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149
Francis Bolton's observations were directed (1) to the deterioration
of 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
frequently not only situated over a water closet, but also having
communication with the drains by means of the waste-pipe.
The importance of the subject is undeniable, and, with the
view to removal of defects, your Vestry's Sanitary Inspectors
have standing instructions to inspect the cisterns of every house
visited, where practicable. It is the fact, however, that cisterns
are frequently so situated as to be inaccessible for inspection and
cleansing alike; often, moreover, there is but one cistern, and
that one over a water closet, as stated by Sir Francis Bolton.
The Sanitary Authority has no control over the placing of
cisterns, but the Water Companies might, if so minded, remedy
the evil complained of, viz., under the 13th Regulation, which
provides that "Every cistern . . . shall be . . .
perly covered, and placed in such a position that it may be
inspected and cleansed."
All that relates to water supply has great interest for me,
and the deterioration of water in dirty cisterns has been frequently
referred to in my reports. I was glad, therefore, that the subject
had been brought to the notice of the Local Government Board,
to whose communication a reply was sent, calling their attention
to the necessity for such an alteration in the law as should give
Sanitary Authorities co-ordinate power with the companies to
enforce the regulations, and so enable them to give effect to the
views of the Water Examiner. The Board, however, took no
action in the matter.
Abolition of Waste-Pipes.—In a Memorandum by the
Medical Officer to the Local Government Board, on "Precautions
against Cholera," adverted to in my Report for 1883, it was
advised that "any connections of waste-pipes of cisterns with
drains should be severed." This advice being accordant with the
views of your Vestry, advantage was taken of the opportunity it
afforded to draw attention, once again, to the imperfections of