4 REASONS FOR METERS 



that is used or wasted is paid for, the quarterly bills are effective 

 reminders of the need of tight plumbing. People cease to be 

 indifferent to continual flows of small quantities. Even the 

 plumbers learn in time; and the standards of plumbing in cities 

 where the meter system has been some time in use are higher 

 than elsewhere. 



The experience in checking waste by the general use of 

 meters has been universally satisfactory and has fully justified 

 all the expense and trouble of the introduction. 



It is no longer necessary to argue with engineers in favor of water- 

 waste restriction, and there is practical unanimity as to the means by which 

 such restriction may and should be accomplished; but, unfortunately, the 

 water works of too many American cities are managed, not by engineers, 

 but by bodies of laymen, destitute of technical knowledge, and apt to follow 

 the uneducated judgment of the people at large, when they are not following 

 something less commendable. It is, therefore, in most cases, necessary 

 for the engineer to obtain the consent of the people to be benefited in the 

 manner he proposes, and it would seem that the only question left to 

 discuss is how best to obtain that consent. John C. Trautwine, Jr., 

 Trans. Am. Soc. C.E., Vol. XL VI, 1901, p. 420. 



There is no doubt that the most efficient means of preventing waste of 

 water on the premises of the water takers is the universal use of water meters, 

 for if every water taker is obliged to pay for all the water entering his 

 premises, whether used or wasted, the quantity wasted is very sure to be 

 reduced to a minimum. 



The argument has been advanced that the use of meters tends to reduce 

 the consumption of water for sanitary purposes below a point conducive 

 to public health, but this argument has little foundation in fact. The great 

 cause of waste of water is the continual small trickling streams which are of 

 no practical benefit in cleansing drains. 



By the adoption of a minimum rate which provides an ample allowance 

 for all domestic purposes, the objection to the use of meters on sanitary 

 grounds is obviated. Dexter Brackett, Trans. Am. Soc. C.E., Vol. 

 XXXIV, 1895, p. 197. 



The relation between landlord and tenant in flat and apart- 

 ment houses is one of the most bothersome to water takers when 

 meters are installed. It does not directly concern the water 

 department. The landlord is responsible for all water drawn 

 and if tenants waste water unreasonably he suffers. Consider- 



