Definition of "water-rate" [water-rate]

• A rate or tax tor the supply of water. Also water-rent. (noun)

The Century Dictionary (Public Domain)

• "Mr.. Kenwigs too, was quite a lady in her manners, and of a very genteel family, having an uncle, Mr. Lillyvick, who collected a water-rate, and who she fondly hoped, would make her children his heirs."
• "Most of the houses in the quiet, respectable sort of streets average about twenty to twenty-five dollars per month, including everything but water-rate, which is three dollars per month."
• "-- An Anti-Ritualistic old Lady objected to paying her water-rate, when she was informed that she would be patronising "a High Service.""