The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1942-04-17

Its sources OF supply or reducing the
use OF water, Past experiences Of the
water works industry indicated that
O change from the method selling
water by q fixture rate 10 the sale
by meter measurement was always
accompanied by q reduction nj the
amount OF water supplied the sys-
tenn. This occurs through the stop
page OF the wasted water, and Of
fects o pcstponement OF the day
when additional sources OF supply
would have TO be developed.
consequently the water company
had several conferences with the
commissions engineers In the latter
part Of 1910 and meter rate was
prepared for application 10 all serv-
Ices, Finally on December 10, 1910,
the commission held an informal
conference on the subject OF the new
meter rate at which were presnt. for
tn borough, Warden Sheridan and
Burgess Smigelski; for the manu-
facturers, Messrs, Mckenzie and
Cheney; for the water company.
Messrs. Moody, Squires and Engineer
Blair, and for the commission, En-
gineef Rudd and Commissioners
Taylor and Hyde.
THE company was allowed TO put
n meter rate into effect on January
!, i94i, for oil customers with the
understanding that at the end OF the
year II would be revised II the con-
sumption records indicated that the
annual revenue would be greater
than intended.
"Data Not Sufficient"
However, the company did not
start billing each customer as soon
as the meter was installed but waited
until all meters were In service. In
consequence, the bills and water
used for only one quarter were avail
able for study. This study indicated
that some adjustment downward
was justified but the data was not
sufflcient upon which base O Anal
conclusion.
ION December 10, l04l, the COM
pany officials conferred with the
commission as to what should be
done In view Of the inconclusive
meterlng data. Thereafter the COM
pany was authorized to continue an
experimental meter rate until the
end OF the third quarter In l042. The
difference In bills already rendered
on the l04l meter rate and the COM
putation OF those consumptions on
the 1912 meter rate will be refunded
to the customers. Upon a final de-
termination IN the fourth quarter Of
o meter rate which will produce the
same per cent OF net income on the
fixed capital account as was received
IN 1910, this meter rate will be made
retroactive TO January !, l042, and
adjustments made on all bills sent
out In 1942."
Some residents have asked why
the water company was permitted to
continue the experimental meter
rate" until the end Of the third
quarter Of lD42 by the commission
merely on the company's request,
with the general public not knowing
Of such q request until II had been
granted, and with the borough not
represented at the meeting on which
the commission presumably studied
this request.
They have also asked why q lower
minimum than that suggested by the
state engineer, Mr.. Rudd, was &C.
cepted In the revised meter rate. Re.
marks have been heard that any sort
Of diligent inquiry into the general
attitude OF the public here on the
part OF the commission would have
made them realize there Is much
resentment toward and antagonism
against the present rates.
The water rates committee which
has investigated the situation here
has gone on record 10 the effect IL
believes the present rates not salts
factory In that sufiiciert water Is not
granted In the minimum rate and
has also expressed itself as opposed
TO delay until october before fur
ther adjustment Is made.