Reply #4: You certainly need to consult an attorney

[Still Sensible]

in your jurisdiction. I would be shocked if in most places a speaker phone is legally considered an eavesdropping device or, even if it is, that the courts and district attorneys are very keen on prosecuting something that has become as commonplace as that.

Personally, I would be thrilled that I got a new meter that appears to be accurately reflecting my water usage. You already know how the city would respond (if there was a problem with the meter it was erring in the other direction). Realistically, if I am the city I would have already destroyed the old meter so even if you filed something and thus, created a legal a right to independently test the meter, it may already be too late.

Another possibility: Is there a consumer advocate on one or more of your local television stations? Especially if you can back up your claims with a little evidence, the city government certainly wouldn't want the bad publicity. If it comes down to your word against theirs without corroborative evidence the TV ombudsman won't be willing to step in.

Good Luck.