Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1919-02-07
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Important Local Legislation.

important Local Legislation.
In respect TO the proposal of legis-
latiye provisions through the medium
of the District appropriation bill the
Senate committee has made a most
sltisfying and commen liable record
This year. The bill, as it stands, car
ries several items of this character,
of distinct Importance and prospective
value to the capital municipality. One
Of these extends to employees Of the
= trict Of Columbia-exc ept members
of the police and fire departments,
who are otherwise provided for-the
provisions of the employees compensa-
ton act and sets apart fund to meet
charges arising under it.
Another step forward is taken in
respect to the collection of city refuse
of all kinds, which mry be undertaken
by the District if in the judgment of
the Commissioners this work can be
done by them to the best interests of
the District, thus enabling them to
solve problems that may arise in pur-
suance of the system of contract col
lection such as those lately encoun-
tered.
The most important measures pro-
posed by the Senate committee relate
TO the water supply. First, there is
provision for a survey TO determine
upon plans for the immediate increase
Of the supply and the possible utiG-
ation of the Potomac power. That in
~ event is essential, whatever econo-
nles may be praeticed, as it is assured
hat within a very short time the water
1pply now available will be exhausted
- she increasing population.
For many years it has been known
lat the largest water waste, causing
siouS drain upon the supply, oe-
ii the public Offices here, which
9ished water free of charge.
years ago it was deter
0 meter individual users in or
ie to cut down consumption and pre-
sent waste it was urged that equity
demanded the metering also of the
seiDal users, and, there was every
II believe, the chief MASTERS,
RI government and District offices.
y his is to be done, If the Senate
m, tees proposal is adopted.
fser he provision now carried by
the oiH ali users of water furnished
tflagh The supply and distribution
sys n Of the District are to pay for
the ster 50 furnished, including "all
depa ueuts. branches and agencies of
the United States and the District of
Colombia This payment is to be
3at rates determined by the Com
missioners and approved by Congress"
Charging Of these public Office users
of water for the service is not only
eenitabie Financially, but it is direct
means OF checking waste. 1t is far
r,ore important that meters be put
into tire public Offices than into pri-
vate homes. Old and neglected plumb
ing has caused an enormous flow of
water into the sewers. Without the
cheek of a charge there has been no
incentive to save. The provision now
written does not cover the matter of
metering. The working out of the
charge system is left for future leg
lslation. The important point now is
that the principle is proposed that the
public office consumers shall pay for
their water, and this will check the
waste and possibly render less neces-
sary and urgent the immediate extern
sion of the supply, although it is as
sured that an enlargement is impera-
tive within a short time, whatever
economies may result from universal
payment by measure.
Finally, the committee proposes that
full jurisdiction over the water sys-
tenn shall be vested in the Commits
sioners. This should have been done
long ago. There should be no doubt
of the acceptance of this provision by
the Senate and by the conference.
With the Districts water equitably
distributed and the service cost fairly
borne by all users, with preparations
made for enlargement and the possible
utilization of surplus water for power
purposes, and with jurisdiction over
this essentially municipal equipment
in the local authorities. the Districts
water system viii at last be properly
organized and provided for, in terms
of both present and future require
ments.