(a) No person shall tamper with a water meter attached to the City of Belpre’s water system.
(b) As used in this section, tamper means to open, close, adjust, or interfere with a water meter without the expressed consent of the City of Belpre’s Water Department, the Safety- Service Director, or the City Auditor or any of their authorized agents or representatives.
(c) As used in this section, tamper shall also include the reconnection of any water service that has been disconnected by the City of Belpre’s Water Department by anyone other than personnel employed by the City of Belpre’s Water Department.
(d) As used in this section, tamper shall include breaking a shut-off seal installed by the City of Belpre’s Water Department by anyone other than personnel employed by the City of Belpre’s Water Department.
(e) In a prosecution under this section, proof that a water meter that has been disconnected by the City of Belpre’s Water Department has been reconnected by anyone other than personnel employed by the City of Belpre’s Water Department shall be prima facie evidence that the person in possession of the premises served by that water meter has caused the illegal reconnection to be made.
(f) Any person violating this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, which is punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000) and by a jail term not to exceed one hundred eighty (180) days.
(Ord. 17(2006-07). Passed 5-14-07.)