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11
beyond the point whence the Metropolitan Companies draw their
supply; and, receiving the contents of the sewage of neighbouring
towns, became contaminated in an extraordinary degree. During the
drought of the summer months, however, the water attained a degree
of purity unknown for many years. These facts conclusively prove
the necessity for a more perfect filtration. That this can be successfully
accomplished is evident. During the past year, Professor
Frankland caused samples to be drawn from all the Metropolitan
Companies mains, at twelve different periods. On every occasion
the West Middlesex Company's water was clear and transparent, and
on only one occasion was that the case with the Southwark Company.
I have several times during the year examined the water of the
Southwark Company, and found it excessively turbid and totally unfit
for domestic use. When it is considered to what extent the Water
Companies can effect, for good or ill, the health of the inhabitants of
London, I think it is a matter for the serious consideration of the
various District Boards and Vestries whether they cannot take united
action to compel them by law to bring the water they supply to tho
highest attainable state of purity, and afford also a continuous instead
of an intermittent supply.
From the accompanying Statistical Tables you will observe that
measures for sanitary improvement havo not been neglected. Among
many important works carried out by your Inspector of Nuisances,
you will find that there were 30 periodical inspections of
houses, 40 of cow-houses, and 88 of bakehouses. 100 sacks of
potatoes and a large quantity of fish were also seized, condemned, and
destroyed as unfit for human food.
It only remains for mo again to thank you for your co-operation
and courtesy in transacting the sanitary business of the Board during
the past year.
I am,
Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
ROBERT BIANCHI.