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amongst these no unusual species were detected, nor any which would
be capable of fulfilling a pathogenic rôle.
"Plate cultivations on gelatin potato potassium iodide mixture
produced no bacterial colonies remotely resembling those of B. Typho
abdominalis or any of the B. Coli group.
"Rubbed surfaces of serum, agar, glycerine agar, and
Kauthack-Stephens media incubated at 370c. have failed entirely to
reveal colonies at all like those of B. Diphtheriœ, Stuptococcus
pyogenes, Staphylococci of pyogenic character, etc., and cover slip
preparations have shewn all these organisms to be absent.
"The results of the Chemical Analysis were as follows :—
Colour very faint greenish yellow in deep layers.
Appearance quite clear and bright, no visible deposit.
Odour none.
Reaction quite neutral.
Ammonias ("Free" or saline 0.002 parts per million
(Albuminoid (organic) 0.012 „ „
Total Solids 30.200 parts per 100,000
Chlorine (CI) 2.000 „ „
(Equivalent to Na CI) (3.290) „ „
Hardness (Temporary (expressed as Ca Co 3). 9.770 „ „
(Permanent „ „ 4.430 „ „
(Total „ „ 14.200 „ „
Nitrogen as Nitrates and Nitrites minute traces
Poisouous Metals entirely absent
"All the above quantities are below those considered compatible
with great purity in potable water.
"WALTER D. SEVERN,
"July 31st, 1897."
The result of my analysis of the water from several trial holes
sunk at the sewage works, with a view to obtaining a supply for
drinking purposes for the foreman's house, proved the water in every
case to be contaminated with sewage matter.
I concluded that it would be impossible to obtain well water
sufficiently pure for drinking purposes; and the Council decided to lay
on the water from the Grand Junction Water Company's Mains at
Hanwell.
During the year, Company's water has been laid on to all new
houses erected in the District, and also for the supply of houses at
Hayes Bridge and Newell's New Field.
Virtually, surface wells have been abolished in the District.
The dangers of these shallow wells are well set forth in the 6th Report
of the River's Pollution Commissioners, from which the following
paragraphs is extracted.