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SECTION C.—SANITARY CIRCUMSTANCES.
WATER.
As usual, complaints as to water supply were few. All were dealt with, and a
remedy found.
Water Supply cut off.
In accordance with the requirements of the Public Health (London) Act, 1936,
section 98 (1), the Metropolitan Water Board reported that the water had been cut
off in 5 occupied premises. The reason for discontinuing the supply was in all cases
the non-payment of rate.
In cases in which the premises were tenement houses, action was taken immediately
on receipt of the Board's notice, in order to secure that the tenants should
suffer no hardship as a result of being deprived of water.
Water Supply in Dwelling Houses.
The certificates granted under section 95 (2) of the Public Health (London) Act,
1936, in respect of new and rebuilt premises numbered three. The number in 1938
was 17.
In 13 instances intimation notices were served, calling for the provision of a
supply of water to the upper storeys of tenement houses, as required by section 95 (5)
of the Public Health (London) Act, 1936. The supply was provided in 10 cases
after receipt of the intimation notice. In the three remaining instances the service
of a statutory notice was necessary to secure compliance with the requirements.
A bye-law of the Council requires that storage cisterns shall be emptied and cleansed
every six months. During the year 18 notices were served in regard to defects in
and necessity for cleansing cisterns.
Private Wells and Borings.
Early in the year, at the request of the Minister of Health, an investigation
was made into the possibility of pollution from disused wells or borings of water.
Of 39 private wells discovered in the Borough, only 14 were found to be in actual
use. No evidence of pollution in connection with any of the borings (in use or
abandoned) was obtained. In the case of those still used for drinking or domestic
purposes, chemical and bacteriological examinations yielded satisfactory results.
In a few instances, where the waters were used only for industrial or other nondomestic
purposes, certain features not entirely satisfactory were discovered, but
in no case could the water be described as a bad one.
DRAINAGE.
The number of drainage plans of new premises deposited and approved during
the year was 27 (northern district 8; southern district 19), and of old buildings, 185
(northern district 79; southern district 106). Inspections made by the Drainage
Inspectors numbered 2,246 (northern district 1,122; southern district 1,124).
Combined Drainage.
Orders under seal as to combined drainage were issued in respect of 8 premises.
CLOSET ACCOMMODATION.
In Table 16 on page 24, summarising the work carried out by the district
inspectors, figures indicating the number of defects in water closets remedied and
of water closets erected are set out. The water-closet is, of course, the only type
of closet in general use, though it may be mentioned that, in connection with air-raid
shelters, chemical closets are commonly being installed.
PUBLIC SANITARY CONVENIENCES.
The usual supervision was exercised over the 15 public conveniences (11 for
men, 4 for women). Inspector Hill, the outdoor superintendent, visited those