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Section C— Sanitary Circumstances.
Water Supply.
The district is in the supply area of the Sutton District Water
Company. The supply is derived from deep wells in the chalk at
Sutton, Cleam and Woodmansterne and is augmented at intervals
by water derived from river sources.
In January, the Minister of Health issued Memorandum 221 for
the guidance of water undertakers, setting out in some detail the nature
of the precautions which should be taken in their day-to-day administration.
The considerations raised therein were discussed with representatives
of the Water Company in their appfication to local
arrangements.
Eight samples of the public supply were taken by the Department,
5 for bacteriological examination and 3 for chemical analysis. All
were entirely satisfactory except for one, which showed some trace of
undesirable contamination. A " repeat " sample taken immediately
the report was available failed to confirm the previous finding and was
completely satisfactory.
It should be observed that the wholesomeness of any controlled
water supply cannot be judged on the results of the analysis of isolated
samples. It cannot be passed as fit or condemned as unfit on a single
examination. Several factors may invalidate the findings of an analysis.
There may, for instance, have been a slight error in the technique of
sampling or a local and temporary source of pollution in the house
from which the sample was taken.
The primary responsibility rests with the Water Company, who,
in conformity with recognised practice, have instituted arrangements
for the regular and repeated examination of their supplies, the results
of which are considered in the light of the circumstances under which
the supply is produced. From the point of view of the Local Authority,
control by way of water analyses should be in the nature of a
check by periodic routine sampling, together with special samples
taken immediately circumstances come to notice which indicate a
potential risk from the supply. An analysis which indicates deterioration
in the usual high quality unsupported by other evidence should
be read as a warning calling for the prompt investigation of all the
circumstances involved. In short, opinion based only on reports of
isolated samples is of very little value and may be definitely
misleading.
Drainage and Sewerage.
The District has separate sewers for foul and surface water.
Sewage is disposed of by an arrangement with the Croydon Corporation
whereby the whole of the sewage of the district is pumped to the
works of that authority.
No additions or alterations of any note were made during the year,
but the Scheme for the elimination of cess-pools at the Oaks Park,
referred to in the previous Report, was completed.
The drainage of two houses was connected to the sewers and one
cess-pool abolished. Seventy-seven drainage obstructions affecting
250 houses received attention.
Drainage repairs were executed at 53 premises.
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