Columbia Request for meter test ordinance (§ 27-97)
Chapter 27: Utilities · Article III. Water and Light System
In short: Customers can request a meter accuracy test anytime and get the results. If the meter reads correctly or within 2 percent of normal, the customer pays up to $65 (residential) or $120 (commercial/industrial); otherwise the city pays, and bills are corrected for any meter off by more than 2 percent.
Our plain-English summary, not the official text or legal advice. The ordinance below is what counts.
(a) Any customer may request a meter test, to determine the accuracy of his meter at any time. Such test will be made by the department, by comparison with accurate standards. The results of such tests, when requested by the customer, shall be furnished to the customer.
(b) If any test made at the request of the customer discloses that the meter is registering correctly, or within two (2) percent of normal, the customer shall bear a portion of the expense related to performing the test, in an amount not to exceed the following: sixty-five dollars ($65.00) for residential meters or one hundred twenty dollars ($120.00) for commercial and industrial meters. The expense of all other tests shall be borne by the department.
(c) If any meter is found to register more than two (2) percent above or below normal, then the readings of that meter, previously taken for billing purposes, shall be corrected according to the percentage of inaccuracy found. The customer's bill shall be adjusted upward or downward as the case may be, for the corrected period.
(d) After testing, meters shall be calibrated and restored to an accurate condition in accordance with industry standards, before being placed in service.
Official source: City of Columbia official Code of Ordinances (online): look up Sec. 27-97
Text from Supplement 139 (September 3, 2026).
Last checked November 1, 2026. The city's official copy controls; this page is a reading copy, not legal advice.