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Water.
1. Water for drinking and commercial purposes in this area is supplied by the Metropolitan
Water Board and has been satisfactory both in quantity and quality.
2. There is a piped supply, and bacteriological examinations of the raw water are
made by the Metropolitan Water Board, who also perform chemical analysis.
3. The water is not known to have any plumbo-solvent action.
4. No action has been necessary in respect of contamination.
5. All dwelling houses have a piped supply, and standpipes are normally used only in
cases of emergency, such as repair of mains.
Five certificates were issued under Section 95 of the Public Health (London) Act,
1936, certifying the provision of a proper and sufficient supply of water in respect of three
new blocks comprising 88 flats, and two blocks comprising 22 flats which had been rebuilt.
Two complaints were received during the year in relation to drinking water. In
each case it was found that the storage tanks had become dirty. These tanks were
cleansed and no further complaints were received. Eight premises were supplied with a
proper and sufficient water supply following the service of notices.
Drainage.
During the year 2,783 inspections were made by the Sanitary Inspectors in connection
with drainage work; 116 applications for approval of proposed drainage work were
submitted together with the necessary plans, and 113 Combined Drainage Orders were
made.
Smoke Abatement.
During the year 11 complaints were received regarding smoke nuisances, and 146
observations were made. In most cases it was found that the nuisance was caused by
unsatisfactory stoking, and conditions were remedied following advice being given by the
District Sanitary Inspectors. In no case was it found necessary to serve a Notice under
the Public Health (London) Act, 1936.
The co-operation of the Ministry of Fuel and Power was sought in the early part
of the year following complaints of smoke nuisance in respect of large business premises
in the Borough where it was alleged that the nuisance was due to the inferior types of
coal being supplied. Tests were made at the various premises by the Ministry's Engineer.
In some cases advice was given which included instruction from a Stoker Demonstrator,
and in others arrangements were made for a regular supply of a better type of fuel.
Subsequent complaints were received in respect of only one of these premises during the
remainder of the year.
The Public Health Committee considered the desirability of setting up observation
stations within the Borough, and as a result of the Committee's recommendation, the
Council, in May, asked the Metropolitan Boroughs' Standing Joint Committee to consider
the question of the distribution of observation stations throughout the London
area with a view to stations being set up in the areas where they are most required.
Bombed Sites.
Accumulations of refuse on bombed sites present a considerable problem to local
authorities. In very few cases are the accumulations such as to warrant the service of
notice in respect of a " nuisance and there is also the difficulty of assessing responsibilitv
for the accumulations During the year consideration was given to the adaptation of