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Water Supply. The Metropolitan Water Board is responsible for the water
supply in the Borough ; it was satisfactory in quality and quantity. So far as can
be ascertained, there were 15 wells in the Borough used chiefly for trade and
kindred purposes, and all dwelling houses were supplied direct from public water
mains.
Eradication of Bed Bugs. Appropriate action was taken in all cases of
infestation coming to the knowledge of the department ; 1,845 inspections were carried
out in connection therewith. Hydrogen Cyanide was used in the disinfestation of
one building, and of nine loads of furniture.
Rat Destruction. There are no large areas of rat infestation in Woolwich,
nevertheless, a considerable amount of time and effort was devoted to rat extermination.
A thorough investigation was made as a result of every complaint received,
and baiting and trapping under the direction of the Sanitary Inspectors was carried
out, where necessary, by the Council's workmen. The number of inspections made
on account of rats was 6,482. The baiting of the sewers in the Borough commenced
in December, 1943, and was completed during January, 1944. Baits were laid in
2,427 manholes necessitating approximately 18,000 visits. The estimated number
of rats killed, based on the method of calculation adopted by the Ministry of Food,
was 9,946. At the end of the year arrangements were in progress for a maintenance
treatment of the sewers to be undertaken in January, 1945.