 THE TOWN OF HARWICH WATER DEPARTMENT RULES & REGULATIONS SECTION 4 - Meters 4.1 Meter Installation
A shut-off valve at the meter inlet shall be the first fitting inside of a serviced building and shall be approved by the Department. The Consumer at their expense shall install stop valves on both sides of the meter. There must also be a residential backflow prevention installed to permit removal of the meter without backflow from the internal water systems. The meter shall be located in a clean, dry, warm and accessible location. Upon completion of the installation of a water meter, the Department shall be notified to inspect the installation and install a remote reader before the service is activated. A certified Plumber must connect this meter installation. Any service line over 100' must have a meter pit closest to the curb stop or property line before their meter installation is approved. The Water Department will only install a meter pit as a last resort.
4.2 Consumers to Pay for Meter Repairs
All repairs or injuries to meters from freezing, hot water, or external cause shall be charged to the Consumer. No sale or transfer of title of property in the Town shall operate to bar the Department in the collection of any balance due for meter repairs. 4.3 Meters Purchased from Department
All water meters must be purchased from Harwich Water Department. Only these meters may be used on its water system.
4.4 Meter Not to be Removed
Water meters shall not be removed from the water system without 3 days written notice, except in case of emergency and then only by authorized personnel. . Once meter has been removed, it is the responsibility of the owner to maintain custody of the water meter.
4.5 Meter Pits and Remote Reader Boxes
Installation of meter pits shall be at the Consumer's expense. When it is necessary or expedient to locate the meter in an underground box or vault approved by the Department the consumer shall bear the expense of same and shall bear the responsibility of reasonable care and maintenance of said box or vault such as keeping it clean and dry. All remote reader boxes located on the premises shall be the responsibility of the owner. In the event that they must be moved or removed, the owner shall notify the Department who will do so for them. In the event that the Department is not notified and must replace a missing or damaged remote reader, the consumer will be billed for all costs. The consumer shall not be permitted to cover the pit or in any way hinder access to the water meter. Covers must remain exposed at all times. Pits shall be furnished with inlet and outlet connections that accept a variety of Mueller underground service connection fittings that meet requirements of the latest revised AWWA Standard C800-89. For the purpose of standardization the 4' meter pits shall be Mueller 203CS1848FABL and the 18" meter pits shall be Mueller 203IS1818FABL as standardized.
4.6 Meter Tampering
A penalty or charge will be levied for each incident of tampering, installation alteration, and removal of a water meter by anyone not authorized by the Department or vandalism. In addition, the Department reserves the right to pursue further prosecution in accordance with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 165 Section 11.
4.7 Town's Right to Change Meters
If, in the opinion of the Superintendent, a meter does not fit the conditions of the service installation, the Department has the right to change such meter. Such a change shall be made in accordance with current regulations and paid by the Consumer. 4.8 Repairing Meters
The Department shall have the right to remove, repair or replace any meter at anytime it so determines. All meter installations on services, which cannot be shut off for meter repairs, shall be equipped with meter by-pass at the expense of the Consumer. 4.9 Access to the Meter
It shall be the duty of all Consumers to ensure that meters on service connections be readily accessible at all times to Department personnel. Failure to remove any obstruction which prevents access to the meter within three days after being notified by the department shall cause the water to be shut off to the premises and it shall not be turned on until all obstructions are removed, all regulations complied with, and all expenses for shutting off and turning on the water are paid. 4.10 Testing Meters by Request
If during any dispute where a water meter reading is being contested, a customer may request to have the meter sent to a certified testing facility at the owner's expense. If as a result of the test the meter is found to register over two (2) percent more water than actually passes through it, the meter shall be replaced, and the fee shall be refunded to the consumer. The consumer will be required to file for abatement with the Board of Water Commissioner. At that time they may receive abatement. Their bill will also be adjusted in accordance with the result of this test.
However, if it appears that the consumer was charged or has paid for less water, than they should have been charged or should have paid, they shall, forthwith, be charged with the proper additional amount and shall pay the same together with the expense of the examination and test to the Town. For all such testing, the consumer or his representative shall be present. If the Department chooses to change a meter at any time, it is not an admission that there is there is nothing wrong with the present meter.
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