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127
Colonel Bolton's observations were directed (1) to the deterioration
of the water by the dirty and uncovered condition of the cisterns;
(2) to the need for frequent cleansing of cisterns; and (3) to the
misplacing of the cistern, where there is but one, and that one
situated over a water-closet, and having an untrapped waste-pipe
communicating with the drains.
The importance of the subject is undeniable; and your Vestry's
Sanitary Inspectors have standing instructions to examine into the
condition of the cisterns, and the water, in every house they inspect,
when practicable. It is the fact, however, that cisterns are often
so placed as to be inaccessible to inspection or for cleansing: the
solitary cistern, moreover, is often placed immediately over the
water-closet, as stated by Colonel Bolton. With respect to the
improper placing of a cistern we have no power to interfere, but
tho Water Companies might, if so minded, do something to remedy
the evil complained of. The 13th regulation reads thus:—
"Every cistern shall be properly covered and placed
in such a position that it may be inspected and cleansed."
With respect to the "waste-pipe." It was the custom of the
Water Examiner to call the attention of the Local Government
Board to the 14th regulation in his monthly reports, until (I presume)
he tired of so fruitless a proceeding. The regulations reads
thus:—
"No overflow or waste pipe other than a 'warning pipe' shall be attached to
auy cistern supplied with water by the Company, and any such overflow
or waste-pipe existing at the time when these regulations come into
operation shall be removed, or at the option of the consumer shall be
converted into an efficient 'warning pipe,' within two calendar months
next after the Company shall have given notice to the occupier of, or left
at the premises in which such cistern is situate a notice in writing requiring
such alteration t.o be made."
The power to abolish waste-pipes, universally, rests with the
Companies alone, and some years ago I endeavoured to stimulate
the Local Companies to exercise their power. I was given to
understand that the Chelsea Company—at the time they were short
of water, prior to the construction of their new works at West
Molesey—had taken steps to abolish waste-pipes, with a view
to economise consumption, but I was quite unable to get the