The copper era and Morenci leader., 1920-10-01
Continued From Page one)

an order approving schedule of rates, rules and regulations for the sale of water by meter measure to all class es of service and for an order discon- tinuing present flat rates, we again admit that these rules and regulations are just, and that the meter basis is the best way to distribute water, but the rates must be fair and just, in order to provide ample water to each individual. If the rates are un- reasonably high, the majority of in abitants will economiZe to the ex t:eme, and when it C mes to the p pint where the cost is figured on bathing, the flushing of closet or the domes- tic use of water, then the people will hesitate to use water and the result will be seen in very bad sanitary conditions throughout U town ! q the health of the con mliri'v will su'- fer. Further, sufficient water will not be used to insure the proper func tioning of the new municipal sewer.
 Particular attention is called to this paragraph:
 A2. Company submits that three thousand (2000) gallons Of water per month is sufficient for the average consumer for domestic, lawn and Gc- co-ative garden purposes. ] h., pre- sent fat late for summer cons mp tion, including use for lawns, estab- 1ished by your Commission is s4.90 per month Company has taken what it considers to be the require ments of the average consumer and fixed the meter charge for that con sumption, viz, Three Thousand gal Ions per month at what is the present fiat rate, S4.90, per month"
 It must be remembered that the word "consumer'' as used here in includes an average family of five persons" Figured on the basis. of gallons per capita per day. allows 20 gallons. Notice also that this 20 gal Ions of water per capita per day will cost the average consumer $4.90 per month, which is the maximum rate now charged on the fiat rate basis for the use of water for all purposes, in- cluding sprinkling. IT we consider that it requires 5 gallons of water to flush toilet, and each individual will from necessity do so 4 times a day, his allotment will pc entirely consumed, and the result will be that all water used for bathing, cleaning, drinking. cooking and limited amount of sprinkling, which are absolute neces-. sities, must be paid for above the maximum rate now of $490 which is now charged for only seven months in the year This can hardly be called anything but an increase in rates to the consumer, which statement does not agree with the following ir their application:
 A In metering consumers and in establishing the proposed meter sche- 'dule of rates, Company is not seeking to inQease it's revenues nor to in crease the cost of necessary water to its consumers, but to effect now necessary conservation of water
 Accepting this statement in all truthfulness, can you reconcile the statement that it is not the intention of the water company to increase the rates of necessary water to the con sumer with the statement that the company considers 20 gallons of water per capita per day sufficient for all necessary purposes? In an extremely dry atmosphere such as we have in Arizona, water should be considered more of necessity than luxury.
 Also, can you reconcile the state ment in Paragraph 4-'1n metering consumers and in establishing the proposed meter schedule of rates, company is not seeking to increase its revenues" with the fact that if the per capita consumption of water is decreased two or three hundred pe.- cent, not including wastage, with the same total revenue to the company, this water will be available for new business at the scheduled meter rates. If increased revenue is not desired, the customers might be given the benefit of the economy exercised in the use of water by getting the max irum water the present rates will allow.
 Part of paragraph 4 also states that there is no local data upon which to base directly schedule of meter rates, and from which may be forecasted with any degree of assur- ance the precise effect of any suggest ed schedule" Is it not fact that the water company is at present furnish ing water to number of large con- sumers on a meter basis, and have on file regular meter rates, listing the first 1000 gallons at S1.00. whereas under the proposed schedule the first 1000 gallons will cost $1 90.
 The above statements are open for the fullest crit 'cirm by your engineer ing association in order that fEi justice will be accorded all concerned. Please bear in mind that these re- marks are made without any person al or selfish motives whatever. but in an official capacity for the benefit of our entire community.
 Yours very truly
 D. w. JOINTS,
 MAYOR
 Clifton, Arizona. Sept 2s-1ssO.
 MT. D. w. Jones,
 Mayor of Town of Clifton,
 Clifton, Arizona
 near Sir.