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21
SECTION 2.
SANITARY CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE BOROUGH
Water.
There are three sources of supply in the Borough. The
Greenford North, Greenford South and Perivale Wards are supplied
by the Rickmansworth & Uxbridge Valley Water Company, with
the exception of five roads in the Perivale Ward which are served
by the Colne Valley Water Company. The remainder of the
Borough is supplied by the Metropolitan Water Board. These
supplies are not subject to plumbo-solvent action and have been
satisfactory both in quantity and quality. Water from public
mains is supplied to 51,776 houses with an estimated population
of 186,100.
Fourteen samples were taken from wells at six factories in the
Borough using water from deep borings ranging in depth from 300
to 600 feet. The analysis of these samples showed the supplies
were wholesome in character.
Drainage and Sewerage.
There are 26 permanent houses in the Borough not connected
to the Council's sewers. The majority of these are in the outlying
areas and there is no immediate prospect of their being drained to
the Council's sewerage system until these areas have been further
developed.
Rivers and Streams.
Pollution of River Brent.
The pollution of the River Brent is regarded as a matter of
prime importance and as a result of investigations carried out last
year it was realised that a long term view must be taken and
regular sampling and follow-up work undertaken in preventing
further contamination.
There is little doubt that there has been, as a result of the
work so far completed a considerable improvement in the condition
of the river. It is not possible at this stage to say how long it will
be before we are completely satisfied with the samples that are
being taken, but in view of the course of the river through the
industrialised areas, it is inevitable that constant and active watch
will have to be maintained if we are to prevent the bed of this river
becoming fouled by trade wastes and deposited rubbish. Regular
reports are being submitted to the Public Health Committee and a
close watch is being kept on any change noted in the discharges
from any of the numerous sources concerned in this matter.
It is, of course, obvious that pollution will enter from other
Boroughs through which the River Brent flows, unless co-ordination