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proportions and is not plumbo-solvent. Samples of the water are subjected for quality control
to regular routine chemical and bacteriological examination at the Board's laboratories.
The water supply to the borough has been satisfactory both in quality and quantity during
1968 No fluoride was added, there being a small amount of fluoride naturally present in the
supply.
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 subsequently
checked as to quality, before the structures are restored to service. No houses are permanently
supplied by standpipe.
There are 16 deep wells in the borough. Bacteriological and chemical analyses of water
from these wells are made periodically and the results reported to this department.
The Metropolitan Water Board was notified on 49 occasions where wastage of water was
taking place. Notifications were received from the Board on 17 occasions of intention to
withdraw the supply from premises because of non-payment of rates.
In October 1965 the Council resolved in favour of fluoridation of the water supply.
However, in this respect councils in the Greater London area do not have overall control of
the water supplies to their boroughs which are provided by the Metropolitan and other water
boards.
Section 23 of the Greater London Council (General Purposes) Act 1967 empowers the Council
to carry out work and recover the reasonable expenses incurred thereby to secure that the
supply of water to a building is restored by the statutory water undertakers where such supply
has been disconnected by reason of the defective state of the supply pipe etc. The Medical
Officer of Health is authprised by the Council to exercise its powers under this enactment in
appropriate cases.
WORKS IN DEFAULT
Works were carried out by the Council on 79 occasions duringthe year in default of persons
on whom notices were served requiring the execution of works.
They comprised one instance of failure to abate nuisances under Section 93 of the Public
Health Act, 55 instances of failure to comply with notices served under Section 17, Public
Health Act, 1961 regarding choked drains, 11 instances of failure to comply with notices served
under Section 75 of the Public Health Act, 1936 with respect to the provision of dustbins, and
12 instances of failure to comply with notices served under Section 4 of the Prevention of
Damage by Pests Act, 1949 for clearance of refuse from sites and erection of corrugated steel
fencing.
STATISTICS
Tables 52 to 54 of the Appendix give additional statistical information of the environ*
mental health services.
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