(a) Meters generally. Unless otherwise provided in this chapter, or by separate written wholesale service contract, a customer shall receive water service only when measured through a meter. The director 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) Estimated bill circumstances. The quantity of water delivered to a premises will 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 otherwise.
(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 department at the time of preparing a bill to the customer.
(c) Basis for estimates. 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 consumptions of the same class under similar conditions using the best information available. If a customer demonstrates that an estimated bill is excessive, then the department shall render a bill based on a revised estimate or on an actual meter reading where possible.
(d) Meter reading verification. If the customer contends that a discrepancy appears in a bill or meter reading, the director will inspect the meter and verify the reading. The charge for the inspection is provided in Section 49-18.6(c).
(e) Water leakage. When a customer experiences a substantial increase in water or wastewater usage from a hidden water leak, the department will adjust the amount and bill the customer in accordance with the rates prescribed in Section 49-18.1(g). The 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 director may request additional information before determining if a water leak was reasonably detectable based upon facts presented to the director. A customer may receive only one adjustment during a 12 month period, unless the director determines that extenuating circumstances justify allowing additional adjustments.
(f) Return of meters. All water meters furnished to customers are property of the city and will be returned immediately upon request of the director. Failure to return a meter when requested constitutes grounds for discontinuance or refusal of service.
(g) Maintenance of meters. The 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. Nos. 19201; 20737; 21334)