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It is understood that the Water Company carry out routine bacteriological
examinations of the raw and finished water daily from the wells
at Sutton and Woodmansterne, and also of the treated water going
into supply.
Routine chemical examinations are also carried out. The raw water
from the deep wells is of a relatively high degree of hardness. The
company are under a statutory obligation (Sutton District Waterworks
Act, 1903) to deliver water of not more than 9 degrees of hardness, and
an elaborate softening plant is in use.
During the year 27 samples o.f water taken in the district by the
Sanitary Inspectors were examined by the Public Analyst.
From these analyses the water supply is shown to be satisfactory
both in chemical and bacteriological purity, and no cases of illness
associated with pollution of water supplies were recorded during the year.
The chlorination of water from private wells situated in industrial
premises was continued throughout the year.
DRAINAGE AND SEWERAGE.
No major difficulties were experienced in the maintenance and
cleansing of soil and storm water drainage systems during the year.
RIVERS AND STREAMS.
The cleansing of that section of the River Wandle which is the
responsibility of the Council, namely, from north of the Carshalton railway
line to the Croydon boundary, has been maintained throughout 1948,
various parts being cleansed of silt and obstructions, particularly that
section north of London Road. Following periods of heavy rain trouble
was experienced, particularly along the higher reaches of the river, due
to infiltration of oil from surface water drains in the Croydon area.
The Waddon Ponds, which are the principal source of supply of spring
water to the river in this area, have been dry for most of the year, they
recommenced flowing in December, 1948, but the amount of water
entering the river was small. Due to this, difficulty was experienced
throughout the year in keeping the river free from pollution.
In December, 1948, the Council decided to appoint a Consulting
Engineer to report on the possibility of sinking a well near the Croydon
boundary in order to increase the flow to the river.
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