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An ordinance to amend Title 15 of the Metropolitan Code of Law to remove sections authorizing unmetered water connections.
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WHEREAS, non-revenue water is lost through unmetered water connections; and,
WHEREAS, Metro Water Services does not permit unmetered water connections and sections of the Metropolitan Code authorizing such connections need to be removed from Title 15; and,
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the citizens of Nashville and Davidson County that the Metropolitan Code be amended to remove sections permitting unmetered water connections.
Now, therefore, be it ENACTED by the Council of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County:
Section 1. That Title 15, Section 15.24.050 is hereby amended by deleting it in its entirety.
Section 2. That Title 15, Section 15.24.060 is hereby amended by deleting it in its entirety
Section 3. That Title 15, Section 15.24.070 is hereby amended by deleting it in its entirety.
Section 4. That Title 15, Section 15.24.080 is hereby amended by deleting Section A in its entirety and replacing it with the following language:
A. As of July 21, 2026, new unmetered connections are prohibited. The director shall have authority to make, or cause to be made, frequent inspections of all previously approved unmetered connections and all piping connected therewith. The director shall have the right to go upon the premises wherever and whenever any unmetered connections have been made, for the purpose of such inspection, and any employee of the metropolitan government working under his direction shall have such right.
Section 5. That Title 15, Section 15.24.090 is hereby amended by deleting it in its entirety.
Section 6. That Title 15, Section 15.32.160(A) is hereby amended by adding “existing” before “unmetered”.
Section 7. That Title 15, Section 15.48.090 is hereby amended by adding "existing” before “unmetered”.
Section 8. This ordinance shall take effect upon passage, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.
Agenda Analysis
Analysis
This ordinance amends Title 15 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws to remove sections of the code that authorize unmetered water connections. The Department of Water and Sewerage Services (“MWS”) does not permit unmetered water connections.
The ordinance would prohibit new unmetered connections as of July 21, 2026. The MWS director would have the authority to make frequent inspections of all previously approved unmetered connections and connect piping. The MWS director and their employees shall have the right to enter a property when and where any unmetered connections have been made to conduct such an inspection.
In connection with eliminating these new unmetered connections, this ordinance would also eliminate the permitting and regulating structure for new unmetered connections. This includes permit requirements, bond requirements, sworn statements of water use, and penalties for failure to file a bond or statement.
Other existing provisions for unmetered water connections, including automatic sprinkler systems, would be amended to only apply to existing unmetered water connections.