View report page

The Metropolitan Water Board's Director of Water Examination
reported that the analysis of the samples from both houses showed
the water to be of good bacteriological and physical quality, clean,
bright in appearance and of the highest hygienic quality. Traces
of copper, however, were found in water taken from the mains water
supply, and considerably more copper was found in the water drawn
from the hot water supply tap. Whilst the amount of copper
present is not injurious to health, on rare occasions there is an
adverse effect on aluminium ware, for a comparatively short period.
The two houses concerned are equipped throughout in copper
piping. The Board's Director advised that kettles and pans
should be filled from the cold water supply tap in order to minimise
corrosion; alternatively, the use of good enamel cooking utensils
was recommended in place of aluminium in premises newly fitted with
copper supply piping.
The Council's Public Analyst to whom samples were also submitted
for testing, reported the presence of 0.5 parts per million of copper
in one sample of water, and 0.3 parts per million in the other sample.
Although not rendering the water injurious to health, the presence of
copper can affect its taste and in his view there was little doubt
that the effect on the aluminium pans was due to the presence of
copper in conjunction with the hardness of the water. The Public
Analyst recommended running the water for a period as a practical
measure to reduce the effect on aluminium ware.
The complainants were advised of these facts and no further
complaints were received.
There are seven wells in use in the Borough, and samples of
well water taken for bacteriological examination showed the water
to be satisfactory.
Well water is used at the Council's swimming baths at Plumstead
and Woolwich, and for fire fighting and industrial purposes.
DRAINAGE
The Public Health Inspectors supervised the necessary work
of repair or reconstruction of the 319 drainage defects which were
found during the year. Twenty-seven smoke tests were applied on
private or combined drains suspected of being defective. Of the
27 tests made, 15 drains were found to be defective. In one instance
the drain was found to be no longer in use and was exposed by the staff
of the Department and permanently sealed off.
Twenty-four combined drains were tested and where necessary the
work of repair was carried out by the responsible owners.
-17-