ALL WATER CONSUMERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PAYMENT OF WATER PASSING THROUGH THE METER, WHETHER LOST OR USED AT THE APPLICABLE RATE.
Meter readings are obtained directly from the water meter or from the ARB. Consumers are billed semi-annually for water consumption. Water bills are due within thirty (30) days from date of issue.
The District will endeavor to install Automatic Reading Boxes (ARB) whenever possible and practical in order to facilitate the reading process. Disconnecting, removing or unauthorized re-location of the ARB will be considered METER TAMPERING AND MAY BE SUBJECT TO A FINE OF NOT MORE THAN $100. Failure to provide access to a meter, or if the ARB fails, will result in an estimated water bill.
The District will not re-read water meters automatically. Property owners are encouraged to monitor their own meter readings, preferably on a monthly basis.
Owners who wish to contest their water bills should verify the reading the first four (4) digits from the left. This will be the reading in thousands of gallons. This number should be at least the same if not greater than the number, which appears on the most recent water bill.
If the reading is verified as being incorrect, an immediate adjustment will be made.
District personnel will re-read a meter at no charge should a consumer be physically unable to read their own water meter.
Consumers may request a re-read in writing. If the meter reading is found to be correct, the consumer will be billed for a service call. If the meter is found to be incorrect an adjustment will be made and the charge for the service call waived.
Property owners are responsible for the payment of all water bills. According to the provisions of Chapter 40, Section 42A (M.G.L.) all unpaid water bills are a lien on real estate. The property owner shall be responsible for ensuring that the most current water billing address is on file with the District. The District will not be bound by water bills rendered under mistake of fact. Failure of the property owner to receive a water bill or demand notice does not relieve the owner in any way from liability for payment.
Final bills may only be ordered by the property owner or their appointed representative (i.e. real estate broker, attorney). The charge for a final bill will be $25.00. This includes reading the water and preparing the bill. Payment for the final bill charge is due and payable within thirty (30) days from date of issue. Failure of new owners to notify the District of the change in name and/or address will not relieve them in any way from liability for payment of outstanding charges, interest or demands. All outstanding charges remain with the property and the District will not bill prior balances to previous owners even if that amount appeared on a final bill.
Any property owner may request an examination and test of the water meter to determine accuracy. The request for the test must be in writing. Such examination and test shall be made by District personnel. A written report of the result of the examination and test shall be furnished to the property owner. According to the provision of Chapter 40, Section 39I (M.G.L.) the following will apply to the results of such testing:
a. If it appears that the meter has registered in excess of 2% accuracy, then the amount of excess shall be credited to such person, and if the amount has been paid then it shall be refunded. The meter test fee and service call charge will be waived.
b. If it appears that the meter has registered less than what was
used by more than 2%, the person shall be charged for the additional amount together with a service call and the meter test fee of $3.00.
c. If it appears that the meter has registered within 2% + / - accuracy then the person shall be charged for a service call and the meter test fee of $3.00.
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