(A) Tampering with or damaging system. A person commits an offense if, without the written permission of the City Manager or the Utilities Manager, he knowingly:
(1) Damages or destroys any part of a water meter, connections, cutoff device or locking device;
(2) Tampers with any part of a water meter, connections, cutoff device or locking device.
(B) Certain conditions creating prima facie evidence of tampering. For purposes of this section, it is prima facie evidence that a person has tampered under division (A)(2) above if the person is a customer, owner or person in control of the premises and:
(1) Water is prevented from passing through a meter used or furnished by the Utility Department to supply water to the premises;
(2) A meter used or furnished by the Utility Department is prevented from correctly registering the quantity of water supplied to the premises;
(3) Water is diverted or bypassed by the use of a device, from or around a pipe, main, meter, hydrant or other connection of the Utility Department;
(4) A meter or service connection of the Utility Department used for service to premises is removed; or
(5) Wastewater is prevented or diverted from flowing from premises into the wastewater system.
(C) Prima facie evidence of knowledge. The existence on premises of a device used for any of the unlawful purposes stated in this section shall constitute prima facie evidence of knowledge of the unlawful purpose on the part of the customer, owner or person in control of the premises.
(Ord. 10-1993-36, passed 10-12-93) Penalty, see § 51.999