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objectionable methods of storing water in cisterns,
placed generally as they are in such situations as
defile its parity. The water now used for domestic,
flushing, and drinking purposes is generally drawn
from the same cistern. The results of vigilant
systematic sanitary inspection show that in houses
of rich as well as poor—water, be it originally ever
so pure, runs risk of pollution from gaseous emanations
from water-closet, drains, or a waste pipe, in
communication with drains and soil pipe, or from
dust-bins, washhouse, or scullery. Cisterns are
often uncovered, and some are old and decayed
butts. Much has been done in this Parish to
remedy these evils by sanitary orders during the
last ten years.
The old Act of 1852—Vic. 15 & 16, Cap. 82—
had already a provision for constant supply, on
conditions, viz.:—
"Four-fifths of the owners and occupiers on one main must
make a requisition in writing; one-fifth of the houses on such main
must be supplied with cocks, &c. to the satisfaction of the Company.''
Fresh legislation, "the Metropolis Water Act of
1871 "has again given further facilities, but at
present nothing material has been done to introduce
the Constant Supply Service into London.
The Regulations proposed by the London Companies
are required by the Act to be submitted for
approval to the Board of Trade; but as they have
not been agreed upon by the Metropolitan Board
of Works, a list of Amended Regulations has been
drawn up and forwarded to Vestries for discussion.
Meanwhile the current stock of information upon the
subject seems so very limited, few persons having