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II I I I I . . I I . I '. . I I I I I I I I I OJ0855 to those encountered by the Olifton District. This was done with the help and advice of Clifton District officials. As a result of this advice, Ute contracts provided for payment of tap fees in cash, or with a down payment and note for the balance to be paid within a fixed period. Oontracts also pro- vide for payment for water when it becomes available. Other important factors which caused potential Clifton users to hesitate about making connections immediately, were psychological. The Oontractor had many flaws in the system including a leak in the Colorado River crossing as well as at many less critical locations. The district has had to secure replacement couplings and fittings for many of the original ones because of failures, and recently the filter plant required alterations because of improper operation. All these condi- tions are being corrected, but the attitude of a large percent of the users toward immediate use of the water is understand- able. It is the considered opinion of this writer that the rate of water use in the Olifton District is not particularly high compared to other similar systems, and should not require an explanation. It is pointed out that the large user, whose need is the greatest, is normally among the first to take water. The small users are more reluctant to connect to the system. The fact that a high tax levy may be applied may exert influence on the large owner with property having high assessed values, but it has little influence on low value property which may be assessed at a few hundred dollars. As indicated by the average assessed valuation of property and according to general know- ledge of the area, an unusually large percent of old age pen- sioners and low income families on small acreages are located within the Clifton District. Many of these are eager to take water but are unable to finance the necessary improvements required for putting it to use. Vinelands Water District The Vinelands Water District is located near Palisade and purchases Palisade water. It has been referred to as an example of converting to a piped system from hauled water service. According to the report, average use increased from 2200 gallons to 8285 gallons per month per user. This is discounted as a typical example of rural useage for two main reasons: (1) lower water rates and (2) high pressures. However, in the case of the Vineland District, the outside rates for Palisade, - 21 - ~,..., "- ,,,",, ~~: