Cyclopedia of heating, plumbing and sanitation; a complete reference work by American School (Chicago Ill.)

Author:American School (Chicago, Ill.)
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
Tags: Heating, Plumbing, Sanitation, Ventilation
Publisher: Chicago American School of Correspondence
Published: 1909-03-25T05:00:00+00:00

f'ost of the service, it would appear from the preceding section that the cost of furnishing water to private consumers should be paid by water rates; that the cost of supplying- water for public purposes should be paid by taxation and according to the amount of water used; and that the cost of fire protection should also be met by taxation, since the individual is benefited by reason of the protection afforded to property.

The exact proportion of the revenue which should be derived from each source depends much upon local conditions, such as size of town, character of supply, etc. In many small towns the works are primarily installed for fire-protection purposes, in which case nearly all the expense should be met by taxation. It is also good policy to begin with fairly low water rates, so as to encourage the use of water, but to enable this to be done a large proportion of the expense will have to be met for a few years l)y taxation.

The proportion of the revenue to be derived from private consumers requires careful consideration in its adjustment. The most equitable method of apportioning the cost is by the meter system. In fixing rates imder this system, allowance should be made for the fact that (juite a large percentage of the water recorded at the pumping station cannot be accounted for, and rates per unit of volumes registered by the meters must be correspondingly raised.

Meter rates are usually graduated, that is, a less rate is charged for large quantities than for small ones. This is partly on the ground that the cost of meter maintenance, keeping of accounts, etc., is })roportionally greater for small quantities, and partly by reason of the policy of encouraging the operation of factories which contribute largely to the general prosperity of the community, and which may reciuire large amounts of water. In establishing a graduated schedule, it should be so made that the lower rate shall apply only to the additional water used beyond the limit of the next higher rate. A good example of such a schedule is as follows:

For the first 5,000 cu. ft. \)vr (> months, 20 cts. per 100 cu. ft.

" " next 1.5,000 '

" - " lOOOO "

" " " 30,000 " " " " 30,000 " " over 00,000 "

A minimum charge of .D!2.00 per 0 months is made.

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