[Report 1895] / Medical Officer of Health, Otley U.D.C.

  • Otley (England). Urban District Council.
Date:
1895
Catalogue details

Licence: Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Credit: [Report 1895] / Medical Officer of Health, Otley U.D.C. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    On May 23rd, I received a written complaint as to the pollution from Garnett’s Mill. I met the Sanitary Committee, and Mr. Trow was ordered to get samples and have them analysed. I have suggested this should be in the early summer months, also that all the back-yards be frequently inspected, and the refuse removed. We have adopted the Private Street Improvement Act to enable us to see that the back-yards, &c., are properly paved. On May 15th and 17th, I went over the whole course of the East and West Chevin Water Supply, along with Mr. Trow. I drew up a report and presented it to the Council on the 20th, complaining about the possibilities of contamination at the sources. On May 23rd, the Water Committee went over the Water course. It was suggested to ask Dr. Whitelegge to go over it. On account of some complaints, I went over the East Chevin supply again on the 14th of June, and on reporting to the Council I found we are not using this supply for drinking purposes. On October 14th, we spent a whole day with Dr. Whitelegge going over the water supply of the town. He said the East Chevin is exposed to contamination by farm drainage and soakage. Much may be said of West Chevin supply. Several plans were suggested to prevent the pollution of the source, and piping was recommended. An analysis of the Water was made as it enters the first dam. Mr. Waugh, Engineer, also was commissioned to report on the Water supply, and his report was presented on June 12th. This was fully printed in the local paper. I give below an analysis of Water from the Bore-hole at Menston : The sample contains in grains, per gallon : — Chlorides, equal to common Salt, 1-04, containing Chlorine, 1*11. Nitrates of Calcium, &c.none ,, Nitric Acid, none. Cal. Magnesium Salts, &c., ) . T , ,. 0 j. n , , [ 17-50 ,, Injurious Metals, none. Including Sodium Carbonate ) J ’ Volatile and Organic Matter .. 0-40 ,, Ammonia, 0 0114. Total Dissolved Solids .. 19-74 ,, Organic Ammonia, 0-0030. Oxygen required to Oxidise Organic Matter in fifteen minutes, O'Ol. Smell when warmed to 100° Fahr., none. Colour of Column two feet in depth, greenish yellow. Sediment is very small and does not contain Animalculse. Hardness in Clark’s degrees, total 7° 5 before boiling. Permanent 3° 2 after boiling. Temporary 4° 3 lost by boiling. I give below an analysis of Water from Dade’s Well taken Oct. 19th, 1895, at top reservoir: Sample contains in grains, per gallon :— Chlorides, equal to common Salt 1-64 containing Chlorine, 0-994. Nitrate of Calcium .none ,, Nitric Acid, none. Cal. Magnesium Salts .. .. 6-69 ,, Injurious Metals, none. Volatile and Organic Matter .. 0-40 ,, [ _ Ammonia . ) 0-0036. { Organic Ammonia ) Oxygen required to Oxidise Organic Matter in fifteen minutes, 0-022. Smell when warmed to 100° Fahr., none. Colour of Column two feet in depth, light yellow, clear. The Sediment is very small and does not contain Animalculse. The analysis proves that at present the Water is free from contamination, and may be safely used for drinking. The purity can only be secured in the future by the most complete precautions as regards the vicinity of any waste matter. On March 28th, I met the Sanitary Committee with respect to the disposal of refuse. It was proposed and carried that the Council buy horses and suitable closed carts, and carry out the clearing with a staff of their own. This has been a great saving to the town; the work is done moro efficiently and systematically. I would River Pollution Flushing of Sewers. Water Supply. Disposal of Refuse.