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43
now under intermittent supply will be brought under constant supply
on the 1st of September next (1896) pursuant to notice given by
the Council to the Company in November last."
EAST LONDON WATER COMPANY.
The most important event during the year from a Public
Health point of view was undoubtedly the failure of the East
London Water Company to supply the East London Parishes with the
necessary water for domestic and sanitary purposes during the
autumn.
During the year 1894 the supply was curtailed in Hackney
during the summer months, but not to the extent or with the
results as in 1895. The trouble began towards the end of June,
when a letter was received by the Vestry from the Company's
Secretary, stating, amongst other things," that in consequence of the
unprecedented drought, coupled with the excessive consumption of
water, which now amounts to 45 gallons per head per day, they
consider it necessary to husband their recources by shutting off the
water from the service mains during a portion of the night, until
the constant supply can be safely resumed. The whole of the
District Mains will be kept continuously charged for fire purposes
as usual."
To this communication the Sanitary Committee replied that
they regretted the Company had considered such a course necessary,
but trusted, however, the directors would, especially in the interest
of the people residing in the poorer quarters of the Parish, increase
the hours of supply to 4 a.m. to 10 p.m., and also asked the
Directors to seriously consider the question of resuming the constant
service at the earliest possible opportunity.