(A) The utility reserves the right to discontinue its service at once and without notice to the premises of any consumer or property owner for any of the following reasons:
(1) If water taps are connected ahead of the utility's meter or metering equipment or if connections or devices of any kind are found installed on the premises of a consumer which would prevent the meter from registering the total amount of water being used or to be used.
(2) If inspection by the utility shows that anyone has interfered or tampered with any meter seals or metering equipment that may or would prevent the meter registering the total amount of water used.
(3) If water has been illegally diverted from unmetered fire protection line or if non-fire protection taps or connections have been made as referred to in § 53.012(I).
(B) Upon disconnection of service for any of the aforesaid reasons, the following procedure shall be applicable and followed before service is restored:
(1) Utility shall, in any reasonable manner, estimate or compute the amount of unmetered water used and shall have the right to inspect the consumer's premises and make an accurate service count and check all water consuming devices in order to arrive at the probable amount of unmetered water.
(2) The consumer shall pay for all metered and estimated unmetered water in accordance with the applicable water schedule plus any damages to the utility's metering equipment.
(3) As specified in § 53.089, a special reconnection fee shall be paid by the consumer or property owner in order to compensate for part of the expense the consumer has caused the utility to investigate and correct the fraud.
(4) The consumer shall pay for all of the expenses caused the utility so as to prevent the future diversion or theft of water from the utility.
(5) If an unmetered fire protection line is involved, such expense shall include the cost of a meter installation in the fire line as specified in § 53.012.
(C) The foregoing rules and regulations applicable to illegal diversion or theft of water are not in any way intended to affect, waive or modify any possible action or prosecution under the laws and criminal statues of the state pertaining to this crime.
(Ord. passed 5-1-80) Penalty, see § 10.99