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WATER SUPPLY
The mains water supplies to this Borough were described in the previous Annual Report. It
will be seen from the results of chemical examination of these supplies in 1970 that the highest
level of natural fluoride was 0.20 parts per million. This compares unfavourably with the optimum
level of 1 part per million which is the desirable amount of the fluoride element in water to give
the best effect on tooth development.
During the year the number of water samples taken by Public Health Inspectors and submitted
to the Public Health Laboratory Service for bacteriological examination was ten of which
none was found to be unsatisfactory.
There was close liaison between the Acting Medical Officer of Health and the Medical
Director of the Metropolitan Water Board on water problems and questions regarding the health of
Bexley residents employed by the Board and other employees of the Board working in Bexley.
Dr. E. Windle Taylor, C.B.E., M.A., M.D., D.P.H., F.C.Path., the Medical Director of the
Metropolitan Water Board kindly prepared and sent the following information to the Medical
Officer of Health regarding water supplied by the Metropolitan Water Board in Bexley in respect of
the whole year
1. (a) The supply was satisfactory both as to (i) quality, and (ii) quantity throughout 1970.
(b) All new and repaired mains are disinfected with chlorine; after a predetermined period
of contact the pipes are flushed out and refilled; samples of water are then collected
from these treated mains; and the mains are returned to service only after the analytical
results are found to be satisfactory.
The quality control from these laboratories is carried out by means of daily sampling
from sources of supply, from the treatment works or well stations, from the distribution
system, and through to the consumer. Any sign of contamination or any other
abnormality is immediately investigated.
(c) (i) The Board has no record of the number of structurally separate dwellings supplied
in the area, but the population supplied direct according to the Registrar-General's
estimates at 30th June, 1970, was 215,140.
(ii) No houses were permanently supplied by standpipe.
(d) No artificial fluoride is being added, and where the fluoride content is indicated in the
analyses it represents the naturally occurring fluoride in the water.
2. (a) The Supply was derived from the following works and pumping stations
River Thames — derived water from Hampton, Kempton Park and Surbiton pumping
stations. Well water from Wilmington, Darenth, Wansunt, Crayford, Eynsford, Horton
Kirby and Bexley pumping stations.
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