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39
Although this is an era in which the individual can secure many
new aids to health in time of need from the advances in medical science,
prevention is still better than cure and this is where health education
with its plan for healthy living comes into its own.
Preventive medicine is not spectacular, lacking as it does the drama
and glamour of curative medicine—it is the Cinderella of medicine!—
yet leaving aside the economic disparity between the two branches, surely
the saying "Prevention is better than cure" must have some meaning.
Health education is the means of promoting preventive medicine—a
means which must be used to its utmost.
SANITARY CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE AREA
WATER SUPPLY
Apart from a small area in the extreme south-west part of the
district which is supplied by the Rickmansworth and Uxbridge Valley
Water Company, the Borough is supplied by the Colne Valley Water
Company. Nearly all the water supplied by them is obtained from a
series of wells that are fed by gathering grounds in the Chilterns.
The supply has been satisfactory in quantity and quality and no
adverse sample reports were received. The following is a copy of the
result of the chemical analysis of a sample submitted for examination
in December:—
CHEMICAL RESULTS IN PARTS PER MILLION
Appearance: Bright with a few particles
Colour Nil
PH 7.3
Electric Conductivity 720
Chlorine present as Chloride 80
Hardness: Total 255
Nitrate Nitrogen 2.0
Ammoniacal Nitrogen 0.000
Albuminoid Nitrogen 0.000
Metals—Iron, Zinc, Copper and Lead:
—Absent
Turbidity Nil
Odour Nil
Free Carbon Dioxide 24
Dissolved Solids dried at 180°C 500
Alkalinity as Calcium Carbonate 235
Carbonate 235 non-carbonate 20
Nitrite Nitrogen Absent
Oxygen Absorbed 0.20
Residual Chlorine Absent
"This sample is practically clear and bright in appearance, neutral in
reaction and free from iron and other metals. The water is hard in
character but not unduly so, it contains no excess of mineral constituents.
It is of very satisfactory organic quality.
From the aspect of the chemical analysis these results are indicative
of a pure and wholesome water suitable for drinking and domestic
purposes."