BOROUGH WATER

Wairarapa Age, 4 February 1927, Page 5

BOROUGH WATER

AN UNFAVOURABLE REPORT PRESENCE OF GERMS. , NEW INTAKE SUGGESTED BY , DEPARTMENT. ( According to the Medical Officer of Health, Masterton’a water supply, from a bacteriological point of view is unsatisfactory, an analysis revealing the presence of Bacillus Coll in a greater amount than is looked upon as quite safe for a borough supply.

Tho Medical Officer’s communication stated that while the chemist’s report on the analysis of a sample gavfl rise to no suspicion of contamination, the bacteriologist’s analysis was not so satsfactory, inasmuch as it disclosed the presence of Bacillus Coli in a marked degree. Senior Inspector Gardiner, who made an inspection of the intake, considered, that thore might be, and possibly was, contamination of tho water supply at the Waingawa intake from surface washings in the vicinity of tho water races. It was known that the council had in view the provision of a new intake, and he recommended that this important sanitary work should be carried out.

The matter was briefly discussed by the council w r hen it was pointed out that while the position was unsatisfactory, there was no need for alarm, and that the public would be quite safe by taking the precaution Of boiling the water before use, and in not drinking water which had been standing for any length of time. It was stated that in. hot weather, the germ multiplied very rapidly, but it probably was no more pronounced in this supply than in any other municipal suppy. The Jlayor informed the meeting that when the weather became cooler, the Department intended taking tests of the water at tlje proposed intake in the Waingawa gorge, and that the Medical Officer of Health was agreeable to meet representatives of the council to go into the matter. He expressed the hope that no panic would arise from the officer’s statement and that householders would observe the necessary precautions in the use of the water.