WATER CONSUMPTION AT PEORIA.

WATER CONSUMPTION AT PEORIA.

At Peoria, Ill., the average consumption of water in a private family is about 2,000 gals, a month. Under the scale, if measured by meter, this would cost forty cents, or $4.80 a year. Under the circumstances it is not wondered at that the water company finds that meters do not work satisfactorily and prefer a flat annual rate, which in the case of H. A. Farley, secretary of the Peoria Marble works, brought to the attention of the council at its last meeting is $36. Nearly all the lawyers in the city patronise meters. The meter question, so far as private consumers is concerned, is a big item to the water company. It means the cost of the meter and putting it in, and it means a tremendous shrinkage in revenue, if generally demanded. Under the company’s franchise the meters are obligatory, when the demand is made, and it remains for some one to make a test case and see if the franchise is good or not. The city will not aid in that.

At Peoria, Ill., the average consumption of water in a private family is about 2,000 gals, a month. Under the scale, if measured by meter, this would cost forty cents, or $4.80 a year. Under the circumstances it is not wondered at that the water company finds that meters do not work satisfactorily and prefer a flat annual rate, which in the case of H. A. Farley, secretary of the Peoria Marble works, brought to the attention of the council at its last meeting is $36. Nearly all the lawyers in the city patronise meters. The meter question, so far as private consumers is concerned, is a big item to the water company. It means the cost of the meter and putting it in, and it means a tremendous shrinkage in revenue, if generally demanded. Under the company’s franchise the meters are obligatory, when the demand is made, and it remains for some one to make a test case and see if the franchise is good or not. The city will not aid in that.