45Evidence of meter reading

45 Evidence of meter reading

(1)  The undertakers shall maintain all meters in a sensitive and accurate working condition and shall read all meters at least once in each half-year.

(2)  The reading of a meter shall be conclusive evidence of the quantity of water supplied to a user unless varied in accordance with this section.

(3)  If a user is at any time dissatisfied with the accuracy of the reading of any meter, he may apply, in writing, to the undertakers to have the meter tested as provided by this section.

(4)  When an application is made by a user under subsection (3) the undertakers shall cause the meter to be tested by an officer appointed by them for that purpose in the presence, if he so desires it, of the user or some person nominated by him.

(5)  The reading of the meter shall be deemed to be accurate if, upon being tested, it is found to register the quantity of water measured at the test with an error of not more than three per cent.

(6)  If a meter is found, upon being tested, not to register the quantity of water accurately within the meaning of subsection (5) , the quantity of water supplied to the user, as measured by that meter, shall be adjusted for the percentage of error disclosed by the test, but no adjustment shall be made in respect of any period earlier than the commencement of the half year in which the user applied for the meter to be tested as provided by subsection (3) .

(7)  If upon being tested as provided by this section the reading of a meter is found to be accurate within the meaning of subsection (5) the user shall pay the cost, as determined by the undertakers, of making the test, which cost shall be recoverable in like manner as the rates due to the undertakers for water.