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NOTE .
With the quarter presently under report we commence the second year during
which systematic analyses of the piped water-supplies in the Madras Presidency
have been carried out. It will therefore be of interest to draw up a short compara-
tive synopsis of the conditions prevailing and of the results found now, and in the
corresponding quarter of last year.
Gudiy átta m.— Last year no entry was made as to the rainfall that had occurred
in the preceding three months. Nearly 10 inches are shown this year. In most of
the samples this year there are more fœcal bacilli, but there are fewer varieties. This
is especially the case with the water from the tap near the Muhammadan School.
More surface pollution has been washed into the river this year, but the natural
purifying agencies have proceeded further.
Vellore.— Here again we have heavy rain reported in the months preceding the
taking of samples this year, while no mention is made as to this last year. The
unfiltered water is worse than last year, but the filters are working more effcient]y
so that the filtered water is equal to what it was last year.
Tanjore.—Meteorological conditions appear to be very much the same as last
year. It is therefore all the more gratifying to note a very marked improvement in
the filtered water and in that from the distributary system.
Trichinopoly.—Again we have similar meteorological conditions and a similar
quality of unfiltered water. The filtered water is however markedly improved, so
greater efficiency is being attained—a gratifying result of last year's criticisms.
Madura
.—In spite of there having been more rain this year than last the water
is very much better, and shows none of the signs of recent animal pollution noted
last year. Filtration seems efficient and the distributary pipes are cleaner.
Dindigul.— This year more rain has fallen and the supply has been adequate.
This was not the case last year. There are other contrasts, the well water and that
from the well of the infiltration gallery having changed places as regards quality.
Class II predominates this year as against Class III last year. This was to be
expected as a result of the greater rainfall. The water from the distributary system
is much as it was last year.
Cuddapah.—No samples were taken last year.
Adóni
.—Although more rain is noted this year than last, the condition of the
tank is very similar in both years. This year, however, the water is definitely
better as regards fœcal germs, but has a much higher total count. The filtered water
and that in the distributary system is much better this year than last.
Conjeeveram . —No
figures for rainfall given last year. As regards the number
of fœcal germs there is a most notable improvement this year as compared to last.
The reverse is however the case with regard to the total count. In view of the
small numbers of miero-organisms present in the pipes last year, the huge totals of
this year are difficult to account for.
Μadras
.—The samples last year were taken at varying dates and the parts of
the system are differently named. A comparison is therefore difficult. On the whole
the water at the reservoir seems to be worse this year, but the samples from the
distributary system are better.
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