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61
sustained. Again, in some quarters fluoridation has been opposed
on grounds of expense, but it has been estimated that a reduction
of one-fifth in existing dental decay would more than justify the
cost.
It is common practice in many parts of America to introduce
fluorine into the domestic water system in the form of sodium silicofluorine
and Eire has already considered introducing legislation to
enable public water supplies to be similarly treated. It can surely
be only a matter of time before similar steps are taken in this
country.
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.
During September of 1953 a further shallow well was sunk
on the premises of the Tunnel Glucose Refineries Ltd., at Tunnel
Avenue, thus making 3 wells in all on this property and bringing
the total of wells in the Borough to 41. This new well is to be used
for industrial purposes only.
As far as this Borough is concerned the two wells providing
drinking water are properly supervised and have shown no sign of
deterioration.
Water from one of these wells is used by the Metropolitan
Water Board to supplement the public water supply and is subjected
to daily tests by that Authority for purity and palatability. Water
from the other well is regularly tested by the commercial firm
concerned.
Scavenging and Refuse Disposal.—The collection of refuse
in the Borough is under the control of the Borough Engineer who
has kindly supplied me with the following information:—
Scavenging:
The mileage of streets cleansed in the Borough is approximately
82 miles. This is done mainly by hand sweeping, only 7J%
is swept by mechanical sweeper/collector during the night time,
sweeping main roads and other roads where extensive regular
parking of vehicles presents difficulties during the daytime. The
scheduled frequency of cleansing the streets is as follows:—
(a) At least once daily (main roads) 25 %
(b) Three times weekly 37½%
(c) Twice weekly 37½%