Pollution Reported in Mount Eden Baths

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 314, 27 March 1928, Page 16

Pollution Reported in Mount Eden Baths

HEALTH OFFICER’S REPORT FILTRATION PROPOSED “Eighteen inches of silt in the bottom, innumerable water beetles and other insects; also freshwater crayfish.” npms is a layman’s analysis of the state ■*" of the mountain reservoir from which the Mount Eden baths are supplied with water. The report of Health Department analysts reveals more insidious and infectious ingredients in the waters of the bath itself. “Conditions are by no means satisfactory,” wrote the department’s officer to the Mount Eden Borough Council last evening. A large number of bacteria, and considerable human pollution were stated to have been discerned in the baths, which, it was suggested, called for more frequent cleaning—at least once a day. The council has decided to secure a report from the baths committee upon the installation of a filtration and heating plant at a cost of £2,193. “That is quite clear,” commented Cr. W. G. Lange, when the health report was read. The Mayor (Mr. E. H. Potter): Well, the water is from the Waitakeres. It was revealed that the baths had been cleaned and washed on March 9, and the samples had been taken by the health authorities four days later. The Mayor said caustic soda, a reliable disinfectant, had been used. The custodian, in a report, said that if the water was not satisfactory it was not due to anything happening after its delivery to the baths. The Mayor expressed the opinion that the installation of the filtration and heating plant would be justified, because it would enable the use of the baths throughout the year. Cr. Taylor: Would this mean seeking a loan? The Mayor: Yes, we would have to raise the amount. Cr. Taylor said fresh-water baths would never be satisfactory in any part of the city unless they were cleaned out daily, or unless there was an efficient filtration* plant operating. “The conditions in the city baths are so congenial to germs,” he added, “that they develop within a day or two.” The baths committee is to report to the council upon the filtration and heating projects.