The age-herald., 1901-08-21
Water Company Makes Pro-
 position to Consumers
ID PUT IN 100 METERS FREE
Citizens Can Pay for Water According To Measurement-Does Not Stop Negotiations With the
 City Council.

The Birmingham Water Works Com pany proposes to make a practical test of the meter question. It offers to put in one hundred meters free. These meters can be obtained by any consumer who de- sires them.
 They will be allowed to stand for a period of nine months. The minimum amount of water allowed is 33O0 gallons per month and the charge on excess 30 cents per thousand.
 General Manager Lynn of the Water Company, said last night that this offer had nothing to do with negotiations pend- ing between the company and the city council The committees will meet Fri day morning at Il o'clock and he will be present to make a statement.
 Water company's Offer.
 The Water Company has given out the following statement in reference to the new proposition:
 "The Birmingham Water Works Com pany. in order to make practical demonstration of the effect of the meter system for dwellings,. including all water used for domestic, bath, closet, sprinkling and all other purposes. Is willing to sup ply one hundred water consumers with water by meter measurement for a period of nine months following October 1, 1901.
 Meters will be placed on the service pipes of one hundred consumers at no expense to the consumer. A minimum charge of one dollar 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 s33O 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.
 Can Save Money.
 The Water company has made the statement that a domestic consumer now paying in excess of SIP per annum, can save money by the meter system, If wa ter is not allowed to waste, and the com pany is willing to go to the expense of installing one hundred meters to demon strate this fact. The company, on the other hand, does not deny that 1t will be benefited by the meter system by the pre- vention 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 eventhose now abusing Wa ter privileges will save money in that with the meter, waste will cease.
 "The first one hundred applications will be accepted There will be no discrim- ination on the part of the company, whether water is used for domestic use only or for all possible purposes. or whetheer the residence is large or small Bills will be made monthly.
 Does Not Bind Consumer.
 "It is claimed that under the present contract existing between the city and the water company it Is not provided that any dwelling shall be metered, so that an agreement on the part of the consumer to pay for meter measurement for nine months does not bind that consumer 10 pay by meter measurement after the ex- piration of that time. nor does 1t 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.
 "The cost of placing one hundred meters will be over 5000. which is some evidence on the part of the company that the meter system will meet with the favor of the people. The test commences October l, because water rents are now paid to Sep tap,hor