The Water (Meters) Regulations 1988

PART II POSITIONING OF METERS AND OUTREADING APPARATUS

2.—(1) This Part applies where undertakers instal or reposition meters or outreading apparatus in circumstances in which paragraph 6 of Schedule 1 to the Act applies.

(2)   Nothing in this Part shall apply to the repositioning or replacement of a meter or outreading apparatus installed before 11th July 1988.

Installation of meters

3.—(1) Meters shall be so installed as to ensure that they are reasonably accessible for reading, inspection, testing and maintenance.

(2) A meter installed outside a building shall be installed as near as is reasonably practicable either to the boundary of the premises to which it relates or to the point where the supply pipe enters the building.

(3) A meter installed inside a building shall be installed as near as is reasonably practicable to the point where the supply pipe enters the building or to the stop-tap.

(4) A meter installed outside a building and any associated pipes and fittings shall be adequately protected against damage from frost.

Installation of outreading apparatus

4.—(1) Outreading apparatus shall be installed in a position in which it is reasonably accessible for inspection, testing and maintenance, and shall (so far as reasonably practicable) be in an unobtrusive position.

(2) Outreading apparatus, other than apparatus designed to transmit signals to other premises, shall be installed either in a position where it can be read by or on behalf of the undertakers without entering a building or, where a number of meters are installed inside a building, in an entrance hall or lobby to which all the customers in that building have access.

Powers of undertakers and requests for alternative positioning

5.—(1) Subject to Regulations 3 and 4, the undertakers may determine where any meter or outreading apparatus should be positioned in relation to any premises.

(2) The undertakers shall notify the occupier of the location in which they propose to instal a meter or outreading apparatus.

(3) The occupier may request the undertakers:—

(a) to instal the meter or outreading apparatus in a position other than that proposed by the undertakers; or

(b) where the meter or outreading apparatus has already been installed, to reposition the meter or outreading apparatus.

(4) A request under paragraph (3) shall be made in writing, giving reasons for the request.

(5) Where the undertakers agree to such a request, they shall notify the occupier in writing of the effect of paragraph 6(3) of Schedule 1 to the Act (occupier to bear expenses of complying with request), giving an estimate of the expenses likely to be borne by the occupier under that provision.

(6) Where the undertakers do not agree with such a request, they shall notify the occupier in writing of their reasons.