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57
SANITARY CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE AREA.
WATER SUPPLY.
The water supply of the Borough is under the control of the
Metropolitan Water Board.
During the summer months of 1933 a number of complaints
were received from householders regarding the taste and appearance
of the water supply. Following upon the chemical analysis of six
samples of water and the bacteriological examination of four samples,
collected from various parts of the Borough, the attention of the
Metropolitan Water Board was drawn to the matter. From a letter
received from the Water Examination Department of the Board it
appeared that in consequence of the shortage of water at that time
the supply was being drawn almost entirely from a reservoir which
was affected by the presence of algal growths. These growths,
although harmless, imparted an unusual taste to the water which
could not be eliminated.
A sample of water was also taken from a house in which a
case of paratyphoid B fever had occurred. The water supply to
this house was drawn from a storage cistern which was found to be
uncovered. Chemical examination of the water gave a satisfactory
result, but the Council's bacteriologist reported the presence of
B. coli (atypical) in 10 c.c.'s of water. It could be assumed, therefore,
that the uncovered condition of the cistern permitted
contamination of the water so as to render it unfit for drinking
purposes. The cistern was abolished and the supply to the house
is now drawn direct from the main.
Complaints of defective water fittings at 259 premises were
forwarded to the Metropolitan Water Board during the year.
SEWERS.
During the year the Sanitary Inspectors reported 6 premises
on which the sewers were defective and repairable by the Borough
Council. These were referred to the Borough Engineer for his
attention
A large number of complaints were received during the year of
offensive odours emanating in various parts of the Borough from
the London County Council's sewers The question of the ventilation
of sewers has received the attention of the London County
Council on several occasions and following representations by the
Borough Council further consideration was given to the matter by
the County Council
Several of the sewer ventilators in the Borough have now been
sealed, but complaints of this nuisance are still being received from
time to time.