Water for free (1940's)

Water for free (1940's) - by Sheikh Sarwar
I am talking water wells driven in houses; Basti Danishmandan, Jalandhar (India).

Water-wells were in almost all houses. There no electricity, no metering and no billings. Water was drawn by bucket made of leather or tin, it was naturally cold in summer and warm in winter. What the natural system! Some time we will mix some insecticide in water and pour in the well to kill any insects. Then drew out some 15-20 buckets water to flush out any killed insects. However, water-carriers used to supply water where needed on per month basis. Water was carried by them in "Mashqiza=water container made of leather" hanging from one shoulder; some carried two; one over left and other over right shoulder. Mashqiza -a water container was made of skin with its opening in front tied by a string or skin strip.

People used to boil water of the open well for drinking and used direct water for laundhry, cooking and sprinkling.

If someone now - 2009 - says no, no, open well's water is not safe for consumption, is the present water supply safe. Every now and then samples and taken, water treated, filters attached to the taps.

sheikhmsarwar@gmail.com