The Yakima herald. [volume] (North Yakima, W.T. [Wash.]) 1889-1914, 1904-12-07
phoid in the drinking water is exceed

phoid in the drinking water is exceed
ingly difficult and rare, owing among
other reasons. to the enormous dilution
of the infected material. The fact of
typhoid contamination must therefore
be ascertained inferentially from the
presence of sewage in the water and
from the surroundings from which it is
obtained. OF % bacterial examinations
of water from wells used by afflicted
families, 10 gave evidence of sewage
contamination and four others of con
tanning purifying matter. and possibly
sewage also. In several localities, not
ably in the neighborhood of the Cascade
Mills and in Leaming's addition, the his
tories of previous typhoid cases and
the appearance of the surroundings
make it strongly probable, if not rea-
sonably certain, that the water mad
been polluted and was the medium of
conveying infection. How extensively
this may have been. and may still be
the case, may be inferred from the nu-
merous occurrences of typhoid cases
throughout those parts of the city not
supplied with sewers. The general neg
lect of thorough distinction, the I'M
sanitary condition of many out build
ings and premises, the loose character
of the soil, the abundant moisture sup
piled by irrigation, together with the
long summers present combination of
conditions which tends markedly to per-
petuate and spread the disease The
danger from these conditions is largely
increased by the occurrence of many
mild and typical cases of the fever
which are overlooked or disrcgardcd;
the patients 90 about their ordinary oc-
equations without taking any prccau-
lions to avoid spreading the diseases.
BY the same processes of bacterial
examinations and investigations of sur
roundings. we trace at least seven cases
to the use of ditch water. The various
uses. such as the washing of clothes.
the disposal of garbage and refuse and
even human discharges, for when these
bitches are VIGOROUSLY employed, es-
pecially by camping parties, is most
deplorable and distinct and common
source of danger of infection.
OF the city water, numerous bacter-
ial examinations have been made of
samples taken at the headgate, at the
reservoir, at numerous points along the
city ditch, and from hydrants and fau-
Gets, which resulted in showing that the
water is more or less seriously contain
mated by sewage as indicated by the
repeated isolation of bacillus coli COM
NUNS, of proteii and other objection
able organisms. Such contamination is
almost inevitable in view of the fact
that the channel through which the
city's water supply is conveyed to the
reservoir is an uncovered ditch through
the open country. The reservoir, more
over, is of such small capacity that I'M
der ordinary conditions it is emptied
once or twice daily thus allowing no
opportunity for publication through
sedimentation.
consideration of the conditions in
dicated above suggests the following
precautionary and remedial measures:
Flrst-Ihe reporting to the health Of
ficer of all cases of known or suspected
typnoid should be made strictly obliga-
tory upon physicians. and the failure
to employ thorough disinfection in any
such case should be made a misdemean-
or.
Second-The city's water supply
should be conveyed from the mountains
to the reservoir in closed pipes, and the
reservoir should be largely increased in
size to permit sedimentation. An eff
ticient filter should also be installed.
Third-Wells which are known to be
infected should be condemned and
closed.
Fourth - Adequate sewerage and
drainage should be more generally pro-
vided.
Fifth-The city's milk supply should
be subjected to rigid inspection.
Sixth-The bitches should be guarded
against unsanitary practices of camp
ers and Others as far as possible; and
the public should be warned not to use
this water for drinking and other do
mestic purposes.
Respectfully submitted,
(Signed) ROSE A. BEBB,
Psychologist.