The Belfast Charitable Society had been responsible for bringing water to Belfast from the 1790s. However, making water pipes from tree trunks, laying them and employing engineers to work out the most appropriate courses all came at a cost.
On this day (17th January) 1807 it was recorded that the Water Rate Collectors had been sent out to those who have not paid their extra water money. It was stipulated that all arrears were to be paid and if this was not complied with, the offenders were to have their water supply cut off ‘without loss of time’
The collectors had received ‘abusive and insulting language’ when trying to carry out their duties.