[Report 1960] / Medical Officer of Health, Northampton County Borough.
44/128

III.—SANITARY CIRCUMSTANCES Water Suppiy. Particulars relating to the waterworks at Ravens- thorpe, Hollo well and Pitsford and the sources of the public water supply of Northampton County Borough and district have been given in previous reports. The water is treated with charcoal for undesirable flavour filtered, and chlorinated, so that it reaches a high degree of bacteriological purity. Activated carbon is also available for use at the Ravensthorpe works, if required. F A water softening plant has been installed at Pitsford and has reduced the hardness of the water from 250 to 120 parts per million. This water undertaking is managed by the Mid-Northamptonshire Water Board, of which Northampton County Borough is a constituent authority. It must be made quite clear, however, that under Section 28 of the Water Act, 1945, it is the duty of every local authority to take from time to time such steps as may be necessary for ascertaining the sufficiency and wholesomeness of water supplies within their district, etc. 102 samples collected from various points of supply within the County Borough were submitted for bacteriological examination and a satisfactory report was received in every instance. . The average daily consumption of water in the County Borough is estimated to be 40 gallons per head of the population. Only eleven houses are not supplied direct from the public mains. Drainage and Sewerage. Chiefly as a result of rat complaints, existing drains are tested and repaired under the supervision of the district public health inspectors, new drainage and reconstructions being the responsibility of the Engineer, as also is sewage disposal. There are still a few properties on the outskirts of the County Borough not connected to the main sewerage system. Reference was made in previous reports to the opening of the new Sewage Purification Works at Great Billing. It is estimated that the dry weather flow of sewage to the Works averages 5-5 million gallons per day and the maximum rate of flow in storm approximately 40 million gallons per day. Public Cleansing. This continues to be efficiently carried out under the direction of the Engineer. Collections of household refuse and salvage are made twice weekly. Dustbins are provided by the Local Authority for the use of house¬ holders, free of charge, under Section 75 (3) of the Public Health Act,