Abstract |
The epidemic of typhoid fever in Vovington, Newport and adjacent territory was caused by the polluted water delivered to their consumers by the public water supply systems of those cities. The present treatment of the Covington supply, consisting of storage and chlorination as now provided, is inadequate, and cannot be relied upon to produce a safe effluent at all times. The crude method of application of chemicals for the purpose of coagulation of the Newport supply is not carefully regulated and is ineffective. Raw Ohio River water is absolutely unfit for human consumption without proper purification. These cities must expect recurrent epidemics of intestinal, water-borne diseases such as typhoid fever, dysentery and diarrhea, until all of the water supplied to their citizens is properly purified by a modern treatment plant. (Author Modified Abstract) |