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submitted for bacteriological examination to the Counties Public
Health Laboratory were forwarded to me. In all cases the results
were satisfactory.
Complaints were received from the occupiers of new flats alleging
copper contamination in the water supply. This matter was taken up
with the Chief Chemist and Bacteriologist of the Barnet District
Water Company, to whom I am grateful for the following report:—
"Complaints of this nature are quite commonly received by
Water Authorities throughout the country, from the occupants of new
houses which are provided with copper plumbing systems.
"With regard to the water supplied by this Company, the water
is non-aggressive towards copper. A protective carbonate film is
slowly formed on the inside of new service pipes of this material, and
this, in due course, effectively prevents the further passing of metal
into solution. It may be several months before complete protection is
obtained, but I emphasise that for the interim period, the copper
taken up by the water is infinitely small in quantity, being of the order
of fractional parts per million, despite intense green staining frequently
observed. We combat the "nuisance value" of this green staining by
advising consumers to flush the tap for a few moments, particularly
first thing in the morning, before water is drawn off for boiling in
kettles, etc., thereby fresh water from the main which does not contain
copper is drawn into the service pipe. A flow for a few moments
suffices to flush the normal service pipe.
"In relation to health, I am firmly of the opinion that the
amount of copper ingested from the water is harmless. Copper is not
a cumulative poison and expert opinion is freely expressed that "cases
of ill health or poisoning due to copper, have never arisen from the
consumption of copper in water."
All dwelling-houses in the Borough are supplied with water from
public water mains direct to the houses with the exception of 4 houses
serving a population of 9 which are served by a standpipe.
Pollution of Streams and Watercourses
Further investigations have been carried out regarding the
pollution of streams in and adjoining the district and in connection
therewith, a number of soil fittings were found to be connected to the
surface water sewers and appropriate action was taken for these to
be made to discharge into the soil sewers.
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