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14
SECTION C.
SANITARY CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE AREA.
Water Supplies— General.
A comprehensive report on the well waters used in the district
was submitted to you, together with notes on the nitrate position
reflected therein. The report emphasized not only what remains to
be done to provide a main service for the whole area but also what
has been done to make the position as satisfactory as it now is. As
a consequence the Council have agreed to contribute some £260 for
12 years towards the cost of a mains extension from the Gerpins Lane
area to Hunts Hill Cottages available en route to serve properties
along Aveley Road and part of Bramble Lane. The actual work
approved by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government comprised
1,300 yards of 6 inch main and 400 yards of 4 inch main. This represents
a major step in tackling what relatively small well water problem
persists locally and removes a real source of potential trouble to the
district and disquiet to my Department.
The largest problem now remaining in this connection is that
of the Dennises Corner area which is still supplied by well water but
is smaller in extent than the Hunts Hill area and more difficult to
solve. This problem also you will doubtless review in due course.
On a minor note it may be mentioned that we secured the provision
of a standpipe to certain mainly old property in the Corbets Tey area.
The water supply position has therefore received radical and
enlightened treatment during the year.
The main supply is from the South Essex Waterworks Company
and is of excellent quality. 11 samples were taken by the Public
Health Department during the year and a typical sample analysis is
provided below :—
"This sample is practically clear and bright in appearance,
has a reaction on the alkaline side of neutrality and is free from
metals apart from a negligible trace of iron. The water is
hard in character but its hardness and its content of mineral
and saline constituents in solution are not excessive. Its
organic quality and bacterial purity are very satisfactory.
These results are indicative of a water which is pure and wholesome
in character and suitable for drinking and domestic purposes."
The South Essex Waterworks Company were good enough to
supply us with the following particulars :—
"The water supply of the whole of your area has been satisfactory
in quality and quantity.
Bacteriological and chemical examinations are made of the
raw water, of the water in its various stages of treatment and
of the water going into supply.
A total of over 3,800 chemical, bacteriological and biological
examinations have been made and all water going into supply
was wholesome.