[HISTORY: Adopted by the Annual Town Meeting of the Town of Stoughton 5-4-1992, Art. 46, approved 9-18-1992 (Ch. 175 of the 1983 Code). Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Gas and plumbing standards — See Ch. 105.
Water — See Ch. 188.
All privately owned water meters must be tested for accuracy in accordance with this chapter.
A. 
All tests must be performed by a tester licensed by the Stoughton Department of Public Works. In order to obtain a license a tester must demonstrate proficiency utilizing the American Waterworks Association ("AWWA") standards to the satisfaction of the Stoughton Public Works Department. Before receiving a license, a tester must post a cash bond with the Town Treasurer in an amount to be determined by the Board of Selectmen for any damage incurred.
B. 
The tester must also provide evidence of adequate workers' compensation insurance and liability insurance. Every tester must complete an application for a license on a form prescribed by the Stoughton Public Works Department.
C. 
All testing must be done in accordance with AWWA standards.
[Added 6-8-1993 STM, Art. 6, approved 10-27-1993]
A. 
The following is a schedule of required testing:
Meter Size
(inches)
Regular Testing Schedule
3/4
As required by the Public Works Department, but in no event more frequently than every four years
1 to 2
Every four years
3 to 4
Every two years
4 and over
Annually
B. 
Notwithstanding the above schedule, the Stoughton Public Works Department will notify each meter owner in writing of the date by which a test must be completed.
C. 
Notwithstanding the above schedule, where the Stoughton Department of Public Works determines that there is evidence of a malfunction or of tampering, it may require the owner, in writing, to have the meter tested more frequently and/or repaired or replaced immediately.
A. 
All results from tests conducted pursuant to this regulation must be in writing and hand delivered or sent by certified mail to:
Stoughton Public Works Department
Water Meter Testing Division
Stoughton Town Hall
10 Pearl Street
Stoughton, MA 02072
B. 
Test results must be received by the Stoughton Public Works Department within two weeks of the required test date. Upon receipt, the Department shall respond within a reasonable time in writing, either finding the meter in compliance and issuing a permit or specifying further action required by the owner.
A water meter owner may request an extension of time to conduct a test for good cause shown. All such requests must be made in writing to the Stoughton Department of Public Works prior to the date of the scheduled or required test. Such extension may be granted at the sole discretion of the Stoughton Public Works Department.
A. 
All meters must demonstrate accuracy within a tolerance of +/- 2% as defined by AWWA standards. Any meter which fails to meet the accuracy standard must be repaired or replaced within such reasonable time as is required by the Stoughton Public Works Department.
B. 
Any meter which fails to meet the accuracy standard must be retested after repair or replacement in accordance with an order of the Stoughton Public Works Department.
The cost of all testing, repair and/or replacement of privately owned water meters is the sole responsibility of the owner(s) of the meters.
A. 
This chapter may be enforced in any court of competent jurisdiction. The provisions of this chapter may also be enforced by any regular employees of the Stoughton Department of Public Works as well as members of the Water and Sewer Commission, by noncriminal complaint pursuant to the provisions of MGL c. 40, § 21D. Each day on which a violation exists shall be deemed to be a separate offense. The penalty for violation of any provision of this chapter for purposes of noncriminal disposition shall be $50.
B. 
In addition to any other remedies available to the Town, for periods during which owners are in violation of this chapter, they shall be responsible for the costs of water as estimated by the Stoughton Public Works Department.