6-5-12: METER ERROR:

   A.   Meter Accuracy: All meters will be tested prior to installation. No meter will be placed in service or allowed to remain in service which is known to have an error in registration in excess of two percent (2%) under conditions of normal operation.

   B.   Meter Test:

      1.   Standard Test: Meter tests will be conducted in accordance with standards of practice established by the American water works association or some other test method recommended by the meter manufacturer.

      2.   On Customer Request: A customer may, by giving not less than seven (7) days' notice, request the superintendent to test the meter servicing the customer's premises. The city will require the customer to pay to the city a testing fee. This fee shall be based upon the cost of testing the meter as determined by the city council. The fee deposit will be returned to the customer if the test reveals the meter to over measure the water flow by more than two percent (2%) under standard test conditions, otherwise, the fee shall be retained by the city. Customers may, at their option, witness any meter tests which they request, although the time and date of the test shall be determined solely by the water department.

      3.   On Water Department Request: If, upon comparison of past water usage, it appears that a meter is not registering properly, the water department may, at its option, test and adjust the charges accordingly if the meter either over measures or under measures the water flow. No charge for meter testing will be made to the customer for the meter test under these conditions.

   C.   Adjustments Of Bill For Meter Error:

      1.   Liability: Neither the city nor the customer will be liable to the other for any over or under payment of water usage due to a meter which shows readings either above or below the accuracy standard defined in subsection A of this section. This subsection C1 will not apply as to nonregistering meters.

      2.   Nonregistering Meters: The water department will bill the customer for water consumed while the meter was not registering. The bill will be computed upon 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 season and under similar circumstances and conditions. (Ord. 202, 5-26-1992)