EXERCISE 61 B 



WHAT IS THE CHARACTER OF THE LOCAL WATER SUPPLY? 



Materials. Data regarding the local water supply, the pump, pumping plant, source of water r 

 methods of carrying water, and care in its use. 



Directions. If there is a municipal water system, visit the pumping station. Learn from what 

 kind of source the water comes ; what precautions are taken to protect it from contamination or to 

 purify it ; whether the supply is sufficient and the cost such that all citizens can use it freely. Find 

 out also whether tests of the quality of the water have been made, and how much is really known, and 

 how much assumed, regarding its healthfulness. 



Are the citizens in the habit of attempting home purification by filtering, boiling, or other means? 



If some families secure water from wells, visit some of these localities and note what precautions 

 are taken to protect the wells from contamination by surface water, cesspools, stables, etc. Are these 

 precautions likely to be effective ? 



What is your opinion of the probable healthfulness of drinking waters in your community ? How 

 could conditions be improved ? 



Additional problems. What are the chief methods of securing adequate water supply in other communi- 

 ties near you ? in the leading cities of the United States ? 



Is it better and more economical for each family to be depended upon to purify its water or for the 

 community to do this for all ? 



[87] 



