"Bacteriologically, the examinations disclosed a distinct degree of fecal contamination, although not so great as might perhaps be looked for. Thus, the sample from the river outlet showed coli in 0.1 c. c. but not in 0.01 c. c., a substantial pollution, however. In none of the other five were coli found in quantities of water less than 1 c. c. and these organisms on the date in question were not present in 1 c. c. of the lake outlet and canal samples, nor in the upper river sample of October 28th.

"It is obvious that the river is subjected to very large dilution by lake water and that in consequence of this and the physical and biological influence incident to very slow passage through the Lake the degree of sewage contamination from the village, rather pronounced at the river outlet, becomes materially reduced by the time the water passes through the lake outlet.

It can be stated, however, that the condition in front of the ice houses as well as at the beach is very unfavorable. Assuming that there is contamination to the extent of coli in 1 c. c., most, or at least much, of the time--and there is every reason to believe that this is the case and that at times it may be even worse than thisthen it is apparent that a hazard is involved in bathing at this beach, and as well, that the point where the ice is cut must afford an ice of very dubious safety. The latter is said while recognizing not only that considerable mechanical purification occurs when water freezes but also that there is a pronounced reduction in the number of organisms in ice stores for a few weeks.

"There is also of course some little contamination of the lake by the cottage population. However, it is obvious that so long as the main pollution continues to be permitted it would be a hopeless task to try to clean up these conditions.

"Mr. Fletcher has suggested that the Lake Association would be the ideal agency to assist in crystallizing public sentiment in Enfield in favor of the construction of a proper sewerage system together with such provision for treatment as would abate in very large degree the present lake pollution.

"The latter could be effected through the installation of settling and septic tanks, both for the mill and the domestic sewage. This would mean the removal of a large amount of the offensive matter now entering the lake.

"The present policy in this, as in other states, is to look upon our lakes as potential water supplies, as well as recreation resorts, and to urge the taking of all measures possible for keeping these clean. In the light of modern opinion on such matters the present extensive discharge of sewage into Mascoma Lake represents a disgraceful situation, one which eventually will surely be mitigated, but

this is of course something which cannot be brought about immediately. It can only come as a result of the agitation resulting from an awakened and enlightened public sentiment.

"But in the meantime there are three items which should not be lost sight of, viz.: (1) that the present point of ice cutting is an unsuitable one and should be abandoned, removing the ice houses to a point further down the lake, (2) the character of the water at the beach is unsatisfactory for bathing purposes, such that there is risk of contracting disease in consequence, (3) use of the lake water by the cottagers for such purposes not only as drinking but for washing dishes, preparing food, brushing teeth, etc., is unsafe and this is particularly true above the bridge.

"A copy of this report is being sent to the health officer of Enfield.

Very truly yours,

CHARLES D. HOWARD, Chief of Division

EPPING.

Repeated references have been made in past reports to the highly unsatisfactory situation involved by the water supply of Epping Village district, a situation not equalled in reprehensibleness by that attaching to any other water supply in New Hampshire.

During the past two years the matter has been the subject of numerous inspections, many reports and a voluminous correspondence. Three different sanitary engineers attached to this division, in addition to the chief, have had occasion to go over this situation and to voice strong criticism concerning the negligent manner in which the system is, or has been operated. This led, during March, 1926, to the issuance by the Board of a formal order directing the District to do certain things, first with respect to the effecting of immediate improvements in methods and correction of conditions, and second, requiring the District within six months to either install an approved system of filtration or else secure a new source of supply (i. e. abandonment of the river source).

A number of District meetings were held, also conferences with the State Board of Health, at which latter it

was represented that while the District favored the alternative of a new source yet it had been unable to find anything suitable and moreover the plea of lack of financial resources was made. In this matter the Board agreed to allow the District a reasonable extension of time, with the understanding that immediate and constructive action toward securing a new source be taken.

FRANKLIN.

During the period of the latter part of February and early March, 1926, seven cases of typhoid fever, involving one death, occurred at Franklin. As this circumstance was to be accepted as unquestionable evidence of a wrong condition somewhere, special effort was made by this department to trace the origin. It was found that no two of the patients had been associated together, also that none of these had had milk supplied from the same dairy, and investigation failed to disclose that there had been any sickness of suspicious character on any of the farms involved, or any recent changes in the personnel of employees. As five of the seven cases were found to have eaten at the same restaurant, the local health department was requested to take specimens from those here engaged but unfortunately this was not done, on the ground that it was "not necessary."

Investigation in connection with the water supply, which is taken in part from the Pemigewasset River, with filtration and chlorination, disclosed that for a period of two weeks prior to February 20th the chlorinator had not been operated. The river source is moderately polluted by domestic sewage and as the filters are of the uncovered type and the character of the operation during the winter months uncertain, chlorination was installed as an adjunct about ten years ago. Prior to this, and particularly prior to the inauguration of filtration, there had been a history of typhoid, which it is believed can be fairly attributed

to contaminated water resulting from the occasional use of the river auxiliary. The physical character of the filtered river water is excellent and as a rule the examinations made have not disclosed any pollution.

Consequently while some of the aspects as presented in this instance were not consistent with water as the agency responsible, yet under the circumstances a measure of suspicion must unavoidably attach to the latter. A further possibility that such might have been responsible in consequence of local pollution, due to an unprotected fire connection at one of the mills and involving use of a polluted secondary source, cannot be ignored. It is believed that the present water works management is now thoroughly alive to the need of constant vigilance in the operation of the treatment and that, with the adoption of certain improvements, Franklin citizens need have no future concern as to the safety of their public water supply.

GILSUM.

At the request of certain parties, during 1925, a survey was made and plans prepared for a sewerage system for this village.

GOFFSTOWN.

During 1924-1925 surveys were made and plans prepared for a sewerage system, in accordance with a vote of the town. The latter has, however, been dilatory about proceeding with the installation of this much needed improvement, and information as to progress is lacking at this time.

HANOVER.

The Hanover Water Works completed during 1925 an extensive addition to its system, comprising flowage of an extensive tract lying on the watershed of the brook above and which feeds the original reservoir. This addition will provide much needed increased storage.

HAVERHILL.

The matter of a water supply for the village of Woodsville has been pending for a number of years, reference to which matter, with description of various plans, will be found in previous reports. For a considerable period the only available public water supply has consisted of the Ammonoosuc River-chlorinated but unfiltered. At times the physical quality of this water is such that it cannot be deemed as fit for domestic use, and even under the most favorable conditions the character cannot be considered as safe even with chlorination, because of the substantial degree of pollution.

Late in 1924 a project involving the introduction of a supply from a well situated on an island in the river above the dam was advanced, and a test pit was constructed by the Commissioners. The yields, as well as analytical tests, were promising and this matter came up for consideration at the 1925 district meeting, being discussed extensively in connection with a project favored by an opposing faction and which involved filtration of the river source. Unfortunately the latter had already been under consideration for some years and at this time it was obvious that it was advanced for purely obstructive purposes, there being no disposition to vote to proceed with filtration, notwithstanding the extreme acuteness of the water situation in this village.

In response to a request from the commissioners for a statement definitely setting forth the opinion of this department the following was transmitted to the local officials:

Board of Water and Light Commissioners
Woodsville,

New Hampshire.

Gentlemen:

April 1, 1925

You have requested me to give you a statement in writing relative to the attitude of this department concerning the island well