WATER TESTS TO BE MADE

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28472, 30 December 1957, Page 8

WATER TESTS TO BE MADE

Precautions In Flood Areas

Health Department officers in Christchurch are to test all sources of drinking water in the flooded areas of Canterbury ahd the West Coast Radio warnings asked residents in areas which have been flooded to select the cleanest water they could for drinking purposes and then boil it to avoid any chance of infection. Last evening, the Medical Officer of Health (Dr. A. Douglas) said: “It is purely a precautionary measure which should be taken after flbods have swept through any area. It is likely that flood waters containing dirt and slime could have affected wells, both shallow and artesian, especially where flaws in rock strata are possible. “The , infection most likely, if any were to occur, would be the gastro-intestinal infections—typhoid, paratyphoid and others. It would be unusual indeed if this did eventuate, but we do not want anyone to take risks where dust has entered water, especially after it has flowed over areas which have held stock,” he said. Dr. Douglas said he had not heard reports that Kainga residents thought the area might have to be declared an emergency area because of threatened pollution following the overflow of septic tanks.

“It is possible this could cause concern, especially it we have many hot days. The dilution of septic tank overflows would be so great, considering the amount of water that has swept through the area, that this does not, at this stage, seem serious,” he said. .“We will be informed if the situation ndeds this drastic action, but at present we win concentrate on a conference between the Army, our department and the police, who are directing emergency operations,” he added. Tests of water supplies would be begun by a team of Health Department officers today, he said.