§ 2-3. Cut-off for arrearage.

(a) Property owners responsible.

The owners of property are in all cases responsible for the payment of water bills.

(b) Arrearages.

(1) If a structure for which a bill is in arrears is not a vacant structure, as defined in Building Code§ 116.4 {"Vacant structures"}, the Department may cut off water service, subject to the requirements of this article, until all arrearages are paid.

(2) If a structure for which a bill is in arrears is a vacant structure, as defined in Baltimore City Building Code§ 116.4 {"Vacant structures"}, the Department shall proceed as follows:

(i) for a structure that has an accessible water meter, the Department shall cut off the water to the premises; or

(ii) for a structure that does not have an accessible water meter, the Department shall cut off the water to the premises if damage to adjacent property is imminent or demolition of the property is planned.

(c) Charge to restore service.

(1) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, when a water supply is cut off for nonpayment of water charges, a service-restoration fee must be paid before the supply is turned on again.

(2) The amount of the service-restoration fee shall be as determined by the Board of Estimates in accordance with Subtitle 3 of this article.

(3) While enrolled in the Water-for-All Discount Program, a recipient is not liable for any service-restoration fee imposed under this subsection.

(d) Unauthorized use.

The Department of Public Works may cut off the water from the premises of any person who:

(1) introduces water to his, her, or its premises without authorization from the Department; or

(2) permits another person (not entitled to use the water) to use the water without authorization from the Department.