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61.
Water Supply
The domestic water supply in the Borough is taken from the Metropolitan
Water Board. The supply to the area is a mixture of filtered water derived
from the River Thames and River Lee in varying proportions and is not plumbo
-solvent. Samples of the water are subjected to regular routine chemical and
bacteriological examination at the Board's laboratories and the results are
available to the local authority.
The water supply to the Borough has been satisfactory both in quality
and quantity during 1965.
Immediate action is taken in respect of any form of contamination revealed
by inspection or analysis. All new and repaired mains are disinfected with
chlorine and the water in them is subsequently checked as to its quality, before
the structures are restored to service.
There are 19 deep wells in the Borough used for industrial purposes.
Bacteriological and chemical analyses of water from these wells are made
periodically and results reported to this Department. All were reported as
satisfactory.
The number of instances where water supply to premises was reinstated or
repaired following action taken by the department was 77 and the Board was
notified on 44 occasions where wastage of water was taking place.Notifications
were received from the Board on 20 occasions of intention to withdraw supply
from premises because of non-payment of rates.
The Council resolved in favour of fluoridation of the water supply.
However, in this respect the Councils in the Greater London area do not have
overall control of the water supplies to their boroughs which are provided by
the Metropolitan Water Board, and other boards.
More than a year has passed since local authorities were given powers to
proceed with fluoridation, and it is to be hoped that another year will not
be allowed to lapse before our children's teeth are given protection and the
nation's dental service costs thereby reduced. Unfortunately, a vocal minority
group creates dissention amongst lay members of Councils whenever this issue
is debated. It would appear that short of further enabling legislation the
"impasse" will continue.
The Chief Public Health Inspector, Mr. H. Luke, reports:
Although the duties of Public Health Inspectors may be divided
into a number of categories, two main groups emerge - subjects requiring
immediate attention and those of a routine character which may
be dealt with as time allows.