Report on the emptying of cesspools : 12th March, 1849.

  • London (England). Metropolitan Commission of Sewers.
Date:
[1849]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Report on the emptying of cesspools : 12th March, 1849. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    jifletropolttan eto ers. REPORT on the Emptying of Cesspools. The emptying of cesspools by pump and hose into the common drains and sewers, and there washing away the soil, having, after a trial of more than twelve months, been proved to be far more cleanly, innoxious, expeditious, and economical than the former mode of bucketing out the soil and carting it away, it appears to be extremely desirable that the plan should be reduced to an organised system so soon as arrangements can be made to effect that object. With this view, we beg to submit for the consideration of the Commissioners the following report thereon : There are two descriptions of cesspools, namely, public and private. The public ones are those which are situated in courts, alleys, and other public places; and the private ones are those in and about private houses. It is the practice to defray the expense of emptying the former out of the sewers rates, and of the latter by the owners or occupiers of the houses. Under the present system, the emptying of private cesspools is charged at per cubic yard; and the applicant is called upon to deposit a sum of money at the particular District Office at the time of making the application. The exact cubic contents of the cesspools cannot be ascertained, nor can the proper amount to be paid for the work be arrived at, until after it is executed; and if, after the cesspool has been emptied, the cost is found to amount to more or less than the sum deposited, either the deficiency must be collected of, or the excess returned to the applicant. This system occasions loss and inconvenience to both parties. We therefore recommend that the private cesspools be divided into four classes, as follows; and that the class of cesspool be ascertained, and the charge for emptying it paid, previously to the work being put in hand. 1 [ \ First-class Cesspools, containing 4 and above 4 . . Second-class Cesspools, containing 3 and £ s. d. under 4 . . . Cubic yards 1 of Soil < i Third-class Cesspools, containing 2 and under 3 . . Fourth-class Cesspools, containing 2 and under 2 , . j l ' each for emptying. an A