If a water consumer permits or allows the water meter to be damaged, injured or destroyed through his own recklessness, carelessness or neglect so that the meter must necessarily be repaired or replaced, the City Manager shall bill and collect from such consumer the cost of such meter repair or replacement the same as water rent. Permitting a water meter, not surrendered to the City, to be damaged or destroyed by freezing, shall always be deemed and considered negligence on the part of the consumer.
(1958 Code § 27.18)