(A) Meters generally. Unless otherwise provided in this chapter, a customer shall receive water service only when measured through a meter. The Utility Manager shall determine the size, type, number, and location of meters and connections to meters to be installed. Each meter shall be read, when possible, once a month and a bill rendered accordingly.
(B) Meters reading. The meters shall be read to the nearest cubic foot monthly at approximately the same time each month.
(C) Estimated bill circumstances. The quantity of water delivered to a premises may be estimated under any of the following circumstances:
(1) The meter reader is unable to procure a reading of the meter because access to the meter is obstructed or made hazardous by an animal or circumstance.
(2) The meter does not properly function, or the equipment used to read the meter does not properly function.
(3) Adverse weather or an act of God prevents the reading of the meter.
(4) No meter is in place at the premises.
(5) For some other reason, a meter reading is not available to the billing section of the Utility Department at the time of preparing a bill to a customer.
(D) Basis for estimate. An estimate shall be based on past consumption experience at the premises. If there is no past consumption experience, then an estimate will be based on consumption of the same class under similar conditions using the best information available. If a customer demonstrates that an estimated bill is excessive, then the Utility Department shall render a bill based on a revised estimate.
(E) Meter reading verification. If the customer contends that a discrepancy appears in a bill or meter reading, the Utility Manager will inspect the meter and verify the reading, or cause same to be done.
(F) Water leakage.
(1) When a customer experiences a substantial increase in water or wastewater usage from a hidden water leak, the Utility Department will adjust the amount and bill the customer in accordance with the rates prescribed in § 51.030. The Utility Department will adjust a bill only if a customer presents a plumber's statement, or the customer's written statement, which indicates the water leak was not reasonably detectable from the surface, the leak has been repaired, and the type of repairs made. The Utility Manager may request additional information before determining if a water leak was reasonably detectable based upon facts presented to the Utility Manager. A customer may receive only one adjustment during a 12-month period, unless the Utility Manager determines that extenuating circumstances justify allowing additional adjustments.
(2) The leak adjustment will be 40% of the increased billing due to the leak for the month the leak is repaired and the previous month if leakage was occurring.
(3) The adjustment will be calculated as follows: determine an average usage for that month using the three previous years. That usage which exceeds the average will be adjusted 40%.
(G) Return of meters. All water meters furnished to customers are property of the city and will be returned immediately upon request of the Utility Manager. Failure to return a meter when requested constitutes grounds for discontinuance or refusal of service.
(H) Maintenance of meters. The Utility Department is responsible for maintenance, inspection and repair of all water meters. When any act, neglect or carelessness of the customer or owner of any premises causes damage to a meter requiring adjustment, repair or replacement, the resulting expense will be charged against the customer or owner.
(Ord. 10-1993-36, passed 10-12-93; Am. Ord. 04-2011-14, passed 4-26-11) Penalty, see § 51.999