MN HF2289

Water utilities must offer property owners two alternative metering systems when replacing interior water meters with radio transmitters: an exterior-mounted radio metering system or an exterior-mounted nonradio metering system.

Water utilities must provide property owners written information about health and safety concerns related to radio transmitter meters at the time of meter replacement notification, allowing sufficient time to request an alternative system.

Water utilities must obtain informed consent before entering private property to install, repair, or inspect water meters, requiring written notice mailed at least 30 days in advance with details about the proposed work, duration, expected effects, and the owner's right to refuse.

If informed consent is refused, water utilities may only enter private property after obtaining an administrative search warrant from district court, with the judge considering factors including privacy protections, prior entries, timing, and whether the entry follows a publicly noticed administrative plan.

Water utilities cannot charge extra fees for alternative metering systems or impose water service shutoffs against property owners who refuse entry consent or object to administrative search warrants, and must bear all costs associated with obtaining warrants.