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16
The water supply is not plumbo-solvent.
No action has been necessary in respect to any form of
contamination.
The number of dwelling houses supplied as at 31st
December last, was 29,112 and the population as at 30th
June, 1949, as obtained from the Registrar-General, was
103,000."
Approximately 0.6 per cent, of the inhabitated houses, and 0.6
per cent, of the population of the Urban District obtain their water
from standpipes.
Systematic sampling was carried out by the Department during
the year in conjunction with other local authorities obtaining their
supplies from the South Essex Waterworks Company. In all 11
samples were taken. A typical report is as follows :—
"This sample is practically clear and bright in appearance,
neutral in reaction and free from metals. The water is very hard
in character though not to an excessive degree, contains no excessive
saline or mineral constituents in solution, and is of satisfactory
organic quality.
These results are consistent with a water which, from the aspect
of a chemical analysis, is wholesome in character and suitable for
drinking and domestic purposes."
5 samples of well water were taken during the year and submitted
to the Counties Public Health Laboratories for bacteriological and
chemical examination. The results as were to be expected, were
variable.
Fortunately, although this is important, only a very small percentage
of our population is supplied other than from the mains,
but it is recognised that shallow wells are not likely to be a suitable
source of any domestic water supply and it will be our endeavour as
soon as opportunity permits to deal with such sources in a manner
other than by merely advocating boiling.
Insect Pests.
A full note on this matter was made last year.
Complaints have arisen during the unusually good weather we
had in the summer of 1949 that the house fly was unusually prevalent.
It may be assumed that we will take immediate steps to deal
with any reservoir of infection which may exist in the area but it
should be emphasised that every householder can provide a valuable
contribution to the house fly problem byensuring that the said flies
are not encouraged to frequent houses through careless habits in
relation to food and the like.
Smoke Abatement.
Arrangements continue as last year. 60 visits were paid to
the various sites throughout the district in addition to which 596
analyses were made in connection with the Volumetric SO 2