Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1905-11-02

station. ...... 100000
New 6-inch mains .... 23,000.00
Total .......... .........Sl1 ,553. .0O
10 which might be added the
tax levy .................. ID $50 81
Grand total al........... 81 25 ,333 90
The attempt to supply South Aberdeen
with water from the north side bears the
ear marks OF business lunacy. 1t resem-
bles paying freight on coal to Newcastle.
Since the city had population of 5000
it has been we'll known fact that the
water supply on the north side was very
limited, and it was equally we'll known
that the south side had good supply
conveniently located. Four years ago
the manufacturers in South Aberdeen
asked permission to put in system on
that side, at less rates to consumers than
the city is now charging, but were
denied, although water was badly needed
over there ana the city was in no fnan.
cial condition to undertake the work
itself. Still, in view of what occurred
later, the city would have done much
better to have established a separate
system in South Aberdeen than to have
spent S333, 900 in rigging plan to pump
that supply three miles from scant
source. The new plant would have been
cheaper, and would besides have insured
supply to that suburb. something that
will be decidedly uncertain next summer
should we get six weeks without rain. :.
The pipe across the Chehalis river cost,
including the 81 900 judgment OF Creech
Bros, S22, 6l.00, and the meter now
81 ows leakage of 5000 gallons an
hour, or 10000 gallons per day. After
ali this cost to be pumping such an
amount of water daily into the Chehalis
river seems to fully justify the term
"business lunacy!"
Another fruitful source of expense to
the water system is that of the extension
OF mains. From one to five blocks in
front of vacant lots water mains have
been laid to reach house, at the expense
OF the general public, although there was
not lot passed by that pipe that was
not Immediately enhanced in value to at
least the amount expended in laying the
main across it. Almost every meeting
OF the council finds petitions for water
main extensions on the table, and very
frequently small pipe is ordered laid
at public expense-and within a year or
two that district builds up, and the pub.
lie is again called upon to replace that
pipe with larger size. Occurrences of
this kind are thick upon the city's
archives, but NOBODY seems to care.
The petitioners are the only persons who
notice it, and they are content if the
petition be granted. Others discover it
in their tax receipts.
This story would have small value,
aside from throwing the limelght on the
subject, without some suggestions toward
remedying the evils named. This we
shall attempt, less with the idea they
will be adopted than that they may serve
to draw out something better. 1t is sub
ject that cannot well be made worse. and
discussion may aid it. We would sug-
gest:
First-That hereafter the funds OF the
waterworks be kept intact for the use of
the system, and that no expenditures be
made from it other than the cost OF
operation, paying interest and providing
a sinking fund for its Indebtedness, or
improving its source of supply when the
funds will justify, making all improve
ments OF any magnitude by the sale of
bonds issued for that purpose.
Second--All extensions to be paid for
by the abuttng property, the same as
any other street improvement OF special
value to the property affected.
(This may be objected to on the ground
that as the city has so far placed mains,
it would be unfair to new districts to
change the plan. But, because some.
thing was begun wrong is never valid
excuse for its continuance.)
Third-That all extensions, and other
improvements costing over 800 be let by
contract, material and work to be under
the supervision of the superintendent.
Fourth-Plan system of water supply
for South Aberdeen and install 1t as soon
as required, paying for it by the sale of
bonds.
With such policy adopted the water
rate could be materially reduced, so