The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1899-11-18
THE WATER QUESTION.
Editor of The Tribune

Editor of The Tribune
Sir: find that Scranton is going
through an experience similar to that
which sooner or later oVertakes all our
large American cities in regard to
their water supply. I refer TO the
question which has come up, as to how
the water furnished to industrial es-
adjustments and to private consumers
is to be paid for. Much has been said
in your papers to the effect that water
should be ''as free as air." This, of
course, is mere figure of speech. 1t is
well understood that nature provided
for the free circulation of air. but not
for the free introduction of water by
means of pipes and faucets into our
dwellings and workshops. 1t may be
at once admitted, therefore, that the
water supply is to be paid for, and
the question with your city, as with
so many others all over the country. is
in what way is the consumer to pay
for the water furnished and used.
O.
The first essential point in settling
upon a system of rates for water is
that 1t should be an equitable one. 1t
is by no means fair that one person
amount of water for the same or a
less amount of money than another.
This is a self-evident proposition,
which would not be openly disputed
even by the favored individual him
self. There can be no doubt what
ever that in the sale of water, just as
in the sale of any other commodity,
the price paid should be in proportion
tn
chant would think of doing business
in any other way. No gas company
would think of doing business in any
other way. In all other uses for which
water is furnished, for irrigation or
for power, the consumer gets so much
water and pays for so much. On the
grounds of equity and fair play there
can be no valid argument against ap-
plying the same rule to the water sup
ply OF city.
The only way in which this result
can be accomplished is by the use of
the meter, by which each consumer is
charged for what he takes. 1t is to
be observed, also. while speaking of
the equity of this system, that the
very large consumers, factories brew
cries, hotels and other public houses,
etc. derive a distinct and often con-
siderable revenue from the use of wat
er which they consume, without which
they could not carry on their business.
The private citizen, who only uses
water for the indispensable require
ments of nourishment and cleanliness
derives no pecuniary profit from its
use. And yet, under any other system
than that of meters, he pays for more
in proportion than his manufacturing
neighbor, who makes money out of
the water which he uses.
Another great advantage of the meter
system is that it checks waste. 1t is,
in fact, the only certain way of pre-
venting waste. Waste benefits no one
and is distinct public injury Waste
has to be paid for by somebody, and
in point of fact has to be finally paid
for by the whole community, because
the cost of furnishing the extra amount
of water wasted must be collected
from the consumer and 1t does not
enrich the party furnishing the water,
because it merely represents interest
on money which is generally borrowed
Perhaps your citizens do not fully
uHueISldHu the 1af-feaCnlnB evils OF
waste of water. So long as the con-
sumption, including waste, is small in
comparison to the supply, these evils
are not apparent. But as the city
grows and population increases; as old
industries become enlarged and new
ones established, the question whether
the supply is going to be sufficient
for these increasing needs becomes a
very anxious one. Many of our cities,
and nearly all of our very large ones,
are today confronted with this ques-
tion. Water, like money, can be
squandered with impunity as long as
there is supply in the river, or a
balance in the bank, but when these
are exhausted, what then?
The great question which is asked
when 1t is contemplated establishing
an Industrial concern needing a great
deal Of water in a new location is Is
there plenty Of water? The slightest
suspicion of the possibility Of an made