The text
In the event any meter fails to operate properly or to register correctly the water used, the charge for the period during which such meter fails to operate properly or fails to register water shall be based upon the average consumption of the same period for the prior year by the same user or, if such a reading is not applicable, the city shall estimate the amount of such consumption from all information available and the consumer shall be charged on the basis of such estimate for water consumed but not covered by the bills previously rendered for such period.
(Ord. 246 §1(part), 1977).