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193
the cisterns. The attention of householders cannot, therefore,
be too frequently drawn to the necessity for the periodical
cleansing of cisterns used for storing potable water. Cisterns,
moreover, should be properly covered, so as to exclude light
and dirt; and so placed that the water may be kept cool in
summer, without being in danger of freezing in winter. It
may be added, that when "constant supply" is given, a screwdown
draw-off tap should be affixed to the rising main, or
service pipe, so that drinking and cooking water may be
drawn therefrom, fresh and uncontaminated, without the
intervention of cisterns, which are required for washing,
flushing, baths, and similar purposes. A stop-valve, moreover,
should be fixed outside the premises to prevent damage to the
house in case of pipes burst by frost or other causes.
The Public Health (London) Act, 1891 (sec. 50), enables
the Sanitary Authority to make bye-laws for the cleansing of
cisterns, and your Vestry have exercised the power. But no
bye-law has any validity unless, and until, confirmed by the
Local Government Board, and at the present time the necessary
confirmation has not been accorded.
The importance of a constant service cannot be overrated.
It is the intention of the County Council to procure
this advantage for Londoners; but how long it will take to
bring it about I am unable to say. This subject, doubtless,
will be dealt with in the forthcoming Report of the Royal
Commission, with the effect, it may be anticipated, of accelerating
the desired consummation. For my own views, in extenso,
on this important subject, I may refer to my last annual report
(pp. 215-221). With respect to the cutting-off powers of the
Companies,with which I also dealt in that report (pp. 221-225),
it may be interesting to mention that a Bill has been
brought into Parliament this year—by private members—
which proposes, among other amendments of the Public Health
Act of 1891, to take away those powers.
M