(A) The employees of the Public Works Department 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) or similar remote reading device.
(B) Employees of the Public Works Department may remove the internal meter the OSR, or similar remote reading device 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, OSR, or similar remote reading device shall be replaced at once by one approved by the Water Superintendent. The city shall examine and test any water meter 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 meters, OSRs, or similar remote reading devices are 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. Accessible is defined as a minimum of two feet of clear space, in all directions, over, under, and around the meter and/or OSR or similar remote reading device. If the meter, OSR, or similar remote reading device is obstructed, the water will be shut off until such obstruction is removed and the reconnection charge is paid.
(D) An OSR, or similar remote reading device will be installed for all water customers. If an OSR, or similar remote reading device is not installed, the owner or occupant of the premises will give reasonable access to employees of the Public Works Department so that they may install an OSR, or similar remote reading device. Under certain conditions the Public Works Director or his designee may waive the requirement to install an OSR, or similar remote reading device. This waiver will only be based on a unique construction condition that would make the installation of an OSR, or similar remote reading device cost prohibitive. Unless waived by the Water Superintendent, OSR, or similar remote reading device will be installed in a manner recommended by the manufacturer.
(Ord. 2953, passed 1-10-95; Am. Ord. 3097, passed 2-24-97; Am. Ord. 3246, passed 3-27-00)