S.L. 549.166 Art. 7Tampering with meter, seals and locks.

(1) The carrying out of any work of whatever nature which in any manner whatsoever causes alteration, breakage or tampering of the meter, seals or locks to a wellhead or meters installed by the Corporation is prohibited, unless such work is authorised by the Authority either through a general authorisation or through a specific authorisation and such work shall be carried out in accordance with such guidelines and specifications as the Authority may establish.

(2) Any person shall be guilty of an offence if the seals or locks of a meter are altered, broken or tampered or if the meter is bypassed or if any damage is caused to the meter, wilfully or by neglect, or if any fittings are installed or altered in such a manner that the meter does not accurately measure the quantity of water abstracted from the groundwater source, and shall on conviction be liable to:

(a) imprisonment for not more than eighteen months or to a fine (multa) of not less than ten thousand euro and not more than fifty thousand euro; or

(b) to a fine (multa) of not more than one thousand three hundred euro for each day during which the offence persists: Provided that in any case the Authority may order the closure, sealing and decommissioning of the groundwater source at the expense of the user and in accordance with the specifications and technical requirements that it may establish for such purpose and the costs incurred by the Authority and, or the Corporation associated with the closure, sealing and decommissioning of the groundwater source shall be recovered from the user of the source.