Sec. 500.11. Nonregistering meters

(a) The reading of a duly installed meter showing the amount of water consumed shall be used for all metered billing purposes except where it appears that the meter has ceased to register or has registered inaccurately.

(b) In all cases where a meter is found to be defective, it shall be immediately replaced by a meter that has been tested and properly adjusted.

(c) In cases where it is found that a meter has ceased to register or has registered inaccurately and it cannot be determined by reasonable test the percentage of inaccuracy, an estimated bill for the billing period immediately preceding the date when such meter was found defective and for the period from said date to the date of replacement of the meter, may be rendered the consumer but the right to render an estimated bill is strictly limited to such periods and for all other periods the bill shall be the minimum rate provided in the applicable rate schedule. The estimated bill shall be based upon the amount of water consumed in the corresponding period in prior years, except where it appears that there has been a change in the occupancy of the premises or in the use of water, in which case an equitable adjustment shall be made. This subdivision does not apply to residential customers of any waterworks corporation that is covered by Part 14 of this Title.