43. DRINKING-WATER

An ample supply of wholesome drinking-water has probably prevented more disease than any drug in the Pharmacopoeia. International standards of purity were suggested by the World Health Organisation in 1958, but for many citizens of the world these must remain a distant goal. A new publication from the same source suggests standards applicable to Europe only.

It is hard to fault. Above all there is a lucid exposition of the general principles which must govern the provision of pure water. Expert knowledge of the origin and distribution of the supply is of over-riding importance. Neither bacteriological nor chemical tests are enough by themselves, and these may, in fact, be misleading. A simple test often repeated is of more value than a more accurate and elaborate one performed infrequently. It is not enough to test the water: faults must be explained and corrected as soon as possible. The professional hygienist may not learn much that is new from this booklet; but we do not know of a better introduction to the subject for the politician, national or local. The provision of pure water is his responsibility, and if he finds the subject boring he ought to witness the enthusiasm and excitement of a Balkan village which has exchanged ancient wells and cisterns for clean water from the tap.

(from The Lancet, 3rd June, 1961)