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WATER SUPPLY
Part IV of the Public Health Act, 1936, as amended by Section 28 of the Water
Act, 1945, and Section 78 of the Public Health Act, 1961, makes it the duty of
every local authority to take such steps as are necessary for ascertaining the sufficiency
and wholesomeness of water supplies within their district.
Of nine samples submitted for bacteriological examination, five, from a private
well, were unsatisfactory. An investigation disclosed that the external storage tank
had been polluted by birds. After thorough sterilisation and the provision of a new
cover, satisfactory samples were obtained.
With one exception the water supply to all dwellings in the borough is direct
from the public mains supply.
The Metropolitan Water Board supplies almost the whole of the borough apart
from the Hadley Wood, Cockfosters, area, which is supplied by the Lee Valley
Water Company.
Both water companies take frequent samples for chemical and bacteriological
examination. No adverse reports were made during the year, all samples conforming
to the standards of purity considered suitable for public safety.
The waters are not liable to have plumbo-solvent action and the fluoride content
is insignificant.
Full details of water supply are published annually by the two water companies.
I am grateful to the Director of Water Examination of the Metropolitan Water
Board for the following report on the water supply to the London Borough of
Enfield for 1968.
" 1. (a) The supply was satisfactory both as to quality, and quantity throughout
1968.
(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 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
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