The age-herald., 1901-08-24
ANOTHER CHANGE.
An Additional One Hundred Water Me ters To Be Set at Request of Con- sumers Who Failed to Have Their Names on the List
 of the First One Hun
 dred Applications.

At the urgent request of number of citizens who failed to call at the office early enough to have their names placed on the list of 100 water consumers who desire to test the meter system, the Bir- mingham Water Works Company is will ing to change the offer to the extent of allowing 200 consumers to make the test. instead of 100.
 The reason that a limit of even 200 Is placed Is that there is considerable cos. to the water company in the placing of the meters.
 The idea is to make a practical demon stra ation of the effect of the meter system for dwellings, including all water used for domestic, bath, closet sprinkling and all other purposes.
 Meters will be placed on the service pipes of 100 additional consumers at no expense to the consumer. and water will be supplied by meter measurement for a period of nine months following October 1, 1901.
 A minimum charge of $1 per month will be made, which will allow 3330 gallons of water each month for any and all pur- poses. No meter rent will be charged. In case any water Is used In excess of S330 gallons in any one month, a charge will be made for such excess water used at the regular schedule of meter rates. the maximum rate being thirty cents per 1000 gallons.
 The water company has made the state ment that domestic consumer, now pay ing in excess of SIP per annum, can save money by the meter system If water is not allowed to waste, and the company Is willing to go to the expense of installing two hundred meters to demonstrate this fact. The company, on the other hand, does not deny that 1t will be benefited by the meter system by the prevention of unnecessary waste on the part of some consumers.
 At present those who are reasonable in the use of water are in part paying for water wasted by others, while under the meter system even those now abusing wa- ter privileges will save money. in that with the meter. waste will cease.
 The next one hundred applications will be accepted. There will be no discrimina- tion on the part of the company, whether water is used for domestic use only. or for all possible purposes, or whether the residence is large or small. Bills will be made monthly.
 It is claimed that under the present contract existing between the city and the water company 1t is not provided that any dwellings shall be metered, so that an agreement on the part of the consumer to pay by meter measurement for nine months does not bind that con sumer to pay by meter measurement af- ter the expiration of that time. nor does it bind the water company to supply water by meter measurement after that time.
 Meters will be placed between the curb line and sidewalk in a neat iron box.
 Any consumer at any time has the privi- lege of reading his meter to check the reading of the company, and the company will test meter at any time in the pres nnr f.f tac anx tIrffn to him.
 The cost of placing two hundred meters will be over $6O0000. which is some evil dence on the part of the compaLy that the meter system will meet with the favor of the people. The test commences paid to September 30. Respectfully.
 BIRMINGHAM WATER WORKS co.
 office 200S Third avenue. Bell tele- phone 122. s+