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A report on atmospheric pollution issued by the Warren Springs
laboratory states that the major factor in determining the pattern of a
concentration of sulphur dioxide and smoke is the weather which
determines the tendency of pollutants to build up near ground level
or to be dispersed harmlessly into the upper atmosphere. From the
report also it is obvious that smoke concentrations have fallen dramatically
in London since 1955-56 but there has been no detectable reduction
in sulphlir dioxide concentrations. The average sulphur dioxide
concentration in 1962-63 was 332 microgrammes per cubic metecand
the smoke concentration was 110 microgrammes per cubic metee. It
will be seen that both the smoke and sulpha dioxide concentrations in
East Barnet are very considerably below these figures.
The amount of work due to the operation of the Clean Air Act
continues to increase as the number of areas becomes larger. Although
on paper an area becomes operative on the 1st October each year
there still remains a number of householders who appear to leave
works until the last moment and also a number of enquiries are
received each year regarding earlier areas.
WATER SUPPLY
The Lee Valley Water Company supplies the district with its water
supply. The supply is largely obtained from deep wells sunk into
chalk. The Company took 2,349 samples of water representative of
supply for bacteriological examination over the whole of its area of
supply. Of these only 9 contained E Coli, giving a percentage of purity
of 99.6 per cent.
During the year the Water Company took 398 samples of water
for bacteriological and 20 samples for chemical examination from the
local supply. All these samples were satisfactory.
In addition to the above 10 water samples for bacteriological
examination were submitted by the Department to the Laboratory at
Coppetts Wood Hospital. All these samples were satisfactory.
INFESTATIONS
rodent control
During the year 498 complaints of rats and mice were investigated
and where necessary the premises adjoining the houses from which the
original complaints were received were also visited. In consequence
653 properties were inspected for the presence of rats and mice. Of
these properties 464 were found to have signs of infestations and were
treated.
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