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The results of the bacteriological examination of the raw
waters were typical of waters derived from the Chalk, some of
which showed the normal deterioration in quality which occurs
after heavy rainfall. In all cases the results indicated that
the waters were suitable for treatment. Bacteriological examinations
of the treated waters indicated that these were of
uniformly excellent quality.
(b) Chemical Analyses.
The arrangements for chemical analyses are similar to those
for bacteriological examinations. The total numbers of samples
analysed in the laboratory of the Water Undertaking and by the
Consultants were 87 samples of raw waters and 116 of treated
waters going into supply. The results of these analyses were
uniformly satisfactory.
(c) Unsatisfactory Samples.
The Health Department is warned by telephone whenever preliminary
results of bacteriological tests show presumptive coli.
The Water Engineer is immediately notified. If there is no
apparent cause simultaneous re-sampling by the Water and Health
Departments is performed. Further action depends on the findings
of these re-tests. Last year one re-test was needed and showed
the water was not at fault.
Testing of Samples by the Health Department.
Weekly samples have been submitted to the area Public Health
Laboratory, for bacteriological examination, the premises from
which samples are taken are selected to cover each week the
different sources of supply to the several areas of the borough.
In addition, a monthly chemical analysis is carried out by the
Public Analyst, who is furnished with copies of the reports of
the bacteriologist
During the year under review the total number of examinations
performed were:-
Bacteriological 270
Chemical 12