The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-04-20
EYERs WRITES METER LETTER
vANTs COUNCIL TO GRAPPIE WITH
THE WATER QUESTION.

II politicians show Their Hand a
right May Follow Against Any
Effort to Restrict the Use of Water.
city Now Pumping 100000 Gal
Ions, which Is 100 Gallons Per
Capifa-The Mayor Says 1t Is Meth
CIR His Desire to Overtax People
Nor Restrict Free Use of Water, in
Urging "a Reform.
Mayor Myers intends TO push the water
meter question to the 'front.' now that the
transfer of quarantine to the government
is off his hands. His views were outlined
IN lengthy communication to the City
Council last night, in which he pointed out
the defects in the present method of selling
water. and suggested that the water COM
mittee take the matter up and report as to
the advisability of a change.
Alderman Thomas thought the Mayors
suggestions should receive immediate at
tention, and moved that the communica-
ton be referred to the water committee,
with instructions TO report on it within a
week. Alderman Thomas has had trouble
in getting water at his home where he
said the pressure in the mains was fire.
quently too light to force the water to the
first floors. 1t is evident the matter will
be brought TO an issue within the next
few days.
You can rest assured there will be no
meters in Savannah" said leading poll
tician some days ago to a Morning News
reporter. The hand the gentleman in ques-
ton took in the election of Mayor Myers
a tfa,. Of;
will become of the movement for meters
From what the politicians say they do not
want meters, and will fight any effort TO
install them.
Mayor Myers communication is as fol-
lows:
Savannah. Ga, April 49,, 1S99.-To the
Honorable Board of Aldermen: desire to
can your attention to our present system
OF furnishing water to citizens There is
no doubt that under it there is a vast
quantity daiiy' wasted. 1t is the duty of
Couhch' ana especially of the aldermen
forming the committee on water. TO devise
plans 10 prevent this waste which is he
coming of most serious nature If is
known 10 the committee that we are now
pumping nearly the full supply furnished
by the wells. With the warm weather
there will come a legitimate increased de-
mand Tor water and heavier consunntion
must accordingly soon be looked for An
uclpatlng this Increase, the city must take
steps 10 provide for ii. The source of
supply must be added to or the waste from
leakage and other causes must be STONED
10 my mind the latter Is the better and
more reasonable course to pursue.
We are, l am informed, now nunnine
100000 gallons of water daily. an average
allowing a population of 5000 of 100 cal.
Ions of water to every man. woman and
enid IN the city. l doubt if in any other
city In the land there is such a quantity
OF water supplied daily. Having comDar-
atively few industrial establishments
which are heavy consumers of water it
is recognized by all who have investigated
the matter that a large percentage of the
water pumped is not consumed. but mere
ly allowed to flow off into the sewers
through leaks in pipes, faulty faucets and
general carelessness of consumers. Two
million gallons of water, or nearly 80 per
cent. OF all the water pumped, 1t is esti-
mated, is in excess of the proper require
ments of the city for all purposes. This
estimate is based on most liberal use of
water by all.
1t is not my desire and know it is not
the desire of any member OF this board. TO
restrict any citizen IN the liberal use of
water Tor proper purposes. Neither is il
the desire of any member of Council 10
ada to the already heavy taxes upon our
people But it is but just and proper that
those who are guilty of extreme wasteful-
ness, by permitting water 10 run when not
necessary or allowing defective pipes or
faucets to remain on their premises, should
De compelled by an increased expense to
remedy these sources of waste. 1t is not
right that other property owners and con-
sumers should be forced to complain of
TACK of adequate water supply. or see the
city expend large sums to obtain an in
creased supply because of wilfuI negli-
senee of those who. under the present sys-
TEN, waste more than they consume.
A more thorough and energetic inspec-
zion may lessen the wastage somewhat
The only permanent remedy, in my judg-
ment. though, would be the introduction
OF correct water meters. know the sug
gested innovation is unpopular with many
citizens, whose wishes and Judgment re-
gard highly, but am. nevertheless, con-
Ninced that many of those opposed to the
general introduction of meters would soon
change their views IL they would give the
matter more careful investigation.
In considering this matter I would sug-
gest that the committee on water ascer-
tam whether the previous administration
promised to supply the government with
water free indefinitely. The camps and the
military hospital are large consumers, and
II may be that compensation could be
properly asked from the government for
the water supplied since Jan. 1. 1 merely
suggest this as worthy of consideration.
with the southern section of the city rap
Idly developing and calling for extensions
OF water mains, and with the number of
consumers steadily increasing, 1t has be-
come vitality necessary for some steps TO
be taken either to lessen waste or increase
supply
would suggest that this matter be re-
ierred 10 the committee on water. with d.
rections 10 investigate and report such
recommendations as may seem proper TO
II at as early date as practicable Re-
Erantfnll,. IInrrrna,, AIrnrc