NationalLibraryOfScotland/medical-history-of-british-india huggingface dataset:
135
S A M P L E V . — T A P W A T E R N E A R S A I D A P E T T O L L - G A T E .
.
C o l o n y n u m b e r .
L a c t o s e . S a c c h a r o s e . D u l c i t e . A d o n i t e . I n u l i n
. V o g e s a n d P r o s k .
I n d o l .
M o t i l i t y . Group.
Bacillus.
Group and
remarks.
(a ) Total colonies per cc. on agar at 37°—One colony occupy-
ing whole plate
+ -
( b ) B i l e s a l t l a c t o s e , m e d i u m
1 tube 20 cc.of water taken ..
..
1
..
1 + + - + - + - - IV B. Lactis ærogenes.
Group I, nil.
2 tubes 10 cc.
"
. .
. . 2
. . 2 + + - + — + - - IV
Do.
„ II, nil.
3 „ 5 cc.
"
..
..
2
1
3 + + - + - + - - IV
Do.
" III, ) nil.
3 „ 1 cc.
"
. .
. .
1
2
4 + + - + - + - - IV
Do.
„ 1V, 10
3 „ . 1 cc.
"
. .
. . . .
3 5 + + -
—++- - + - - IV
Do.
3 „
. 0 1 cc.
„
..
.. ..
3
6 + + - + - + - - IV
Do.
7 + + - +I
-
— + - - IV
Do.
Class I, nil .
(c) Fœcal bacilli in 5 cc. and upwards.
8 + + - + - + - - IV
D o .
"
I I , 10.
(
d ) N o v i b r i o s i n 1 0 0 c c .
9 + + - + +-+F- + - - IV
Do.
„ III, nil.
(e) Glucose fermenters in .01 cc.
10 + + - + - + - - 1V
Do.
REPORT.
The results obtained from the examination of samples taken from the Madras water-supply this quarter
emphasise the importance of considering these as a whole. An inspection of the results obtained in. samples drawn
from the supply channels to and from the Sholaveram Lake by themselves would be disquieting indeed. Bacterio-
logically the water is grossly polluted ; there are 100 fœcal organisms to the cc. in the channel to the lake and the
variety of species and classes indicate that the pollution has been both extensive and recent. The results obtained
f r o m t h e e x i t c h a n n e l s a m p l e s s h o w s o m e i m p r o v e m e n t . T h e r e i s s t i l l h o w e v e r t h e o b j e c t i o n a b l e v a r i e t y i n s p e c i e s
and class, which seems to show that during the passage of the water through the lake, sedimentation rather than
sunning has been operative.
It is possible however to extract some comfort from the results obtained on chemical examination of the
s a m p l e s . T h e s e s h o w t h a t t h e c o n t a m i n a t i o n i s s u c h a s i s i n e v i t a b l e i n s h o w e r y w e a t h e r , b u t t h a t t h e g a t h e r i n g
ground is fairly clean. The salinity of the water is rather high and there is a good deal of organic matter mostly of
vegetable origin.
The results got on examination from samples III, IV &amp; V drawn from the Red Hills and from two points
on the distributary system in Madras show considerable improvement. The objectionable organisms of class I have
disappeared and in the tap waters fœcal organisms are largely reduced.
Chemically the only point that can be taken exception to is the high salinity.
136
Chemical Analyses.
SAMPLE No. I.
SAMPLE NO. II.
Physical appearances.
Colour and Transparency.
Yellowish and opaque. Yellowish and opaque.
Smell.
None.
None.
QUANTITATIVE.
Total solids ..
..
..
..
.. Parts per 100,000.
33.800
34.000
Temporary hardness ..
..
..
..
..
Do.
6.000
6.000
Permanent hardness ..
..
..
..
..
Do.
2.000
1.500
Total hardness
..
..
..
..
..
Do.
8.000
7.500
Chlorine
..
..
..
..
..
Do.
4.260
6.390
Ammoniacal Nitrogen ..
..
..
..
..
Do.
0.003
0.003
Albuminoid Nitrogen ..
..
..
..
..
Do.
0.011
0.053
Oxygen absorbed (Tidy's Process) ..
..
..
Do.
0.111
0.128
Nitric Nitrogen
..
..
..
..
..
Do.
Nil.
Nil.
QUALITATIVE.
Nitrites..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Nil.
Nil.
Sulphates
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Present.
Present.
Phosphates ..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Nil.
Nil.
Iron, poisonous metals
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Nil.
Nil.
SAMPLE No. III.
SAMPLE NO. V.
Physical appearances.
Colour and Transparency.
Yellowish and hazy. Yellowish and hazy.
_
Smell.
None.
None.
QUANTITATIVE.
Total solids ..
..
..
..
..
..
.
..
. .
20.600
21.200
Temporary hardness..
..
..
..
..
.
..
..
5.500
5.500
Permanent hardness .
..
..
.. .. ..
1.000
1.000
Total hardness..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
6.500
6.500
..
Chlorine
..
.. . .
. .
. .
. .
3.905
3 905
Ammoniacal Nitrogen
. .
. .
. .
. .
. .
. .
. .
0.003
0.005
Albuminoid. Nitrogen
..
..
..
0.034
0.026
Oxygen absorbed (Tidy's Process).. ..
..
.. 0.160
0 . 1 1 1
Nitric Nitrogen
. .
. .
. .
. .
. .
Nil.
Nil.
Q U A L I T A T I V E .
Nitrites..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Nil.
Nil.
Sulphates
..
..
..
..
..
.. . .
. .
. .
Present.
Present.
Phosphates ..
..
..
. .
. .
. .
. .
. .
. .
Nil.
Nil.
Iron, poisonous metals
..
..
..
.. . .
. .
Nil.
Nil.
138
SAMPLE V.—FOUNTAIN No. 12 SOUTHERNMOST CORNER IN OLD
MADRAS ROAD.
C o l o n y n u mb e r
L a c r o s e S a c c h a r o s e
Dul ci t e
Adoni t e InulinV o g e s a n d P r o s k
I ndol Mo t i l i t y
Group
Bacillus.
Group and
Remar
ks
(a) Total colonies on agar at 37°—3,150.
.
+
—
(b) Bile salt lactose, medium.
1
+ + -
- - - - - IV 111.
Group I, nil ,
1 tube 20 cc. of water taken ..
..
1
. .
2
+ + -
- - - - - IV 111.
..
II, nil,
2 tubes 10 cc.
..
,
. . . .
2
. .
3 + - -
- - - + - IV 111.
..
III, nil,
3 „ 5 cc..
..
,
. . . .
3
.. .
4 + + + - - - -- - - - - IV 111.
.
..
IV, 10,
3 „ 1 cc.
,
.
..
,
..
. .
„
5
+ + - - - - - IV 111.
.
.
,
3 „ .1 cc.
„
.
..
..
2
„
6
+ -
- - - - - IV 111.
3 „ ·01 cc.
„
. . . .
. .
3
7
+ + -
- - - + - . IV Coscoroba.
Class I, nil.
-
8
+ + -
- - - - - IV 111.
„
II, 10
(a) Fœcal bacilli in·1 cc. and upwards.
9 +
+ -
- - - - - IV 111.
„
III, nil.
10
+ + - - - - - IV 111.
Undetermined,
(d) Glucose fermenters in 1 cc. and upwards.
nil,
SAMPLE No. II.
SAMPLE NO. V.
139
Chemical Analyses.
Physical
appearances.
Colour and
Transparency.
Colourless and clear
Colourless and clear.
Smell.
None.
None.
QUANTITATIVE.
Total solids .. .. .. ..
Parts per 100,000 ..
61·400
58·200
Temporary hardness ..
..
..
Do.
12·500
12·500
Permanent hardness ..
..
..
Do.
1·500
1·500
Total hardness ..
..
..
..
Do.• •
14·000
14·000
Chlorine ..
..
..
• •
..
Do.
2·130
2·130
Ammoniacal nitrogen ..
..
..
Do...
0 002
Trace.
Albuminoid nitrogen ..
..
..
Do...
0 004
0 004
Oxygen absorbed (Tidy's Process)
, .
Do... • •
0 · 0 2 6
0 016
Nitric nitrogen ..
..
..
..
Do... • •
0 · 1 7 5
0·150
QUALITATIVE.
Nitrites
Nil.
Nil.
Sulphates ..
..
..
..
..
..
..
• •
..
Present.
Present.
Phosphates
..
..
..
..
• •
• •
Nil.
Nil.
Iron, poisonous metals ..
..
.
• •
• •
..
Nil.
Nil.
REPORT.
The unfiltered water from the spring contains a great many organisms, 5,670 to the cc,.
A very small proportion of these, however, are of animal origin and these latter are unobjection-
able in kind. Probably the gathering ground contains too much vegetable matter to be alto-
gether satisfactory.
The filtered water has undergone a great change and for the worse. The total number of
micro-organisms present shows an increase, and more significant still, the kind of organism
present has changed. Although the proportion of fœcal organisms present is still a small one,.
they are completely changed in character which makes it not unreasonable to suppose that the
same has happened to the huge total of other organisms. This would mean that the filtering
surface is efficient, but that the post filtration passages are so foul or 80 liable to contamination
of a highly objectionable character as to constitute a serious menace to the public health.
Sample No. III drawn from fountain No. 19 shows progressive degeneration in quality.
The huge total count is still further increased, and though the fœcal organisms are of a less
objectionable kind, their number has increased a hundred fold. The pipes must be in a very
dirty condition or so leaky as to give ready access to surface pollution.
Sample No. IV drawn from the reservoir shows some improvement of the kind associated
with storage and sunning, but the water is still far from being satisfactory.
Sample No. V is again worse. The fœcal organisms found. in it are ten times as numerous
as those in the reservoir water. This seems to point to outside pollution getting into the pipes,
but for the present this is probably of a harmless nature.
Chemically the water shows high total solids which are not accounted for by the saline
constituents. The balance must be organic matter which though of vegetable origin, is not a
desirable addition to the water. It probably accounts for the large number of bacteria present
in the water, and the fouling of the filter beds and pipes.
SAMPLE I.
SAMPLE IV.
141
Chemical Analyses.
Physical
appearances.
Colour and
Transparency.
Yellowish and hazy.
Yellowish but clear,
Smell.
None.
None.
QUANTITATIVE.
Total solids ..
..
..
..
.. Parts per 100,000 ..
4·200
3·206
Temporary hardness
..
..
..
Do.
..
Nil.
Nil.
Permanent hardness
..
..
Do.
..
0·500
0·500
Total hardness
. . . .
Do.
..
0·500
0·500
Chlorine
..
..
..
Do.
0·426
0·426
Ammoniacal nitrogen
..
..
..
Do.
.
0·003
0.003
Albuminoid nitrogen
..
..
..
Do.. .
0·008
0·002
Oxygen absorbed (Tidy's Process)..
..
0·074
0·040
Nitric nitrogen ..
. .
. .
. .
Do.
. .
Nil.
Nil.
QUALITATIVE.
Nitrites ..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Nil.
Nil.
Sulphates ..
..
..
..
. .
. .
. .
. .
Nil.
Nil.
Phosphates
..
..
..
..
..
..
Nil.
Nil.
Iron, poisonous metals ..
..
..
..
..
..
Nil.
Nil.
REPORT.
The water from the storage reservoir is of very fair quality. Organisms of animal origin,
are found in 5 cc. of the water, but the nature of these only indicates old-standing pollution, and
that a considerable degree of natural purification has taken place.
The unfiltered water of the service reservoir is not of such good quality as that of the
storage reservoir, and it would appear that surface pollution, either en route to or directly into
the service reservoir, has not been entirely eliminated.
The samples drawn from the distributary system yield results conforming with the above.
The water might be better, but has no specially objectionable features.
Chemically the water is satisfactory and possesses all the characteristics of a good hill
water.
142
OOTACAMUND.
SAMPLES TAKEN—21ST AND 22ND AUGUST 1909.
REMARKS.—There has been 14 . 40 inches rain since last analysis.
Bacteriological Analyses.
SAMPLE I—DODABETTA UPPER RESERVOIR.
C o l o n y n u m b e r .
L a c t o s e S a c c h a r o s e D u l c i t e A d o n i t e I n u l i n V o g e s a n d P r o s k . I n d o l M o t i l i t y G r o u p
Bacillus.
Group and
Remarks.
( a) Total colonies per cc. on agar at 37°—378.
(b) Bile salt lactose, medium.
+
—
1
..
1 tube 20 cc. of water taken ..
..
1
+ + - - - - - + IV 109
.. ..
.. Group I, n i l
1
1
2 tubes 10 cc.
”
IV 106
.. . .
..
..
1
2 2 + + - - - -
+ +
” IInil
3
5 c c
”
3
„
1 c c .
”
.
.
. .
3 +
++ — — — — + — IV B. Coscoroba
. .
” III, nil
3
„
,,
4 + + — — + — — — IV 110 ..
..
. .
,, IV,10
3
” .1cc.
”
..
..
. .
3
3 5 + + — — — — + + IV 106 ..
..
..
. .
3 „ .01 cc.
”
..
..
IV 106 ..
..
..
6 +
t+ - - - -
+ +
Class I2,
7 + +
- - - - + + IV 106 ..
..
..
” II,8.
8 +
++ — — + — — + IV 110
..
.
„ III, nil,
(c) Fœcal bacilli in 10 cc. and upwards.
9 + + — — — — + + IV 106
..
. Undetermined
.
(d) Glucose fermenters in 1 cc. and upwards.
10 +
+
- — — — + + IV 106 ..
..
n i l
..
SAMPLE II.—DODABETTA LOWER RESERVOIR.
(a) Total colonies per cc. on agar at 37°—80.
1 + + + — — + — — III 75
..
..
.. Group I, n i l
2
+
+ + — — + — — III 75
..
..
..
” II, ni l
_
3 +
++ + — — + + — III
. . . .
„ III,9,
(b) Bile salt lactose, medium.
+
—
4 + + + — — + — -
—III 75
..
..
..
”
I V , 1
5 + + + — — + — — III 75
..
..
..
6 + + + — — + — —
I I I 75
..
..
.. Class,
I n i l
1 tube 20 cc. of water taken .
..
1
..
7 + + + — -
—+ - - III 75
..
.
II I
8
—
— IV B. Lactis ærogenes..
”
III,9.
+
+ - + + —
2 tubes 10 oc.
”
..
..
1
1
9 + + + — — + — — III 75
..
..
.. Undetermind
3 „ 5 CC
”
. .
1
2
3
” 1 cc.
..
..
.
3 10 + + + — + + — + III 69
..
..
..
nil.
3 „ .1 cc
,,
..
..
..
3
3 „ .01 cc.
..
..
..
3
(c) Fœcal bacilli in 10 cc. and upwards.
(d) Glucose fermenters in 1 cc. and upwards.
SAMPLE III.— TIGER HILL RESERVOIR.
i
(a) Total colonies per cc. on agar at 37°—104.
1 + + - — - — + - IV B. Coscoroba
.. Group
I ,
n i l
2 +
+ - - - -+ — IV
Do.
II n i l
3 + + - — — — + - IV
Do.
..
„ III, n i l
(b) Bile salt lactose, medium.
+
—
4 + + - — — — + — IV
Do.
Iv 1 0
5 + + -
- - -
+ - I V
Do.
. .
6 + + - — — — + - IV
Do.
.. Class I, n i l
1 tube 20 cc. of water taken ..
..
1
. . 7 + + - — — — + —1 I V
Do .
..
II 10
2 tubes 10 cc.
2
. . 8 ++ -
- - — + - IV
Do.
. . ,, III,n i l
3
, , 5cc.
2
1
9 + + -
- — — + - IV
Do.
.. Undetermined
3 „ 1 cc
,,
..
..
1
2
nil.
3 „ ·1cc.
„
..
.. . .
3 10 -++ - - - -
+ - IV
Do.
. .
3 ,, ·01cc
,,
..
..
3
(c) Foecal bacilli in 5 cc. and upwards.
(d) Glucose fermenters in .01 cc. and upwards.
SAMPLE IV.—TIGER HILL PIPE LINE.
—
(a) Total colonies per cc. on agar at 37°—nil.
(b) Bile salt lactose, medium.
.
1 tube 20 cc. of water taken ..
_
..
1
2 tubes 10 cc.
2
3 „ 5cc
, ,
. .
3
3 „ 1 cc.
,,
..
..
..
3
3 „ . 1 cc.
, ,
3
3 „ ·01 cc.
,,
..
..
..
3
(c) Fœcal bacilli not present in 60 cc.
(d) Glucose fermenters not present in 60 cc.
144
SAMPLE IX.–OLD OOTY CISTERN.
C o l o n y n u m b e r .
La c t o s e . S a c c h a r o s e . Du l c i t e . Ad o n i t e .
I n u l i n .
V o g e s a n d P r o s k . I ndol . M o t i l i t y . Gr o u p .
Bacillus.
Group and
Remarks.
(a) Total colonies per cc. on agar at 37°–43.
( b ) Bile salt lactose, medium.
+ –
1 + + – +
– + – – IV B. Laotis ærogenes.
Group I, n il.
2 + + – + – + – – IV
Do.
"
I I , n
i l .
1 tube 20 cc. of water taken
..
..
1
..
3 + + – + – + – – IV
Do.
"
I I I
n i l .
2 tubes 10 cc.
" . .
. .
. .
2
..
4 + + – + – + – – IV
Do.
"
I V , 1 0 .
3 "
5 cc.
" . .
.
.
..
2
1
5 + + – + – + – – IV.
Do.
3
" 1 cc.
" . .
. .
. .
..
3
6 + + – + – + – – IV
Do.
Class I, nil.
3
" .1 cc.
" . .
. .
. .
..
3
7 + + – + – – – – IV B. Gasoformans
" II, 10.
3
" .01 cc.
"
..
. .
. . 3
8 + + – + – – – – IV
Do.
"
" I I I ,
n i l .
9 + + – + – – – –
I V
Do.
Undetermined,
nil.
(c) Fœcal bacilli in 5 cc. and upwards.
10 + + – + – + – – IV B. Lactis ærogenes.
(d) Glucose fermenters in .1 cc. and upwards.
i
REPORT .
With regard to samples I, II, III, IV and V, there is very little to be said. Chemically
and bacteriologically the water is excellent. It is true that micro-organisms of animal origin
are present in small number and that some of these belong to the class susceptible to the action
of sunlight, but, taking the weather conditions into consideration, this is no more than was to
be expected. The samples were taken from the Upper and Lower Doddabetta Reservoirs, from
the Tiger Hill Reservoir and from the pipe lines leading from these respectively.
From the bacteriological point of view the water of the Marlimund Reservoir has not a
single redeeming feature. Bad all round is the only possible description. The water is obvi
-ously liable to gross pollution of an objectionable nature, and might readily become responsible
for serious outbreaks of epidemic disease. The gathering ground must be in a very bad condi
-tion to produce such a result.
Chemically the water is not bad.
The water from the Marlimund Pipe Line shows a very marked improvement on the above,
but is still far from satisfactory. If the so-called pipe action be responsible for the change, it
is hardly likely that it can go on indefinitely.
The water from the Kodappamund reservoir is of medium quality. Organisms of animal
origin are present in 1 cc., but they are of an unobjectionable character and indicate that a
considerable amount of natural purification has taken place in the water.
The water from the Old Ootacamund Cistern is of very fair quality.
Chemically the waters from all these sources show a remarkable degree of similarity.
Their varying bacterial contents can only be explained by differences in the condition of the
surroundings.
SAMPLE No. IX.
SAMPLE No VIII.
SAMPLE No. III.
SAMPLE NO. I.
SAMPLE No. II.
SAMPLE NO. VI.
145
Chemical Analyses.
Physical
appearances.
Colour and
Transparency.
Colourless and clear.
Yellowish but clear.
Smell.
None.
None.
QUANTITATIVE.
Total solids ..
..
..
.. Parts per 100,000 ..
4.800
3.400
Temporary hardness
..
..
Do.
...
1 . 000
Nil.
Permanent hardness
..
..
..
Do.
. .
1.000
1.000
Total hardness
..
..
..
Do.
. .
2.000
1.000
Chlorine
..
..
..
..
Do.
. .
0.710
0.426
Ammoniacal Nitrogen
..
..
..
Do.
..
Trace.
0.003
Albuminoid Nitrogen
..
..
Do.
. .
0.003
0.003
Oxygen absorbed (Tidy's Process)
Do.
. .
0.016
0.058
Nitric Nitrogen
..
..
..
..
Do.
. .
Trace.
Nil.
QUALITATIVE.
Nitrites ..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Nil.
.Nil.
Sulphates ..
..
.
..
..
..
..
Trace.
Nil.
Phosphates
..
..
..
..
..
Nil.
Nil.
Iron, poisonous metals ..
..
..
..
..
Nil.
Nil.
Physical
appearances.
Colour and
Transparency.
Yellowish and hazy.
Yellowish but clear.
Smell.
None.
None.
QUANTITATIVE.
Total solids ..
..
..
..
.. Parts per 100,000 ..
3.200
2.800
Temporary hardness
Do.
Nil.
Nil.
Permanent hardness
..
..
..
Do.
..
1.000
0.500
Total hardness
..
..
..
Do.
1.000
0.500
Chlorine
..
..
..
..
..
Do.
..
0.426
0.355
Ammoniacal Nitrogen
..
..
..
Do.
0.004
Trace.
Albuminoid Nitrogen
..
..
..
Do.
..
0 . 0 1 1
0.002
Oxygen absorbed (Tidy's Process)
Do.
..
0.104
0.100
Nitric Nitrogen
..
..
..
..
Do.
.
Nil.
Nil.
QUALITATIVE,
Nitrites
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Nil.
N
i l
Sulphates ..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Nil.
Nil .
Phosphates
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Nil .
Nil.
Iron, poisonous metals ..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Nil.
Nil.
Physical
appearances.
Colour and
Transparency.
Slightly yellowish but
clear.
Yellowish and opaque.
Smell.
None.
None.
QUANTITATIVE.
Total solids
Parts per 100,000 ..
3.200
3.600
Temporary hardness
..
..
..
Do.
..
Nil.
Nil.
Permanent hardness
..
..
..
Do.
1.000
1 . 0 0 0
Total hardness
..
..
..
Do.
1.000
1 000
Chlorine
..
..
..
..
..
Do.
..
0.355
0.426
Ammoniacal Nitrogen
..
..
..
Do.
T r a d e .
0.004
Albuminoid Nitrogen
..
..
..
Do.
..
0.002
0.015
Oxygen absorbed (Tidy's Process)
Do.
0.042
0.190
Nitric Nitrogen
..
..
..
..
Do.
. .
Nil.
Nil
QUALITATIVE.
Nitrites.
Nil.
Nil.
Sulphates
Nil .
Nil .
Phosphates
Nil .
Nil .
Iron, poisonous metals ..
..
..
..
..
..
Nil.
N i l
.
37
SAMPLE No. A.
SAMPLE NO. D.
147
Chemical Analyses.
Physica
l appearances.
Colour and
Transparency.
Brownish and opaque.
Colourless and clear.
Smell.
None.
None.
QUANTITATIVE.
Total solids .. .. .. .. .. Parts per 100,000 ..
4 3 6 · 0 0 0 *
33·800
Temporary hardness
.. .. ..
Do.
..
5 . 5 0 0
15.500
Permanent hardness
. .
. .
..
Do. ..
3.500
0.500
Total hardness
.. .. .. ..
Do.
..
9.000
16.000
Chlorine .. .. .. .. ..
Do.
..
1.420
6.390
Ammoniacal Nitrogen .. .. ..
Do.
..
0 . 0 0 4
0.004
Albuminoid Nitrogen .. .. ..
Do.
. .
0.049
0.003
Oxygen absorbed ( Tidy's Process)
..
Do . . .
0.440
0.013
Nitric Nitrogen .. .. .. ..
Do.
. .
'I'race.
0.025
QUALITATIVE.
Nitrites .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
Nil.
Nil.
Sulphates ..
.. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
Present.
Present.
Phosphates
.. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
N i l .
Nil.
Iron, poisonous metals .. .. .. .. ..
.. ..
Nil, Nil.
Nil, Nil.
* Chiefly of fine clay, due to high flood in the river.
REPORT.
The flooded state of the river Pennar precludes all chance of the unfiltered water being
pure, so we are not surprised to find a huge total count, and evidence of extensive surface
pollution.
The results obtained with the filtered water are far from satisfactory. The total count is
still too high, and the presence of oxytoccus perniciosus is highly suspicious. Further, a large
number of the fœcal organisms present fall under the heading undetermined, that is, their
susceptibility to natural purification processes are unknown, and it may very well be that some
more of them come into Class 1—the class that is indicative of recent excremental pollution.
Undoubtedly the filter beds must be in a foul condition and should be cleaned.
The samples taken from the distributary system give results which are mutually contradic-
tory. In sample C the so-called pipe action seems to have brought about a great change for the
better, though there are still too many microbes to the cc. and too many varieties of loctose
fermenters present. The number of these latter however has been reduced twenty fold as
compared with the filtered water.
The result obtained from the examination of sample D is most disquieting. The total
count has fallen to a greater extent than was the case in sample C, but the nature of the micro-
bes is entirely altered. The majority belong to Class 1, and to the most susceptible variety of
that class, It is difficult to explain this in any other way than by defects in the pipe line
giving access to pollution of a highly objectionable nature, This section of the pipe line ought
to be thoroughly overhauled.
Chemically the waters are very different. The river water contains too much organic
m a t t e r t h o u g h t h i s i s p r o b a b l y o f v e g e t a b l e o r i g i n .
Sample D is much harder and more saline, but contains less organic matter.
149
SAMPLE V.–FROM NORTHERN CORNER 7 MILES FROM HEAD
WORKS–FROM A PILLAR FOUNTAIN A FEW YARDS OFF
THE MUNICIPAL HOSPITAL.
C o l o n y n u m b e r .
La c t o s e . S a c c h a r o s e . Dul ci t e. Ad o n i t e . I nul i n. V o g e s a n d P r o s k . I ndol . Mo t i l i t y .
Gr oup
Bacillus.
Group and
remarks.
(a) Total colonies per cc. on agar at 37°–Countless.
(b) Bile salt lactose medium.
+
–
1 tube of 20 cc. of water taken ..
1
.
.
1 + + –
+
– +
+ + IV 115 ..
..
.. Group I, 2.
2 tubes of 10 cc.
,,
..
..
2
. .
2 + – – + – – – – I Acidi lactici
..
„ II, 1.
3 „
5 cc.
,,
..
..
3
..
3 + – + + – –
+ + II 33 . .
. .
..
, , III, nil.
3 „
1 cc.
,,
..
. .
3
..
4 + + – + – + +
+ IV 115 . .
. .
..
, , IV, 7.
3 ,, ·1 cc.
,,
..
..
2
1
5 + + – + – + – + IV 102 . . . . . .
, ,
3 „ 0·1 cc.
,,
1
2
6 + + – + – + + + IV 115 ..
..
..
=
7 + – – – – – + – I Vesiculosus ..
.. Class I, 1.
8 + + + + – + + + I V 77 ..
..
.. ,,
II,5.
(
c ) F œ c a l b a c i l l i i n · 1 c c . a n d u p w a r d s
.
9 + + – + – + – + IV 102 ..
..
.. „ III, 1.
(d ) Glucose fermenters in ·01 cc. and upwards.
10 + + – + – + – + 1V 102 ..
..
.. Undetermined, 3.
REPORT.
The examination of the samples taken this quarter reveals a thoroughly bad state of affairs. With one
exception, the water drawn from the well to the west of the head works, all the waters examined show signs
of recent and objectionable pollution. The water taken from the excepted west well cannot however be said
to be good. It contains far too many micro–organisms per cc.; it is too hard and has also a considerable
amount of organic matter. The extensive pollution shown by the other samples is probably to be accounted
for by the flooded state of the river, and is therefore unavoidable. A flooded river is not likely to give rise
directly to epidemic disease, but the wells in its neighbourhood and affected by its condition are much more
likely to become dangerous. At such times these should be avoided. The filtration of the water is far from
being effective, and judging by the huge total counts in the samples drawn from the distributary system, the
pipes must be exceedingly foul.
Chemically these polluted waters are not very bad.
38
SAMPLE No. I.
SAMPLE No. II
150
Chemical Analyses.
Physical
appearances.
Colour and
Transparency.
Colourless and clear.
Colourless and clear.
Smell
None.
None.
QUANTITATIVE.
Total solids ..
..
..
..
. Parts per 100,000 ..
25·000
46·600
Temporary hardness
..
..
..
Do.
..
9·500
24·500
Permanent hardness
..
..
..
Do.
2·500
0·500
Total hardness
..
..
, .
Do.
..
12·000
25·000
Chlorine
..
..
Do.
..
0·887
1·420
Ammoniacal Nitrogen
..
..
..
Do.
..
Trace.
0·003
Albuminoid Nitrogen
..
..
..
Do.
..
Trace.
0·003
Oxygen absorbed (Tidy's Process)
Do.
..
0·009
0·008
Nitric Nitrogen
..
..
..
..
Do.
..
0·045
0·100
QUALITATIVE.
Nitrites ..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Nil.
Nil.
Sulphates ..
..
..
..
..
Trace.
Present.
Phosphates
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
. .
Nil.
Nil.
Iron, poisonous metals ..
..
..
..
..
..
Nil, Nil.
Nil, Nil.
SAMPLE No. V.
Physical
appearances.
Colour and
Transparency.
Colourless and clear.
Smell.
None.
QUANTITATIVE.
Total solids ..
..
..
..
.. Parts per 100,000 ..
34·000
Temporary hardness.. ..
.
15·500
Permanent hardness
..
..
Do.
..
1·500
Total hardness
..
"
..
Do
17·000
Chlorine
..
.
..
Do.
: :
1·420
Ammoniacal Nitrogen
..
..
..
Do.
..
0·003
Albuminoid Nitrogen
.
..
Do.
0·004
Oxygen absorbed (Tidy's Process) ..
Do.
..
0·008
Nitric Nitrogen ..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
0·062
QUALITATIVE.
Nitrites ..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Nil.
Sulphates ..
.
..
..
..
..
.
..
..
Trace.
Phosphates
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Nil.
Iron, poisonous metals ..
..
..
..
..
..
Nil, Nil.