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13
SECTION C.
SANITARY CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE AREA.
Water Supplies.
Main: The feature of the year was the remarkable spell of dry
weather which confounded even the diehard supporters of the British
(in this sense 'English' is perhaps parochial) Summer. The result was
a drought which in this District produced inconvenience and one or
two isolated situations which were somewhat more serious but transient.
Considering the circumstances with which they were confronted it is
my personal view that the South Essex Waterworks Company are to
be congratulated on the manner in which they successfully met the
challenge. Their co-operation is normally of the highest order and
one always feels that enquiries are met with understanding and desire
to ensure—with us—the fullest public service.
Twelve samples were taken by my Department during the year
from the main supply. 4 were submitted for chemical and bacteriological
examination and 8 for bacteriological examination only. In each case
a satisfactory report was received.
The South Essex Waterworks Company have kindly supplied the
following particulars concerning the main supply for the District: —
"The water supply of the whole of your area has been satisfactory
in quality and quantity, but owing to the exceptionally high demand
during the extreme drought periods, the pressures were at times less
than normal.
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 4,130 chemical, bacteriological and biological
examinations have been made and all water going into supply was
wholesome. In addition, samples were examined for radioactivity.
Analyses have also been made of samples obtained from consumers'
taps in the various parts of the Company's district, including that of
your Council, and all proved to be satisfactory.
The water is not plumbo-solvent.
No action has been necessary in respect to any form of contamination.
The number of dwelling houses supplied as at the 31st December,
1959, was 40,002 and the population as at the 30th June, 1959, as
obtained from the Registrar-General, was 122,600.
We are unable to state the number of houses supplied by standpipes,
but the total is quite insignificant."