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56
During the year three applications for licences were received,
approved and licences subsequently issued after appropriate
inspections had been carried out by the Sanitary Inspectors
concerned.
Drainage and Sewerage.—During the year 641 drains were
tested, 455 were opened, cleansed or repaired and there were 1,376
constructions and re-constructions, alterations and improvements
effected.
Under the London County Council (General Powers) Act, 1951,
some amendment to the Public Health (London) Act, 1936, has been
made regarding appeals and the recovery of expenses in connection
with drainage work.
Only two cesspools remain in use in the Borough and under
the Borough Engineer's direction these are emptied on request.
Seventy-eight plans of drainage and other sanitary works
relating to existing and new buildings were examined and
approved.
Water Supply.—The whole of the Borough is supplied with
water by the Metropolitan Water Board which is a Statutoiy undertaking,
and the responsibility for its purity rests with that Authority.
There are 22,255 dwellings with direct connection to the Board's
mains.
No complaints were received during the year as to taste or
possible contamination caused by insects or silt.
During the year 463 water supply certificates were granted
under Section 95 of the Public Health (London) Act, 1936. Water
fittings have been amended in 146 cases and extra water supply to
a tenement house was provided.
Underground Water Supplies (Wells).—In August, 1947,
at the request of the Ministry of Health, a survey of underground
water supplies was made and full particulars were given in the
Report for that year.
In all, 40 wells are listed, only 2 of which are used for the supply
of water for drinking purposes. Of the remaining 38 wells, 13 are
used for commercial purposes and 25 disused.
As far as this Borough is concerned the two wells providing
drinking water are properly supervised and have shown no sign of
deterioration.