Suppose on the other hand, he actually uses 100,000 gallons per annum. His bill will be 100,000 gallons @ 1/- per 1,000 = £5. 0. 0.
Less minimum payment
Extra payment
In this case it is assumed that the minimum or assessed payment is levied in the form of a general Water Rate, perhaps collected with other municipal rates and taxes.
24.
The second arrangement is that which is in force in Malta. It was assumed that each inhabitant was entitled to use free of charge, three gallons per head and per day. I need not go into details as to the method by which this figure was arrived at. Suffice it to say that it represented the quantity of water, per head and per day, afforded by some ancient works, paid for long ago. All water consumed, in excess of this quantum, was to be paid for at the rate of 1/- per 1,000 gallons per diem.
Take a house inhabited by 10 persons.
Then, annually the gratis allowance would be as follows:
10 persons x 3 gallons x 365 days = 10,950 gallons gratis.
But if the actual yearly consumption as per meter was, say 20,560
Balance to be paid for then 20,560 - 10,950 = 9,610
Extra payment 9,610 at 1/- per 1,000 = £9. 12. 0.
(Corrected to: Extra payment 10,000 at 1/- per 1,000 = 10/-)
I do not recommend the second, or Malta plan.
The reason for its adoption was that no municipal or other direct taxes existed; and that, therefore, there were no annual valuations of tenements; nothing, indeed, on