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47
"That the mineral matter which gives to water
its 'hardness,' held in solution in the waters, consists
mainly of the carbonates of the alkaline earths, with
a small quantity of sulphates, nitrates, and chlorides.
No one suggests that these salts are detrimental to
health, and it is contended that they are actually
useful to the animal economy as one means of supplying
constituents required for the organism."
After giving several extracts from the report of
the Royal Commission on Water Supply, 1869, and
furnishing statistics, to show that the death-rate in
towns (omitting London) supplied with river water
compares favourably with that of towns supplied by
deep well or spring water, and that judged by the rate
of mortality in the Metropolis where there are districts
supplied with deep well water and districts supplied
with river water, any slight difference is in favour
of the latter, they conclude with the expression of
their opinion that "the filtered water of the Thames
and the Lea is unimpeachable in respect of its wholesomeness
and suitability for town supply."
I have the honour to be,
Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
JAMES STEVENSON,
Medical Officer of Health.
Vestry Hall, Paddington,
September, 1882.