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fractured supply pipe laid below the tidal level of the dock water. The hydrants were put out of
service and were not used to supply ships until repairs were completed, the new pipes cleansed
and chlorinated, and several samples proved the water to be potable.
3. Precautions taken against contamination of hydrants and hosepipes: —
Since a Code of Practice was introduced a few years ago and agreed by the Port of London
Authority, there has been a trend towards replacing all the wooden boxes, situated at convenient
watering points throughout the Docks, by suitable metal containers, to provide more hygienic
stowage for hoses and nozzle equipment. It is encouraging to find that the principles of the Code
of Practice are consistently upheld and those engaged in the work are more conscious of their
responsibilities.
4. Number and sanitary conditions of water-boats and powers of control by the Authority:—
One more boat has been put into service in the Medway and it will supply fresh water to
ships in the Port of Rochester as well as those moored in the London Port Health Authority
District which includes the Isle of Grain, thus coming intermittently under the jurisdiction of this
Authority. While under construction and fitting out, the boat and equipment were inspected by a
Senior Port Health Inspector who satisfied himself and reported that the construction, design and
equipment were compatible with modem practice.
There has been no change in the powers of control of water-boats by this Authority and the
general standard of the water-boats in service is very satisfactory.
The need for constant supervision of water supplies has always been stressed where potable
water is concerned. Generally, it is not the purity of the initial supply that is in question but the
temporary storage and delivery service. Tanks, hydrants and hose equipment are involved. Everything
associated with these aspects must be strictly controlled and hygienically maintained if the
end product is to be a clean and wholesome water supply.
The percentages of 'Satisfactory* 'Good' and 'Excellent' samples in aggregate for the years
1960, 1961 and 1962 respectively amounted to 80.4%, 95.0% and 98.11%, thus indicating the high
standard of purity maintained in this Port. Although the figure for 1963 has dropped to 89.06% (see
table 2 below) it is not to be assumed that it represents a proportional decline in the high standard
hitherto maintained, because the numerical drop is, in fact, attributable to the polluted water
incident at the Millwall Dock already mentioned where 22 samples were drawn and found to be
unfit before the cause of the pollution was discovered.