Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-08-01
LITTLE WATER, Low PAY.

A fresh attempt 10 secure from the
City Council legislation that will make
the use Of water meters compulsory is
about to be made, and with promise Of
success.
Our people have been slow to recognize
the advantages of the meter system. but
the time has now come when our supply
Of water on high points is so insufficient
that a decisive step Of some sort must
be taken. We shall either have to put
meters into general use or enlarge our
water-works. The latter course would
involve the expenditure Of untold thou
sands Of dollars; but with meters We
may get along with our present machinery
for twenty years to come.
In our judgment, Richmond cannot pur-
sue a wiser course than to "meter" the
entire city, taking up toction by section,
as It is able to buy the meters therefor.
But If the city will not adopt this sensible
course. and viii not arrange to furnish
ample water at all times to consumers
on high points, then we insist that those
consumers should not be required TO pay
the sums now exacted Of them as water
rent.
As we have said before. It is idle 20
argue that high-point consumers may put
in meters and then only be taxed for
the water they use. That meets the issue
only half way These consumers are en-
titled not only TO all the water they need
but ali the water they need WHENEVER
they need II. Meters will not give them
water at all hours of the day; it will
not give them water when downtown
people have their faucets open, and are
wasting water by the thousands OF gal
Ions.
The city OF Richmond ought TO be
ashamed Of having so long collected the
price Of water that 1t cannot deliver, and
IL ought TO cease the practice-or remedy
the evil-at once. We aoubt if any other
people than ours would have so long sun
mitted 10 this manifest and unquestion-
able Injustice. And we doubt If ours will
submit to It much longer Those who
only get half supply of water ought
TO be made TO pay only half price for 1t.
II the proposition now soon to be sub
nitted 10 the City Council by the Com
mittee on Water should be adopted water
will be supplied cheaply to every house
holder in Richmond. but much Of the
waste now going on will be stopped. But
II the Council will not consent to adopt
the compulsory meter system, then it will
have TO look out for means 10 enlarge our
water-works. Something must be done.
Until hgh-point water consumers are
given full supply, it would not be fair to
make large expenditures to clarity our
water. And right there the meter system
offers great advantages. II makes It
possible for the city to command the
means 10 construct a subsistence reservoir
in the course Of a few years, and would
enable us to do with a smaller reservoir
than would otherwise be required.
AT time when the Council is so pushes
for money that it is talking about cutting
down the pay Of its officers and en-
nlovees. surely It will not fail to see the
advantages OF metering all city water
connections. IN no other way that we
I know OF could the Council put into prac-
tice so wise and far-seeing a measure o.
finance. Nor is the meter system any
thing unusual or untried. 1t is In use IN
a great many cities, and has given salts
faction. And we know of no reason al
all why IT could not be put into success
full operation here.