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.