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105
Water Supply
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
by S. R. Daly, LL.M., B.Sc., D.P.A. (Lond.), Barrister-at-Law
Chief Public Health Inspector.
The water supply of the Borough of Redbridge is provided
by two statutory undertakers, namely the Metropolitan
Water Board and the South Esse* Waterworks Company and has
been of satisfactory quality and sufficient quantity during the
period under review.
The principal source of supply of the former is derived
from Lee Bridge Works repumped at Woodford where some well
water is also received from time to time from Ferry Lane
Pumping Station. In addition, parts of the borough receive
well water from Wanstead Pumping Station. During the year no
new sources of supply were instituted. 1,191 samples were
submitted to chemical and/or bacteriological examination.
No fluoride was added, although there was a natural fluoride
content of 0.20 milligrammes per litre in the River Lee derived
water. The supply being hard in character is not liable to be
plumbo-solvent.
All new and repaired mains are disinfected with chlorine,
after a predetermined period of contact the pipes are flushed
out and refilled; samples of water are then collected from these
treated mains; and the mains are returned to service only after
results are found to be satisfactory.
The quality control from the laboratories is carried out
by means of daily sampling from sources of supply, through
the treatment works or well stations, from the distribution
system and through to the consumer. Any sign of contamination
or other abnormality is immediately investigated.
No houses were permanently supplied by standpipe,
during 1966 and the total distance of supply mains laid in the
Borough by the Board was 199 yards.
The South Essex Waterworks Company on the other hand
derives its supply mainly from the River Stour and from deep
wells at Mill Road, Grove Road and Roding Lane. The General
Manager and Chief Engineer of the South Essex Waterworks
Company states that during 1966 over 8,152 chemical, bacteriological
and biological examinations were made at the
Company's Langham Laboratory and all water going into supply
was reported as wholesome. In addition samples were examined
for radioactivity. Samples from the wells situated in the Company's
supply area were taken and analysed weekly and