumping apparatus serving the
Latchmere Estate, or any other contingency, the system can be adjusted
to receive water from the mains of the Metropolitan Water Board.
All the premises in the Borough have a mains water supply.
During the year 9 certificates under Section 95 (2) of the Public
Health (London) Act, 1936, were issued in respect of 171 new or
re-erected dwellings.
Thirty notices of waste of water from defective fittings, etc observed
during routine inspections of various premises, were sent to the MetroPolitan
Water Board.
Caravans.
All caravan sites in the Borough are licensed under the provisions
of the London County Council (General Powers) Act, 1959. The conditions
attaching to licences granted relate to the number of moveable
dwellings which may be kept on any particular area of land; the amount
of free space between the dwellings; the provision of a water supply,
sanitary conveniences, adequate paving, dustbin accommodation, fire
Protection arrangements and the prevention of nuisance from noise.
The five sites in the Borough are regularly inspected, and during
the year 152 inspections were made.
Mobile Dwellings.
In addition to the five permanent sites, during the year a licence was
granted on the application of the London County Council for the siting
of three "mobile" dwellings on the site of Nos. 14-16 Sleaford Street.
The intention is to move these dwellings on to other sites when the
site so used is required for permanent building. It is on this basis that
the dwellings are erected—the drainage being of pitch fibre, which can
readily moved from site to site, and in place of concrete over-site,
Pre-cast paving slabs are used and jointed.
At the end of the year, licences were in force in respect of 118
Mobile dwellings on 10 sites in the Borough.
Prevention of Damage by Pests Act, 1949.
This Act gives power generally to the Council to require steps to be
taken to eradicate infestation of rats and mice and where possible to
Prevent infestations occurring. These duties are carried out by the
Senior Rodent Operative, assisted by two Rodent Operatives.