Obstructing and Tampering With Water Meters
Obstructed Water Meters
It is a violation to cover or obstruct access to a water meter. According to City Code 8-2013, “It shall be unlawful for any person to interfere with any water or sewer pipes belonging to the City”. City of Raleigh personnel must have access to water meters in order to properly service water/sewer accounts.
Customers must trim, cut back, or remove any bush, tree, plants, sod, etc…, that may cover or obstruct access to a water meter. Failure to do so could result in civil fines of $500 a day of noncompliance.
Tampering
Per North Carolina General Statute 14-151.1, it is illegal for any unauthorized person to alter, tamper with, relocate, willfully damage, or bypass a water meter. It is illegal for any unauthorized person to reconnect a water meter after City of Raleigh personnel have disconnected it.
Tampering is also subject to criminal charges. Any person violating these provisions may be found guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Whomever if found guilty in civil action of violating these provisions shall be liable to the City of Raleigh in triple the amount of losses and damages sustained or $500, whichever is greater.
The fact that water is turned on to any premises by an occupant thereof without the approval of City of Raleigh personnel shall not relieve such premises of liability for the unauthorized use of water and damage to city property.
For Additional Customer Service:
Email: UtilityBilling@ci.raleigh.nc.us
Phone: 919-890-3245
For More Information Contact:
Susan Decker
Utility Billing Services Manager
Finance Department
PO Box 590
Raleigh, NC 27602-0590
919-890-3245
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