Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-20
METERS DOING GOOD.
The Watcr-Pressure of the City
Already Increased.

"EcuuJ incEtustu.
The Council Committee on Retrencn-
ment and Reform met in Room No. IN
the City Hall last night and spent two
hours and forty minutes considering an
ordinance referred to them by the Coun-
ell as to water meters.
The committee convened at o'clock,
with Chairman Allen and Messrs. har-
relson, King. Rountree, and zimmerman
present.
The committee at once proceeded to con-
slider the ordinance reported 10 the
Common Council some months since by
the Committee on Water, entitled AN
ordinance to amend and reordain section
II of chapter = OF the city ordinances
concerning the water-works," which was
at the last meeting Of the Common Coun-
ell referred with instructions 70 report
facts and figures as to the supply ana
cost of water, the revenue derived by
the city under the present ordinances,
and what it would be under the proposed
measure. The ordinance authorizes the
Committee on Water TO place meter on
the service pipe or pipes TO such premises
as il may deem advisable. and fixes the
charge at s. per annum for the use or
100 gallons of water per day, or - per
anIrIm for $50 gallons per day, and all in
excess of the said fixed quantities at
meter rates.
SUPT. BOLLING'S VIEWS.
Upon the conclusion of the reading or
the paper Mr.. Rountree suggested that
the committee hear from Superintendent
Charles L. Boiling. OF the Water-Works.
Mr.. Boiling said the principal feature or
the ordinance was the question OF fixing |
a minimum rate, allowing so much water |
to the consumer at a fixed charge, the |
excess 10 be charged at meter rates.
Upon being questioned, Mr.. Boiling ex-
planned that the general effect OF the ordi-
nance. if adopted, would DO TO reduce ex-
penses. one employees had already been |
dropped from the payroll who received |
salary Of $500 per annum, and as soon as |
many more meters We're put in he |
thought another employee could likely be
dispensed with. The wear and tear OF /
the machinery would also be lessened. |
The cost to the city, if larger mains were |
laid, would be about $4,000, and the |
wear and tear Of machinery greatly |
heightened The meter system would /
furnish as great a pressure as would be
accomplished by such large main.
INCREASE IN PRESSURE.
Mr.. Boiling here submitted a chart on
which was recorded the pressure in 1895
and 1897. This showed that the average
increase Of pressure in 1897 over 1895 was
twelve and three-quarter pounds.
Mr.. Boiling further said he believed
that, under the meter system, the sani-
tary condition Of premises would be as
good as heretofore. Some little trouble
was experienced with some parties in
Jackson Ward. occasioned by a very
small consumption.
The charges for water in Richmond,
Mr.. Boiling said. are, with the. exception
Of four other cities which are about the
same. at a lower rate than any Of
seventy-one cities with which COMPARE
sons have been made. If the city con-
tinued TO put in meters at the rate Of
those put i'm in 1897. in about two years
the old pump-house could be dispensed
with. except for emergencies, thereby
saving the city annually between 5000
and 5000.
AS TO DELINQUEHTS.
Mr.. Rountree asked what protection the
city would have against parties leaving
premises without paying their waterfalls.
Mr.. Boiling explained that all bills would
have to be paid in advance, and the only
chance Of loss would be for the quantity
used in excess Of the fixed charge.
Mr..Ailen said he thought wheteva per
son was Delinquent for water rent the
water should not be turned on FOR his
use. no matter where he should locate
within the city. unless the delinquency
should be satisfied. 49,
Mr.. Boiling, in concluding his remarks
said he thought that If the whole city
was metered the revenue for water would
be decrea sedi from Is 10 20 per cent.
Mr.. Harrelson, in summing up the pro-
visions OF the ordinance, said 1t was a
measure that should be adopted by the
Council from sanitary standpoint as
well as a source OF revenue.
Mr.. Allen said he believed the ordi-
nance would result in a benefit TO all
classes OF citizens, from the fact Of the
of rates.
TO MAKE UP THE FIGURES.
The matter of the information desired
by the Council was referred to Superin-
tendent Boiling, with the request that
he report the same 10 the committee at
its next meeting.
on. motion of Mr.. RoIntree, the ordi-
nance was laid on the table and the COM
mittee adjourned 10 meet again on Tues
day. the 18th instant, at o'clock T.. NJ,
for further consideration of the
measure The committee will also at that
time consider the resolution adopted by
the Council directing them 10 report
whether any OF the committees Of the
Council should be consolidated, and il So
which.