46 LAWS OF MARYLAND. [CH. 13

passing through the meter during the period between the last
two readings, said meter being required to be placed on each
water connection by and at the sole expense of the Commis-
sion. If the Commission at any time shall not have meters
available to install in all the properties in a given locality
that are connected to the system, then a flat rate shall be
charged all properties in which meters have not yet been in-
stalled, which rate shall be uniform in said sanitary district
and based upon the amount of water used.

380Z. Bills for the amount of the charges as above specified
shall be sent quarterly or semi-annually, as the Commission
may determine, to each property served, and shall be there-
upon payable at the office of the Commission; and if any bill
remains unpaid after thirty days from date of sending, the
Commission shall, after written notice left upon the premises
or mailed to the last known address of the owner, turn off the
water from the property in question, and the water shall not
be turned on again until said bill shall have been paid, includ-
ing a penalty of Two Dollars ($2. 00). If any bill shall re-
main unpaid for sixty days after being sent by the Commis-
sion, it shall be collectible from the owner of the property
served in the same manner as other debts are collectible in
the county and said charges and all penalties shall be a first
lien against said property.

381. The said Commission shall have full power and
authority to enter into any contract for the connection of its
water supply, sewerage or drainage systems, with those of
any municipality or adjoining county, for the purchase of
water and for the disposal of sewerage and other drainage
from said sanitary district, and to enter into any other agree-
ment concerning any other matter deemed by the Commission
to be necessary, advisable or expedient for the proper con-
struction, maintenance and operation of the water supply,
sewerage or drainage systems under its control, or those under
the control of any municipality or county.

381A. The Commission is authorized and empowered to
purchase or acquire by gift, any existing water, sewerage or
drainage systems in Allegany County, or any other water,
sewerage or drainage systems in said county, which in its
judgment are desirable or necessary for the purpose of pro-
viding adequate water or sewerage service or both for the
residents of said district.

381B. In the event of failure to agree to the purchase price
or conditions of purchase of said water or sewerage system,
the said Commission may acquire the same by condemnation
in the same manner as it is authorized to acquire land by this
sub-title, subject to limitations herein stipulated in Sec-