Water Profit at Bradford.

Water Profit at Bradford.

In spite of low water rates and a considerable amount of free water for city supply, Bradford, Pa., has a very profitable water supply. The city has owned the system for twenty-six years, and in all that time, besides practically rebuilding the plant, thus multiplying its capacity by more than ten gallons to one, has retired its water bonds whenever necessary or desirable. The new system, costing nearly $95,000, was built four years after the city purchased the works. Bradford up to this time, has expended $372,747.70, all of which, except $43,607 provided by taxation to retire the first section of the bonds, has been carried by the earnings from the water plant. Today besides owning a magnificent, profit-making water plant, the city also owns 12,000 acres of watershed which are now protected against contamination. There are reservoirs with an aggregate capacity of 159,000,000 gal. and six artesian wells.. The city incurs but little expense for pumping, as most of the water is obtainable by gravity. The system is all paid for, and, besides this, Bradford has had $11,000 worth of free water each vear for fountains, wateringtroughs. 210 fire hydrants, the city hospital, and the flushing of sewers and sprinkling of streets.

The fixed rate for service that prevails for an ordinary home, having a kitchen sink, with cold water spigot, hot water tank, with spigot, bathtub, stationary wash bowl and water closet is only $5.80 a year.