Chapter 13.40 — WATER METERS

All water meters shall be sealed at the time of installation, and no seal shall be altered or broken except by an authorized employee of the water department.

(Prior code § 23A.91)

A.

The water department shall maintain, repair and replace water meters.

B.

If a replacement or adjustment of a meter is necessary due to the act, neglect or carelessness of the owner or occupant of a premises, the expense to the water department shall be charged against and collected from the customer.

(Prior code § 23A.92)

A.

Each customer may request the water department to make a test of the meter serving his premises. The water department shall arrange for the test within two working days after receipt of the request and shall notify the customer twenty-four hours before the time set for the test. When the customer makes the request he shall deposit in cash an amount as established by resolution of the city council.

B.

If the meter test shows that the meter is:

Registering not more than two percent faster or slower than the actual quantity of water passing through it, the city shall keep the deposit;

Registering more than two percent over actual usage, an accurate meter shall be installed, the deposit refunded and the water bills adjusted to correct the error discovered;

Registering more than two percent under actual usage, an accurate meter shall be installed, the deposit refunded and the customer billed for the amount of the undercharge.

C.

The adjustment for overcharge or undercharge shall be for a period of six months or the period during which it was measuring service to the customer, whichever is shorter.

(Ord. 678 (part), 1998: Ord. 603 § C, 1992; prior code § 23A.93)

When a meter does not register correctly, the city shall charge the customer for a minimum service charge or for an estimated amount of water used, based upon the customer's previous consumption during the same season of the year if conditions are the same or upon a reasonable comparison with use of other customers during the same period receiving the same class of service under similar circumstances.

(Prior code § 23A.94)

When a person connecting service pipes to the property side of the meter uses the water for testing pipes, he shall shut the water off from unoccupied premises before leaving and shall leave the meter box properly installed to full depth in the ground or sidewalk, with the cover securely fastened in place.

(Prior code § 23A.95)