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The treatment of Scabies is referred to on a later page.
REHOUSING AND DISINFESTATION. The practice of inspecting
present accommodation, bedding and furniture of prospective
tenants of temporary dwellings and new permanent houses
continued throughout the year.
Disinfestation prior to removal was found to be
necessary in 24 instances.
12.
DESTRUCTION OF MOTHS. The arrangement to assist members
of the public in the destruction of moths by offering the
use of the Council's disinfecting plant continued. Advantage
of this was taken in one instance, no charge being made.
2.
WATER SUPPLY. Generally, this service is provided and
maintained by the Metropolitan Water Board direct from the
mains. Examinations of the water are made by the Board.
No complaints were received during the year.
Following upon the flooding of the Lee Bridge Works of
the Metropolitan Water Board early on Saturday, 15th March,
pumping was immediately stopped and alternative arrangements
were made by the Board for a supply of water to the areas
affected. The Town Clerk was informed of the position
soon after noon. During the week-end repeated warnings
regarding boiling of water wore broadcast, and police loudspeaker
cars toured the Borough.
As an additional precaution a letter was sent on 17th
March to all food manufacturers, caterers, ice cream makers
and public houses in the Borough, and the Sanitary
Inspectors and Health Visitors were instructed to impress on
members of the public the importance of boiling the water.
Leaflets were also printed for distribution from clinics,
libraries, schools, the Rates Department, etc.
Fortunately it did not prove necessary to supplement the
water supply in Poplar by the use of tankers.
Daily sampling was carried out by the Water Board at
many scattered points in the areas affected.
On 29th March it was announced there would be ho further
necessity for boiling drinking water.
No case of illness which could be attributed to infected
water was notified in the Borough.
LONDON UNDERGROUND WATER - Wells and Borings. In a letter
dated August, 1947, the Minister of Health drew attention to
the possibility of pollution from disused wells or borings
of water obtained from the chalk under London and suggested
that a survey of the position might usefully be undertaken
at that time.
A comprehensive report dealing with (i) private wells
in Poplar which are now disused, (ii) private wells in
Poplar in use for commercial purposes only, and (iii)private
wells in Poplar used for drinking, and including details