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There were eighteen reports of contamination in samples drawn from hydrants during the year
of which fourteen samples were associated with newly laid water mains to the new quay extensions
in Tilbury Dock. The samples were drawn prior to the berths becoming operational. The supply
of water to shipping was withheld until a potable standard was achieved. The remaining four
cases of hydrant contamination were discovered during the normal course of routine sampling.
There were seven reports of contamination in samples derived from the Royal Group of Docks from
standpipes and twelve reports of contamination from the ends of delivery hoses used to supply
ships. The cause of the contamination of standpipes and supply hoses, which was also discovered
during the course of routine sampling, was investigated as a matter of normal procedure. No
attributable cause was discovered and it was assumed that the contamination had been introduced
through unhygienic handling of the watering equipment. No ship was supplied with "unfit" water.
There were thirty reports of contamination in the distribution supplies on board ships. These,
samples were drawn mainly from fresh water taps over galley and messroom sinks. The source of
supply to these taps is derived from "domestic fresh water storage" contained in double bottoms
and peak tanks. Three samples of fresh water drawn directly from storage tanks were found to be
contaminated. The possible sources of contamination in the cases of the domestic supply and
storage tanks were investigated. The most likely causes were considered to be the possible
introduction of contaminated water loaded in foreign ports or the incorrect use of engineroom
pumps used in the filling or topping up of the fresh water gravity feed tanks or the transfer of
fresh water for the purpose of adjusting the stability or the trim of the ship. In each case the
standard practice of cleaning followed by chlorination of the tanks and supply lines was adopted.
Due regard is paid to the co-operation this Authority has received from other United Kingdom
and Continental Ports through the interchange of adverse fresh water sampling reports in respect
of those ships where some degree of contamination in the fresh water on board was discovered
subsequent to departure for another United Kingdom or Continental Port. This interchange of
information enables follow-up visits to be made by the Port Health Authorities concerned and
enables remedial measures to be taken before the ship sails.
Four samples drawn from the tanks and eight samples drawn from the end of delivery hoses
of the water boats purveying fresh water in the Port showed contamination. In each case the
standard procedure of tank cleaning and/or chlorination of the tank and supply hoses was carried
out.
The 89.39% of "satisfactory", "good" and "excellent" results in the fresh water supplies
in the District as shown in Table 2 compares favourably with the precentage figure obtained in
previous years and indicates that a satisfactory standard of potable water supply is available in
this Port.