Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-09-18
BOARD OF DISTRICT
WILL SEEK $4,000
. FOR WATER SURVEY
Appropriation Was Requested
by Department in Esti-
mates for 1881.
BELIEVE BUDGET BODY
WILL APPROVE ITEM
Hold Losses Known Long Before
Fact Was Revealed in
Annual Report.

Determined to find out what causes
the disappearance of about one-third
of Washington's water supply which
the Water Department disclosed in its
recent annual report cannot be &C
counted for, the District Commissioners,
it was learned today, will seek an ap-
preparation of $4,000 at the forthcom-
ing session of Congress TO make an IN
tensive water survey.
The $4,000 appropriation was re-
uuested by the Water Department IN
its estimates for the 1881 fiscal year,
and, it is understood, the Commission.
ers approved the item and included
it in the final financial budget for the
District, which is now before the Budget
Bureau. In view of the Importance OF
the survey, it is felt at the District
Building that the Budget Bureau also
will approve the item and that its fate
rests only in Congress.
Aware of Enormous Losses.
The fact that the Water Department
asked for the 10000 in its 1881 esti-
mates, which were submitted 10 the
Commissioners last April 1t was pointed
out at the District Building, shows that
it was fully aware of the enormous loss
of water long before 1t was publicly
revealed in the annual report, and was
anxious to take steps to reduce 1t.
The Water Department explained
that the third of the entire supply
which it cannot account for Is causing
a loss in revenue OF approximately
ment and pumping of this water, it was
said, costs approximately $4,000 an
nually. and the additional $4,000 repre-
SCENTS the saving that would result II the
water was used for the hydro-electrlc
plant at the new Dalecarlia pumping
station to generate power for the pumps.
Appropriation for Survey.
In urging the $4,000 appropriation
for the water survey, the Water De-
partment told the Commissioners that
it was recommended in order that the
department may resume intensive
water surveys for reduction OF present
unaccounted for water amounting 10
nearly one-third of the total supply.
''ThiS unaccounted-for water, IL salu'
produces no revenue, but costS APP
nroximately 900 per year for chem
ical treatment and pumping. This water
also is needed for use in the hyro-elec-
tric plant at Dalecarlia for pumping
Tower and when so used would have
value in excess of $4,000 per year,
thereby reducing the present cost OF
purchased current by this amount
The last survey made by the wafer
Department to determine the cause OF
a loss of water was made about IL years
ago it was said. and it revealed num-
her of sources of leakage in mains ana
tans AS a result the department. was
able to make repairs and install new
mains where they were needed, ana tne
amount of unaccounted water was
greatly reduced. A similar investigation
at this time. 1t is thought, may show
similar condition.
Foresaw Meter Condition.
Aside from seeking funds with which
to make water survey, 1t also was
learned, that the Water Department
in 1924, foreSaw the meter conoltlonS,
which now exist and requested aool-
tional appropriations with which 10 ex-
tend the meter service. With the ex-
ception of the last two years, IL was
pointed out, the department since 1924,
had urged increased appropriations for
the purchase of meters, ranging from
SAC, 900 to $50, 900 a year, and that IL
was consistently reduced to $4,000. In
other words the additional funds sought
bv the Water Department for extending
the meter service since 1924 amounted
to $4,000, which, 1t was said. would
have enabled the department 10 nave
installed water meter for every con-
sumner in the District, and the present
situation would have been avoided. A
recent check showed that approximate.
ly $4,000 meters are in use, which IS
about Is per cent short of 100 per
cent meter service, long the goal OF the
water department.
Table Shows Funds Requested.
The following table shows graphically
the funds requested for the extension
of the water meter service and the
amount appropriated beginning with
the 1924 fiscal year.