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supply from certain of these wells—mainly supplying each one or
two cottages—leaves something to be desired as a safe product. It
is, however, advantageous to know just what the position is so that
steps may be taken without delay to deal with it.
In the cases reviewed, when water was found to be unsatisfactory,
a notice that the water should be boiled was immediately
served upon the consumers and the person responsible for the well.
Coincidently remedial measures relative to the well itself and the
surrounding ground were taken and so far as possible the source
of supply was rendered satisfactory. It is, however, the case that
recurrences of pollution in instances such as this must always be
borne in mind as a possibility.
Every household is entitled to a sufficient and pure water
supply, but the difficulties of ensuring that this theoretical observation
is translated into practical reality must be realised, as must
the fact that time also will elapse before it is an established fact.
In regard to certain unsatisfactory wells the question of
extending the water main to the households affected is being pursued
with the South Essex Waterworks Company.
As an example of progress a certain group of cottages was found
to have a water supply open to pollution by reason of exposure to
contamination through disposal of excreta on nearby ground, and
in this instance arrangements were made with the owner of the
cottages for main water to be supplied and at the same time for
an extension of the scheme to include provision for dealing with
the waste water after domestic use, and for privy conversions.
This illustrates the complexity of the many problems of this
nature in that the matter begins rather than ends with the provision
of main water, since this latter in turn also necessitates the provision
of some adequate form of drainage on obvious sanitary
grounds, since apart from anything else, the increased use for
domestic purposes, such as washing, must entail corresponding
disposal difficulties.
Rodent Control.
During the year a special scheme sponsored by the Ministry
of Food came into being for private dwellings.
You agreed to participate and ultimately 3 Rodent Operatives
were appointed for the purpose of completing by 31st March, 1947,
that part of the scheme relating to this department.
A charge was fixed for dealing with business premises although
private dwellings under this particular scheme were treated free.