(A) The PWD shall have free access at all reasonable times to the premises of the consumer for the purpose of reading the internal water meter or inspecting the piping and appurtenances connected to the meter, which includes the wiring leading from the internal meter to the external outside reading device (OSR).
(B) The PWD may remove the internal meter or the OSR at any time for repair or for testing, and when any meter shall be found incorrect in its measurement and unfit for further use, such internal meter or OSR shall be replaced at once by one approved by the PWD. The city shall examine and test any water meter furnished by the city whenever it is determined that an unexplained fluctuation has occurred in the billing contrary to past billing history. A consumer may request such testing, or the testing may be initiated by the city; however, in all cases the city shall determine when and if such testing will occur. If the unexplained fluctuation continues over two billing cycles, the meter shall be tested. Should the meter register more than or equal to 2% in excess of the amount of water that actually passes through the same, the customer's billing for the current and the most recent past billing period will be adjusted downward by the percentage that the meter was found to be running fast. Should the meter register more than 2% less than the amount of water that actually passes through the meter the customer's billing for the current and the most recent past billing period will be adjusted upwards by the percentage that the meter was found to be running slow.
(C) The occupants of any building or premises where a meter or an OSR is located shall keep the same free from obstruction and they shall be so arranged that it may be accessible at all times for the purposes of reading, inspection or repairing; and if the meter or the OSR is obstructed, the water will be shut off until such obstruction is removed and the reconnection charge is paid.
(D) An OSR will be installed for all water customers. If an OSR is not installed, the owner or occupant of the premises will give reasonable access to the PWD for the purpose of installing. Under certain conditions the PWD may waive the requirement to install an OSR. This waiver will only be based on a unique construction condition that would make the installation of an OSR cost prohibitive. Unless waived by the PWD, the OSR will be installed in the vicinity of the electrical meter and about five feet above the ground level.
(Ord. 1122, passed 12-20-99)