No person shall tamper with any water meter or by means of any contrivance or device divert the water from the service pipe so that the same will not pass through the meter or, while passing through the meter, cause the same to register inaccurately. If any water meter is found to have been tampered with, the water rent shall be estimated for the rental period and the meter shall be repaired and tested. Upon the repetition of the offense, it shall be optional with the City Manager to discontinue the water service or to collect the amount estimated to be due.
(1958 Code § 27.20)