Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-09-16
DRAM OPENS STUDY
OF WASTE IN CITY
SUPPLY OF WATER
Ladue Denies Sweeping In
vestigation of Department
Is Under Way.
METHOD OF ACCOUNTING
FOR LOSES is SOUGHT
Assistant Engineer Commissioner
Expected to Suggest Policy on
$4,000 Defective Meters.

Capt. Hugh P. Dram, Assistant Dis
trict Engineer Commissioner, today be-
gan study Of the records Of the Water
Department with view to correcting
conditions cited in its annual report,
which disclosed that 80 per cent of the
entire water supply is wasted and I'M
accounted for and that nearly $4,000
water meters are defective.
The survey was undertaken at the
direction of Col. William B. Ladue,
Engineer Commissioner, at whose in
stance the Water Department recently
prepared tentative five-year program
for development of the water distribu-
ton system which would necessitate a
80 per cent increase in rates.
Denies Reorganization Plan.
=. In directing Capt. Dram to make the
study, Col Ladue also issued a vigorous
denial that he is planning a sweeping
investigation and reorganization of the
water department. II have instructed
Capt. Dram to examine the annual re-
port of the water department and to in
vestigate conditions described therein, "
he declared. Capt. Dram will give spe-
cial reference to one-third of the total
water being unaccounted for and to
the condition of meters and other
equipment. He also will look into the
efficiency of the accounting system and
make such recommendations as he sees
At on organization.
capt. Grams study is not based
upon any presupposition that there is
anything wrong with the Water De-
partment. The Engineer Department
is trying to make a thorough job of
the f1ve-year survey of Water Depart
ment needs. This survey is not yet
completed. The report of needs, look
ing five years ahead, which was sub
mitted to me last week is a preliminary
one"
Col. Ladue believes that careful
check on the amount of water used by
the fire and street cleaning depart
nentS, as we'll as that consumed by the
municipal and Federal Governments,
will account for a large amount of the
water which the Water Department i'll
dicated Is wasted. There is no doubt,
however, he said, that some of 1t leaks
away, but he cannot understand how
80 per cent of the entire supply can
be wasted without the cause being
known.
Donovan Collects Data.
As to the defective meters Col. Ladue
Is anxious for them to be corrected. and
he is confident that Capt. Dram will be
able to suggest some way which 1t may
be done. 1t will be left to Capt. Dram
to determine whether the present de-
fective meters can be repaired or
whether they should be replaced.
In the meantime, Maj. Daniel ].
Donovan, auditor and budget officer. is
gathering data upon which to compute
the actual condition of the water fund,
since 1t is to be vital factor in deter
mining future water rates. Col. Ladue
indicated that an increase in rates will
be ordered only as last resort. He
feels now that a revision in the Ave
year program. together with economics
that may be effected by a reduction in
the large annual water waste, probably
will make higher rate unnecessary.
The water fund at the end of the
1927 fiscal year showed a surplus of
approximately 100000, but numerous
capital Improvements caused 1t to
dwindle until 1t now shows an excess Of
about 100000.
Deficit May Be Overcome.
When the 1881 budget was under
preparation, Maj. Donovan pointed out,
the water fund showed q bookkeeping
deficit of $4,000 was in prospect at
the close of the current fiscal year. This
paper deficit was arrived at solely on
the basis of total appropriations.
If all appropriations up to and in
Guiding those in the current fiscal year
were to be entirely expended, he said.
the $4,000 deficit would actually exist.
All appropriations have not exhausted,
however. and such balances as are not
obligated likely will overcome the APP
parent deficit and demonstrate that
there still is a substantial surplus.
Donovan said he would be unable to
state the amount of the surplus until
he completes the tabulation Of all out
standing obligations and checks them
against the uneXpended balance Of APP
preparations.