View report page

In 13 cases where the owners were not traced or who defaulted the work was
carried out by the Council's contractor, and the cost made a charge on the land.
WATER SUPPLY
The domestic water supply in the borough is supplied by the Metropolitan Water
Board. The supply to the area is derived from the Rivers Thames and Lea, and is
not pi umbo-so 1 vent. Daily 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 1971. No artificial f1uoride was added and where fluoride is indicated
in the analyses it represents the naturally occurring fluoride in the water.
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 18 deep wells in the borough in use.
The Metropolitan Water Board was notified on 13 occasions where wastage of water
was taking place. Notifications were received from the Board on 13 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 supplied to their boroughs which is provided by the
Metropolitan and other Water Boards.
Section 23 of the Greater London Council (General Powers) 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 pipes etc. The Medical Officer of Health is authorised by the Council
to exercise its powers under this enactment in appropriate cases.
-55-