Estimation of construction water consumption

you let the standpipe be stolen, not the bricklayers. if the bricklayers were responsible for the standpipe and the water supply, you wouldn’t be getting a bill for 50m³ of water now either :)

Yes, that’s one way to interpret it. In any case, I had a document signed upfront stating that the construction company takes over the standpipe for use and bears the consequences if something happens. But you’re right, I could have prevented the theft if I had locked the standpipe in the safe and told the bricklayers to bring their own water.

Oh dear.... You want to argue about over 70 euros now?

I can understand it, but the energy wouldn't be worth it to me.

I would save that for the really big hits that really cost money.

Of course, it is up to you to "prove" how many liters were consumed.

As if an estimated 50m3 suddenly became 1-2m3. Maybe they meet in the middle, then it was about 30 euros. Would rather invest the energy towards the [Maurer] and possibly [Versicherung], there it definitely involves more money (and potential for discussion).

Yes, you can interpret it that way. In any case, I had a document signed in advance stating that the construction company takes over the standpipe for use and bears the consequences if something happens.

But you are right, I could have prevented the theft if I had locked the standpipe in the safe and told the masons to bring their own water.

well, if the masons can pay the deposit for the standpipe, they can also pay the fine for the high meter reading. the question is whether the masons can even dismantle the standpipe (tools?). if not, then they have no chance to do it properly.

Experience values aside. How do you want to prove that maybe a neighbor filled up their pool and the clock was then stolen? I can't understand the fuss over 70 euros. There will be quite different things in the future where you wonder, "what for?"