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Temporary Use Meters

A temporary use meter is one that is NOT permanently installed at a premise. It is assigned to an individual or a 
business and can be moved from location to location. Temporary meters are obtained through the Utilities 

Department upon paying a deposit.

Authorization:
  • • Temporary meters may not be used for residential, single-family service
  • • Temporary meters may be used where potable water lines, projects or buildings have not been released 
  • for occupancy
  • • Other uses may be approved by the County Administrator

Installation:

  • • Install on Manatee County potable water lines or Manatee County maintained potable hydrants ONLY
  • • Must be installed horizontally (level) with register facing up
  • Operation and Maintenance:
  • • Must use a hydrant wrench when opening and closing a hydrant (to prevent damage to hydrant)
  • • User must make sure the hydrant is fully open in case the weep holes have not been plugged (if the weep 
  • holes have not been plugged when the hydrant is partially open, they will leak)
  • • If the meter is damaged or not working properly it must be returned immediately for repair or replacement 
  • (charges may apply)
  • • The meter must be returned annually for maintenance (from the date of account set up)
  • • When a 3” hydrant meter is not in use or is being transported, the gate valve needs to be in the closed position. 
  • Failure to do so will allow air to flow through the meter, causing it to register usage. Any usage that is registered on 
  • the meter, is the financial responsibility of the customer.
Billing:
  • • Billing occurs quarterly.
  • • Meter readings must be submitted by the 21st of each month.
  • • When submitting readings, please write down every digit on the register (including zeros)
  • • Supply a picture of the meter register along with the current location of the meter
  • • Readings may be submitted by mail, fax, email or online.
  • • If a reading is NOT received before the account bills, there will be a “No Read” charge per meter applied to 
  • the account for each month a reading was not received (based on the rate resolution in effect at the time)
  • • Two consecutive quarterly billings with no readings will require the customer to return the meter
  • • If the meter is reported lost or stolen the deposit will be forfeited.
  • • Unless a police report is submitted, lost or stolen meters will result in discontinuance of service and loss of 
  • future service
  • • Lost or stolen meters recovered later will be billed any usage showing on the meter

Charges per quarter and Deposits

Meter Size (in.)DepositPotable WaterPer MonthPer Day
¾”$275.00  $43.54~ $14.51  ~ $1.45
3” $1070.00$191.33~ $63.78~ $6.3