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potable water, which contains organic matter even only
partially derived from animal sources, should not yield
much more than 0.1 part of organic carbon in
100,000 parts of water." The maximum pollution in
the Thames water from the presence of organic
elements, consisting chiefly of organic carbon, greatly
exceeded this standard, whilst that of the Lea was
also always considerably above it.
For many of the preceding remarks, as well as
for the annexed tables shewing the condition of the
London Waters, I am indebted to Dr. Frankland's
Annual Report to the Registrar.General.
To remedy the existing defects, both as regards the
mode of supply and the quality of the water, and also
in order to have at hand at all times a readily available
and sufficient quantity for the extinction of fires,
two bills, called, "The Water Companies' Purchase Bill,"
and "The Metropolis Water Supply Bill," were introduced
into the House of Commons during the last
Session by the Metropolitan Board of Works, but
owing to the very strenuous opposition, which for
various reasons they there encountered, they were subsequently.withdrawn
by the promoters.
It appears to me that the source of a suitable
supply of water to the Metropolis has yet to be
discovered.
I have the honour to be, Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
JAMES STEVENSON,
Medical Officer of Health.
Vestry Hall, Paddington,
October, 1878.