New-York tribune., 1902-04-14
AS TO WATER METERS.

There are some questions of detail concerning
water meters which are open to dispute These
relate TO the kind of meters which should De
used and what they should cost. and who
should pay for them The last question is per-
haps the most contentious of all and there If
much TO be said upon both sides OF It, But II
and all the rest may be reasonably and equitaoi!
answered upon due investigation and consld-
erarion Not one of these involves in any de-
gree the one great fundamental principle Of the
case 10 wit. that the use of meters OF some
kind and in some way is the only rational and
eouta bic method of water distribution and tax
alton.
That fact should be sef-obvious. II is simply
en- application of the ancient principle OF rem
dering all things by measure and weight 1t Is
a system under which each consumer will be
charged for just what he uses no more and no
less 1t is said it will discourage that free use
of water which is desirable for sanitary pur-
poses But that is only 10 say people will not
use water freely unless they get it without
paving for it. Surely it should be possible to
educate them to higher standard than that
1t is to he believed that the average citizen is
willing TO paw fair price for fair service.
whether it be in gas or water, in groceries or
in transportation. He does not expect TO get
something for nothing, though, of course, he
does not want 10 pay something for nothing.
Under the present system there is no doubt that
some are getting water for nothing, while
others are paying for what they do not get.
Each house In a street is charged for water sup
ply the same as each other Of the same size and
style Yet in some houses twice much water
Is used as in others.
There is a reasonable analogy between the
water system and the gas system. In the latter
meters are used. True, the inaccuracy Of the
meters has long been copious source of jests
and complaints Yet. on the whole, it is TO be
believed the meters register fairly and it is not
conceivable that either the companies or the
consumers would be willing to have them abol-
ished and replaced by such a system that
which now prevails in the water department
We have no DOUBT, either. that if the munich
pality We're to undertake the supplying of gas,
as it now does of water it would retain the
meter system If that is done in the gas supply
there is the more reason for it in the water
supply. partly because there is much more like
| lihood of waste of water than Of gas and partly
because water meters are much more accurate
| and trustworthy than gas meters.
One suggestion which has feen made concern
| ing water meters in dwelling houses is worthy
| of careful consideration. That is. that GER
tain minimum charge shall be fixed. as uni
| form as the present water tax. That charge
| should be for such quantity Of water would
amply meet the reasonable requirements of the
| household, and it should be eyacted whether
such quantity used or not-excepting. OF
| course when the house standing untenanted.
| There should he no premium put upon uncleanli-
ness and thirst by making rebate for scanty
use of water. On the other hand, for all water
registered by the meter above that minimum a
charge should be made. Under such system
there would seem 10 be temptation unduly TO
| stint thu use of water. since nothing would be
| gained saved thereby. while on the other
| hand there would be a strong restraint against
| mere waste 1t may well be believed that in
| this way the cost of water to the people might
be decreased, the revenue to the city might be
proved.