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SANITARY CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE BOROUGH
Water Supply and Water Services
Water is supplied to nearly the whole of the district by the South-West Suburban Water
Company. The Metropolitan Water Board supplies a small area in the southern part of
the district, and the Rickmansworth & Uxbridge Valley Water Company a small area in
the northern part. The supply is satisfactory, both in quality and quantity. Reports on
sampling carried out by the Metropolitan Water Board are issued from time to time. Five
samples of drinking water were taken from 2 premises during the year for bacteriological
and chemical examination and reported as satisfactory. All inhabited houses are supplied
from public water mains and there are no standpipes in use on mains.
Sanitary Inspections of the District
The total number of inspections of premises made during the year by the Sanitary
Inspectors was 10,239. Notable differences in figures from 1952 are those for atmospheric
pollution and food hygiene. The increase of inspections for atmospheric pollution was
due to concentration on observations and analyses of smoke emission to obtain sufficient
information to use in an effort to secure the maximum reduction in pollution. The reduction
in the number of inspections in food hygiene points to improvements already established,
as a result of former work done by the Inspectors, now requiring fewer visits.
Table XIII gives an analysis of the number and nature of such inspections.
School Sanitation
Routine inspections were carried out during the year of sanitary accommodation in
schools, often in conjunction with inspections of school canteens. Verbal notices were
given to school caretakers with regard to any deviation from maintenance of full cleanliness.
Eradication of Bed Bugs
Statistics for the year:—
(1a) Number of Council houses
(1) Found to be infested 6
(2) Disinfested during the year 6
(b) Number of other houses Total 17
(1) Found to be infested 11
(2) Disinfested during the year 11
Canal Boats
Visits were paid to the canal, and 3 boats were inspected. The condition of boats and
occupants was satisfactory.
There were no complaint notices issued by other authorities.
Mortuary and Post-Mortem Room
The mortuary, situated in Havelock Road, provides adequate accommodation for the
Borough. Four bodies were deposited in the mortuary during the year.
Factories Act, 1937
The following tables give details of the work done in connection with the factories and
outworkers in the Borough:—
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