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12
Water.
Although at a small number of blocks of flats and offices water for domestic purposes is obtained
from private wells, the chief source of a constant supply throughout the Borough is from the mains
of the Metropolitan Water Board. In no case was it necessary to draw the attention of the Board to
the quality or quantity of the water. In accordance with the provisions of the Public Health (London)
Act, 1936, the Board notified three instances where water had been cut off in occupied premises, two
for non-payment of rates and the other for waste of water. In all cases the supply was reinstated,
one after service of a notice under section 26 (1) of the London County Council (General Powers) Act,
1955. This Act provides for the Council to carry out work necessary to secure reinstatement of water
supply and recover reasonable expenses from the owner of the property, and this procedure was adopted.
Two complaints were received regarding quality of water. On investigation the supply was found to
be wholesome but the storage tanks required cleansing and in one case provision of a proper cover.
The necessary work was done following service of notices.
Further examinations of the private well waters from the twelve borings still in use (eight in full
operation and four for emergency purposes only), were made by the Council's Bacteriologist. These
indicated that since the last survey, made in 1947 at the request of the Ministry of Health, there has
been no appreciable change. The reports for 1957 were generally satisfactory, and no pathogenic
contamination was found. It is the practice of the Department to keep the wells supplying water for
drinking purposes under observation and sample their waters every six months.
Fifty-two certificates relating to the provision of a proper and sufficient supply of water in
dwelling-houses were granted under section 96 (2) of the Public Health (London) Act, 1936, in respect
of newly-erected or rebuilt premises, including four buildings comprising 36 flats.
Drainage—Alterations and New Buildings.
Of the 282 drainage plans approved during the year, 45 were in respect of new buildings. It would
seem that the " credit squeeze " had the effect of reducing the amount of smaller building and conversion
works undertaken but the erection of new buildings continued unabated. Amongst these was a
multi-storage garage for Selfridges Holdings, Ltd., which, it is hoped, when completed will ease the
car parking problem in the area. Most of the new buildings are for office accommodation, which seems
to be let without any delay, and it has been proposed to erect some of seventeen and twenty stories.
Upon request, the Borough Engineer examined 97 sewer connections and 45 of them were found to
be defective and had to be renewed.
The two drainage inspectors made 3,508 visits and no circumstances were found which necessitated
legal proceedings.
Combined Drainage.
Seven orders under seal were issued in respect of combined drainage operations.
Ventilation of Sewers.
In the Annual Report for 1953, reference was made to the working party of representatives of the
London County Council and the Metropolitan Boroughs' Standing Joint Committee, who were
investigating the causes of complaints of offensive smells from sewers and means of improving
conditions. Subsequent reports have mentioned the progress made.
During the year now under review the London County Council agreed to erect ventilating shafts
on the middle level sewer at St. John's Wood Circle and to fit baffle boards in branch sewers serving
Wellington Road and St. John's Wood High Street. The sewers at all suitable Council properties are
now ventilated through gratings in interceptor rodding arms but line ventilation has not been achieved.
Town Planning.
Observations were made on 85 plans submitted under the Town and Country Planning Act, 1947,
and referred to the Department by the Council.
Rodent Control.
There were 354 notifications of rat infestations received regarding premises in the borough, a
reduction of 36 on the previous year (390). The decline has continued from 1953, when the total was
595. Notifications of mouse infestations totalled 275, one more than during the previous year; this
figure is also less than that for 1953 when it was 337. During the year, 8 blocks were surveyed and
test-baited; 3 rat infestations and 11 mouse infestations, all of a localised and minor character, were
discovered and treated. These rat infestations represent 0.7 per cent. of the premises concerned in