A. Number Required: Except as otherwise expressly permitted by this chapter, all structures, dwelling units, establishments and persons using water from the municipal water system must have such number of water meters connected to their water system as are necessary in the judgment of the supervisor to adequately measure use and determine water charges to the respective users.
B. Furnished By Municipality: Meters will be furnished by the municipality upon application for a connection, and upon payment of such connection fees and other costs as may be established by the governing body from time to time by resolution.
C. Property Of Municipality; Disputes: Meters shall be deemed to be and remain the property of the municipality. Whenever a dispute between supervisor and the property owner arises as to the appropriate number of meters to be installed on any premises, the matter shall be heard and determined by the governing body after due notice in writing to the parties involved.
D. Readings: The supervisor shall cause meter readings to be taken regularly and shall advise the town clerk thereof for the purpose of recording the necessary billings for water service.
E. Inspections: Meters may be checked, inspected or adjusted at the discretion of the municipality, and they shall not be adjusted or tampered with by the customer. Meter boxes shall not be opened for the purpose of turning on or off the water except by an authorized representative of the municipality, unless special permission is given by the municipality through its representatives to the customer to do so. Any person needing water shut off at the meter in case of an emergency may do so. Any damage to the meter, lines or connections will be the property owner's responsibility.
F. Testing: If a customer submits a written request to the supervisor to test his/her water meter, the municipality may, if under the circumstances it deems it advisable and in its discretion, order a test of the meter measuring the water delivered to such customer. If such request is made within twelve (12) months after the date of the last previous test, the customer may be required to pay the cost of such test. If the meter is found in such test to record from ninety seven percent to one hundred three percent (97% - 103%) of accuracy under methods of testing satisfactory to the governing body, the meter shall be deemed to accurately measure the use of water.
G. Failure To Register: If the municipality's meter fails to register at any time, the water delivered during the period of failure shall be estimated on the basis of previous consumption during a period which is not questioned. In the event a meter is found to be recording less than ninety seven percent (97%) or more than one hundred three percent (103%) of accuracy, the municipality shall make such adjustments in the customer's previous bills as are just and fair under the circumstances.
H. Damage Or Injury: All damages or injury to the lines, meters or other materials of the municipality on or near the customer's premises caused by any act or neglect of the customer shall in the discretion of the municipality be repaired by and at the expense of the customer, and the customer shall pay all costs and expenses, including reasonable attorney fees, which may arise or accrue to the municipality through its efforts to repair the damage to the lines, meters or to other equipment of the department, or collect such costs from the customer. (Ord. 02-01, 10-10-2002)