11.10.090 Meter error.
(1) Meter Test.
(a) Testing. Prior to installation, each meter will be tested and no meter found to register more than two percent fast or slow under conditions of normal operation will be placed in service.
(b) On Customer Request.
(i) A customer may request the utility to test the meter serving the customer’s premises.
(ii) The utility may require the customer to deposit an amount to cover the reasonable cost of the test as established by Council resolution.
(iii) This deposit will be returned if the meter is found to register more than two percent fast. This deposit will be forfeited if the meter is found to be accurate or slow.
(iv) A written report giving the results of the test shall be available to the customer within 10 days after completion of the test.
(c) Utility-Initiated Meter Testing.
(i) The utility may temporarily interrupt water service in order to test existing meters or make repairs.
(ii) In lieu of subsection (1)(c)(i) of this section, the utility may, at customer’s expense, install bypass piping in order to maintain water service during meter testing or repairs.
(2) Adjustment of Bills for Meter Error.
(a) Fast Meters. When, upon test, a meter is found to be registering more than two percent fast under conditions of normal operation, the utility may adjust the account or refund to the customer the full amount of the overcharge based upon averaging on corrected meter readings for a period not to exceed a three-year period that the meter was in error and in use.
(b) Slow Meters.
(i) When, upon test, a meter used for domestic or residential service is found to be registering more than 25 percent slow, the utility may bill the customer for the amount of the undercharge, based upon averaging corrected meter readings for a period not exceeding one year that the meter was in use.
(ii) When, upon test, a meter used for other than domestic or residential service is found to be registering more than five percent slow, the utility may bill the customer for the amount of the undercharge based upon correct meter readings for a period not exceeding two billing periods that the meter was in use.
(c) Nonregistering Meters. The utility may bill the customer for water consumed while the meter was not registering. The bill will be calculated using an estimate of consumption based either upon the customer’s prior use during the same season of the year or upon a reasonable comparison with the use of other customers receiving the same class of service during the same period and under similar circumstances and conditions.
(d) Adjustments on Account of Underground Leaks. Where it can be demonstrated that an existing underground leak between the meter and the building has been repaired, the utility may allow an adjustment of up to 50 percent of the estimated excess consumption due to leakage, for no more than the last billing period. Adjustments shall not be permitted due to leaking plumbing fixtures or the apparent continued waste of water due to a negligent failure to repair. (Ord. 68 § 1, passed 2-19-1991; Code 2014 § 50.09)