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9
This subject still demands very serious consideration.
Under the present system of water supply the means of
contamination are two-fold. 1st, there is danger lest the
source of supply should be contaminated (for this danger the
companies must be held responsible); 2nd, there is danger
from the decomposition and contamination of water in the
receptacles used for storage. Of this latter source of danger
I have had abundant evidence, as it is quite the exception to
find cisterns clean, properly covered, and unconnected with
water-closet contamination; indeed, you are well aware of the
very frequent complaints on this head which have come
before you; and the only remedy which I think would be at
all effectual would be a continuous supply.
A number of details would have to be considered in
affording a supply of this kind, as to iron piping instead of
lead, iron water waste preventing taps, and occasional supervision.
I feel convinced that this kind of supply would be
productive of saving to the water companies, by preventing
the waste of water from overflow; it would be a benefit to
owners of house property, as it would save the necessity for
cisterns for storage; and it would be an incalculable benefit
to the consumers, especially those of the poorer class. It
would greatly diminish sickness (especially from zymotic
disease), and would greatly improve the tone of the poorer
class, who pay little attention to the cleansing of cisterns,
and prefer drinks, supposed to be of a cleaner kind, to swallowing
a repulsive looking impure water. Indeed, if cisterns
were placed more generally within view, few people would
wish to partake of their contents.
1867.—The water supply of the district, although usually
of good quality, is only given every other day, and not upon
Sundays, and is stored in receptacles which in some instances
are inadequate as to size, and in many instances are of an
improper character. In many instances open butts are the
only receptaclcs supplied. Again, cisterns, from neglect in
cleansing, become coated and unwholesome, and frequent
inspection is necessary to secure a pure supply from other