All water supplied to customers shall be measured through water meters. Water meters installed must be of the same brand and model used by the city unless a compatible brand or model is approved by the Public Works Director or City Engineer, and the meter and specific size of the meter must be approved by the City Engineer before purchase or installation. Water meters shall be located at or near the customer property line but not located on the customer's property unless approved by the City Engineer or Public Works Director. The proposed location of the water meter must be approved by the Public Works Director or City Engineer prior to installation. The customer or developer responsible for installing the meter is responsible for all costs associated with the approval, purchase, and installation of the water meter.
A. Installation: Meters shall be installed behind the curb or within a public utility easement. Exact location of meter installation shall be approved by the Public Works Director or City Engineer prior to installation. Meters shall be owned by the city and be replaced at its expense after the payment of the charges established therefor. Any person causing damage to a meter such that it must be replaced or repaired shall be responsible for reimbursing the city the cost to replace or repair the meter. No rent or other charge will be paid by the city for a meter or other facilities, including housings and connections, located on the premises of the applicant. All meters will be sealed by the city at the time of installation, and no seal shall be altered or broken except by an authorized city employee or designee.
B. Relocation: Meters moved for the convenience of the customer will be relocated at the customer's expense and only under the authorization of the Public Works Director or City Engineer. Meters moved to protect the city's property will be moved at the city's expense.
C. Non-Registering Meters: If a meter is found to not be registering, the charge for services to the premises shall be at the minimum monthly rate or shall be based on the minimum monthly rate plus estimated consumption if previous consumption information is available. Such estimates shall be made from a previous consumption for a comparable period or by such other method as is determined by the City Water Department, and its decision shall be final.
D. Water Meters Within Gated Or Private Community: The city shall be responsible for the reading and maintenance of any water meter located within a gated or private community. All other water infrastructure located within the private or gated community including, without limitation, all water piping, valves, and hydrants beginning at the point of connection to the city's water distribution main shall be the sole responsibility of the customer(s). (Ord. 639, 5-5-1981; amd. Ord. 2019-009, 12-10-2019)