Section 480-110-415. Meters.

(1) Water company rights and responsibilities:

(a) Each water company must:

(i) Bear the cost of the meter and meter installation.

(ii) Install water meters that are in working order and accurately measure water flow.

(iii) Record meter serial numbers and identify location of installation.

(iv) Repair or replace a malfunctioning meter at its expense unless a customer causes the malfunction.

(b) The water company may:

(i) Install meters and charge the tariff meter rate after thirty days notice to affected customers.

(ii) Install any apparatus to detect fraud or waste without notifying the customer.

(2) Water customer rights and responsibilities:

(a) A customer may request that a standard residential meter as defined in the company's tariff be installed, provided that metered rates are in effect.

(b) When a customer requests a meter installation, the water company may charge the customer in advance for the meter cost and meter installation, if such charge is included in the company's tariff. The company must reimburse the customer, by bill credit, at least ten percent of the meter and installation charge each month until fully paid.

(c) The water company has thirty days from the date of request to install the meter.

(d) If the water company fails to install the meter within the time limit in (c) of this subsection, the customer must be charged only the meter minimum charge until the meter is installed.

(e) If a customer tampers with a meter, the customer will be liable to the company for any repair or replacement costs.

(f) If the customer requests assistance in reading a meter, the water company must provide information on how to read the meter.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040, 80.04.160, 81.04.160 and 34.05.353. WSR 05-06-051 (Docket No. A-021178 and TO-030288, General Order No. R-518), § 480-110-415, filed 2/28/05, effective 3/31/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040. WSR 99-24-100 (Order R-467, Docket No. UW-980082), § 480-110-415, filed 11/30/99, effective 12/31/99.]

RCW 80.01.040, 80.04.160, 81.04.160 and 34.05.353. WSR 05-06-051 (Docket No. A-021178 and TO-030288, General Order No. R-518), § 480-110-415, filed 2/28/05, effective 3/31/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040. WSR 99-24-100 (Order R-467, Docket No. UW-980082), § 480-110-415, filed 11/30/99, effective 12/31/99.