In Ukraine, mandatory periodic calibration of water meters is required every four years to confirm the accuracy and correctness of the measuring devices. This procedure applies to both hot and cold water supply and is mandatory for all consumers.
This is reported by Finway
Who Pays for the Calibration of the Water Meter
According to the law of Ukraine “On Metrology and Metrological Activity,” all costs associated with periodic calibration, maintenance, and repair of individual water meters in apartments are the responsibility of their owners. This can be either the consumer or the water supply company or management company, depending on the terms of the contract between the consumer and the service provider.
It should be noted that if individual contracts are concluded in the building, the calibration is carried out at the owner’s expense. In the absence of such contracts among the co-owners of a multi-apartment building, the verification of the measuring devices is conducted by the utility service provider at the expense of the subscription fee.
Procedure for Calibration and Recording Results
Water meter checks can only be performed by specially authorized organizations, including:
- scientific metrological centers with internationally recognized calibration capabilities;
- metrological centers and calibration laboratories that have the appropriate permits.
As a rule, the calibration procedure lasts up to five days and involves the disassembly of the meter in the presence of the consumer with mandatory documentation. After the laboratory check, the device is reinstalled, also in the presence of the owner. Some companies offer calibration services without disassembly, but this may involve an additional fee, although it allows for a shorter verification time.
“Important: the consumer must be notified about the periodic calibration no later than one month before the date of the procedure. If the consumer has requested a check of the measuring device themselves (for example, a new meter has been installed or an old one has broken), they must be informed of the time of the check within three days.”
The results of the calibration are recorded with the imprint of the calibration stamp on the meter, a corresponding entry in the technical documentation, or the issuance of a certificate of the established form. If the device does not meet the requirements, a certificate of unfitness is issued.
Calibration is conducted once every four years or after the device has been repaired. Since the lifespan of a meter usually ranges from 10 to 12 years, it is checked no more than three times during its operation. If the usage period exceeds 10 years, there is a risk that the device will not pass the state verification.
Actions in Case of Unfitness of the Meter
If the meter is deemed unfit for further operation, a new device must be purchased and installed. Before purchasing, it is advisable to clarify with the water supplier the technical specifications that the new meter must meet. Each device should have a technical passport indicating the type, diameter, factory number, and date of sale. The configuration must match the data in the technical passport.
Costs for purchasing and installing a new meter are not included in the water supply and sewage tariff and are paid by the consumer separately. After installation, the measuring device is registered by the service provider for subscription accounting.