Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1920-06-19
S565 MINIMUM
WATERRATE MAY Be
PAID IN DISTRICT
Action Is Expected by Au-
thorities at Any Time.
Change Set in Bill.

The minimum rate for water in the
District this year probably will be
fixed by the Commissioners at $5.65
instead of $3.50. the rate which has
prevailed for number of years. The
minimum rate allows for approx
mately 10000 gallons a year.
Action on the water rate is expect
ed at any time by the city heads. The
Commissioners are not boosting the
price of water of their own volition.
They are directed to do SO by the fol-
lowing clause in the District bill for
the next fiscal year:
1.-The Commissioners Of the District of
Columbia are directed to increase the
scale of water rates in effect in the Dis
trict of Columbia by not less than 25
per centum per annum for the fiscal year
ending June 80, 1921. Provided. that
such increases shall remain in effect
until otherwise provided by law
To increase the existing minimum
rate of 81. so by exactly 25 per cent would
make the new rate s5.62h. 1t is not
likely. however. that the city heads will
make the increase as small as the act
of Congress will permit.
The Commissioners were not in favor
of the increased water rate as shown
by the hearings on the District bill.
Some of the members Of Congress in
felt that Washfngton's water rate was
too low.
The approximately s2oo.o 900 of addi-
tional revenue which will be derived
from the people of the District
through the increased rate will be
used in defraying expenses of the
Washington aqueduct, which is un-
der the control of the War Depart
ment.
Aqueduct Items Covered.
Among the items for the Washing
ton aqueduct which Congress directed
should be paid wholly out of the rev.
enues of the District water. depart
ment" are:
For operation. including salaries
of all necessary employees. mainte-
nance and repair of Washington aque-
duet and its accessories. Mcmillan
Park reservoir. Washington aqueduct
tunnel, the filtration plans, the pla mt
for the preliminary treatment of the
water supply. authorized water me-
ters on federal services, vehicles and
for each and every purpose connected
Herewith. s140.00O
"For additional pumping facilities
to supply water to the filters, $4,000.
For ordinary repairs, grading. OPEN
ing bitches and other maintenance of
Conduit road. $4,000.
For emergency fund. to be used
curing immediate repairs in one of
the more important aqueduct or filtra-
ton plant structures. such as a dam.
conduit, tunnel, bridge, building or
important piece of machinery. SIS 700;
all expenditures from this appropria-
ton shall be reported in detail to
Congress.
Nothing herein shall be construed
as affecting the superintendence and
control of the Secretary Of War over
the Washington aqueduct. it's rights.
appurtenances and fixtures connected
with the same and over appropria-
tions and expenditures therefor as
now provided by law"
The District bill also directs the
Commissioners to increase the rate of
assessments against property owners
for the laying of water mains and
service sewers from $1.25 to 81 and
from 81 to $3.50, respectively, per
linear foot.
Tre United States and District gov
erhaents will continue to use water