430 Report S.A.A. Advancement of Science. 



pumping, and, possibly, introducing supplies from additional 

 sources ? Some engineers of wide experience have, after due con- 

 sideration, decided that it is cheaper to pump excessive quantities of 

 water than to have a complete Waste Detecting Department. Some 

 now recommend domestic meters, and do not pay much attention 

 to waste inspection. 



Each case must be considered by itself. The annual expenditure 

 on domestic meters or on waste detecting must be capitalised to see 

 how much it would allow for carrying out new works. To take an 

 example : — 



At present there are 4,000 houses in Pretoria. Allowing a meter 

 for each, at, say, 30/ per annum, the consumers would have to pay 

 ;^6,ooo per annum to have the town metered. This, capitalised at 

 7 per cent., would amount to ^85,000, at 4^ per cent. ;^i33,ooo, a 

 sum which would go far towards introducing a fresh supply to 

 increase the amount available for the people. 



In conclusion it is contended that where water is taken in bulk for 

 trade purposes, the consumer should pay for it by meter. Where water 

 is taken for domestic purposes in quantities under 5,000 gallons per 

 month the meter rent is so high in proportion to the cost of the 

 water that it would appear to be more economical to pay by rate, 

 either on the rental or at fixed charges for opportunities of using. 

 If the meter rent does not exceed 5 per cent, of the price of the water, 

 it is not too much to pay for the knowledge of the quantity of water 

 used. It is maintained that it is better for all parties to spend 

 money on checking waste than on restricting use, and that the proper 

 system of water rating for any town can only be decided by looking 

 at the question from its financial side. 



