§ 25-85. Metering.

(a)

Definitions. For the purposes of this article, certain terms and words are defined. Where words have not been defined, but are defined in section 1-2, those words shall have the meaning as defined therein. The following words, terms, and phrases, when used in this section shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this subsection, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Apartment means one (1) or more rooms with a private bath and kitchen facilities comprising an independent self-contained residential unit in a building(s).

Condominium for the purposes of this section is defined in the same manner as it is defined in section 27-31.

Master meter means a utility-owned meter that measures and totalizes the volume of water flowing from the water distribution system into a multifamily dwelling unit as that term is defined in section 27-31, building piping system.

Newly constructed apartment means any structure for which a building permit for construction of an apartment is issued after June 1, 2008.

Newly constructed single-family dwelling or condominium means any structure for which a building permit for construction of a single-family dwelling or condominium is issued after June 1, 2008.

Separate water meter means a utility-owned meter that measures and totalizes the volume of water flowing from the water distribution system into a single family dwelling or condominium's piping system.

Single-family dwelling for the purposes of this section is defined in the same manner as it is defined in section 27-31 but also includes dwelling units on an individual lot attached to another dwelling unit by a common party wall, commonly referred to as a town house or town home.

Sub-unit water meter means water meters owned and managed by the property owner with a utility-owned master meter that bills for water service based on volume of use. Sub-unit water meters shall allow for the water use in each apartment to be tracked separately.

(b)

Meters. All users except those classified as fire line users shall be metered. All meters shall be sized on the basis of expected volume of water usage. All meters, except sub meters, are part of the service line provided by the county and are the property of the county.

(c)

Sub-unit water meters for newly constructed apartments. No water shall be furnished to any newly constructed apartment except through sub-unit water meters so that the water use in each apartment can be accurately tracked. Sub-unit water meters allow tenants to know how much water they use and may encourage wiser use of water. Water service however, shall be billed by the county on a master meter basis and the property owner and/or landlord is responsible for paying the county for all charges contained in such bills. The enactment of this section in no way prevents property owners and/or landlords from using sub-unit water meters to bill each tenant for actual water usage which will encourage wiser use of water by tenants in apartments.

(d)

Separate water meters for single family dwellings and condominiums. No water shall be furnished to any newly constructed single-family dwelling or condominium except through separate water meters. Water service shall be billed by the county to the property owner based on individual unit water meters and each property owner is responsible for paying the county for all charges contained in such bills.

(Code 1976, § 6-1055; Ord. No. 08-05, Pt. I, 3-25-08)