582 LAWS OF MARYLAND. [CH. 245

placed on each water connection by, and at the sole expense of,
the commission. If the commission does not see fit to install
meters, then a flat rate shall be charged which shall be uni-
form and based on the amount of water used. 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 thereupon payable at the office of
the commission; and if any bill shall remain unpaid after 30
days from date of sending, the commission shall, after written
notice, to be left upon the premises or mailed to the last known
address of the owner, turn off water from the property in ques-
tion, and it shall not be turned on again until said bill shall
have been paid. If any bill shall remain unpaid for 60 days
after being sent by the commission, it shall be collectable against
the owner of the property served, in the same manner as other
debts are collectable in the county.

SEC. 14. And be it further enacted, That said commission
shall have full power and authority to enter into any contract
for the connection of its water supply, sewerage and drainage
systems with those of any other municipalities or adjoining
counties for the purchase of water from them, and for the dis-
posal of sewerage and drainage from the sanitary districts and
to enter into any other agreement concerning any other matter
necessary, advisable or expedient for the proper construction,
maintenance and operation of the water supply, sewerage,
drainage or refuse disposal system under its control, or those
under the control of other municipalities or counties.

SEC. 15. And be it further enacted, That whenever said
commission shall have extended its general water supply or
sewerage system up to and is ready to connect with any munici-
pally owned or privately owned water supply or sewerage sys-
tem, and it deems it advisable and proper for the adequate
operation of the system under its jurisdiction to take over the
said water or sewerage system, it may purchase the same upon
such terms and conditions as may be agreed upon. In the
event of failure to agree as to the purchase price or conditions
of purchase of said water or sewerage system, whether pri-
vately or municipally owned, the said commission may acquire
the same by condemnation in the same manner as it is author-
ized to acquire land by this Act. In the condemnation of pri-
vately owned water or sewerage systems the jury shall take into
consideration as a part of their award any payment, contribu-
tion or tax paid by the respective lot owners or purchasers to-