London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Erith 1949
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Erith]
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35
SECTION F.—WATER SUPPLY—MILK AND FOOD
AND DRUGS
F (1) Water Supply
The water in this district is almost exclusively supplied
by the Metropolitan Water Board. The water though
possessing a considerable degree of hardness, is of good
quality and is palatable. The supply is led direct into the dwellings
served, no standpipes being known to exist.
Routine examinations of such supplies have been undertaken
throughout the year with completely satisfactory
results, and arrangements exist with the Kent County Council
for 2 samples of this supply to be submitted to the Laboratory
monthly for bacteriological examination.
Report on a sample submitted for chemical analysis is as follows :—
| Parts per 100,000 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Total solid residue | .39 | |
| Chlorine | 2.7 | |
| Free Ammonia | None | |
| Albuminoid Ammonia | 0.002 | |
| Nitrogen as Nitrates | 0.6 | |
| Nitrogen as Nitrites | None | |
| Oxygen absorbed ¼ hour at 26.7° C. | 0.007 | |
| „ „ 4 hours at 26.7° C. | 0.010 | |
| Toxic metals | Not detected | |
| Free chlorine and chloramine on receipt | None | |
| Hardness | Permanent | 8.0 |
| Temporary | 22.8 | |
| Total | 30.8 | |
The water is of satisfactory organic quality and, on the
above chemical analysis, should be fit for drinking.
(Signed) H. E. Monk,
B.Sc., F.R.I.C.
Public Analyst for County of Kent.
8th April 1949