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There were five reports of contamination in samples drawn from hydrants during the year
of which three 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 two
cases of hydrant contamination were discovered during the normal course of routine sampling.
There were sixteen reports of contamination in samples derived from standpipes and twenty-seven
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 six 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. Six samples of fresh water drawn directly from storage tanks were found to be
fit for drinking. The possible sources of contamination in the cases of the domestic supply
were investigated The most likely causes were considered to be the possible introduction of
contaminated water 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.
Seven samples drawn from the tanks and standpipes and three 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 85.89% of "satisfactory", "good" and "excellent" results in the fresh water supplies
in the District as shown in Table 2 compares reasonably well with the percentage figure obtained
in previous years, The number of "unsatisfactory" and "suspicious" samples, however, proves
the necessity to exercise constant vigilance over fresh water supplies to shipping by taking
400/450 samples per annum.