EXPLANATION AND OPINION.
The color and odor indicate contamination. The large amount of soluble solids is suspicious. The blackening of the residue during ignition shows the presence of organic matter in solution. The large amount of combustible and volatile matter is a grave indication. Because the alkalinity exceeds the hardness, it shows the presence of an alkaline carbonate, which is a suspicious circumstance, since it may result from the decomposition of animal matter. The amount of chlorine is unusually large. I think the average for well water is about one grain. The large quantity of chlorine and the presence of alkaline carbonates point very strongly to the stable, privy, sewer, or cess-pool. The amount of nitric acid is large, though this alone may not mean much, yet joined with the other results it has much significance. The amount of ammonia is more than twice the quantity that ought to condemn a water absolutely. The small amount of free ammonia and the large quantity of albuminoid ammonia show that a large amount of organic matter is present and decaying slowly. As the weather becomes warm, the proportion of free ammonia will increase. Bacteria are always associated with putrefaction and conditions of hygienic importance.
Infusoria are never generated except in organic solutions. They are abundant in all fresh water wherever organic matter is held in solution, also in stagnant water.
From the large amount of chlorine and the presence of alkaline carbonates, it would appear that the water is contaminated with animal rather than with vegetable matter.
This water is unfit for domestic uses.
Edmund R. Angell.
A word in explanation may be necessary to those who are not familiar with water analysis.
Water that contains such a large amount of solids is very suspicious. It will be seen that the sample contained twelve grains of chlorine to the gallon, which would alone at once condemn it. The only source from which chlorine is derived in the waters of this state, except possibly a trace, must be from the sewage or waste from the household, where common salt is used. A well that contains over one grain to the gallon is to be looked upon with suspicion. The same is true of a water that contains over 0.01 part of ammonia or “albuminoid ammonia.”
Then, again, the bacteria and infusoria, to the extent present, indicate its pollution.
Of the history of this well and the family using its water Dr. Currier renders the following report, which is a terrible commentary upon the dangers of filth in drinking-water. Since the report was made, Dr. C. states that there was a case of typhoid upon these premises during the early part of the winter, which he did not know of at the time his report was written.