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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 28 samples of water were examined by the Public
Analyst or the Public Health Laboratory Service.
From the reports 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.
During the year, it was found necessary, principally owing to the
depredations of rats, to relay a portion of the sewer in Belmont Road.
Otherwise, 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 1949, various
parts being cleansed of silt and obstructions. 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, dried up in the spring. Due to this and the
exceptionally long dry periods which were experienced during the summer,
serious difficulties arose in keeping the river free from pollution.
CLOSET ACCOMMODATION.
Practically the whole of the area is on the water carriage system,
draining into public sewers. There are a few chemical and earth closets,
chiefly for use on sports grounds within the district, whilst four cesspools
were in use in the district at the end of the year,
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