It looks like that because few years back most cities hired a bunch of half ass plumbers to install meters they were paid per meter so they did them as fast and crappy as possible you can see where the pipe went straight together prior to meter.

Since my roommate has no clue whats going on, I have to draw pictures/make instructions for the plumber who will be coming while I am at work.

This is the plan.... Let me know if I'm crazy.

Option 1
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y224/tabkatz/A.png

Option 2
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y224/tabkatz/B.png

If you are going to have a plumber install a T, I would get him to fix that mess.
I go along with everyone else that said they could not stand looking at the mess. Never mind KNOWING its there.
You probably have to pay 4 hr min call out anyway.

option 2 (not being a plumber)

If your hiring a plumber I would get it cut in between the valve and (prv) the thing with the gauge, it would bypass the meter free water plus it would bypass the (prv) pressure reducing valve, city pressure you will get a little better production of water. I did this it works great. But both your diagrams look alright second pic would be easier.

I am having them fix the whole thing.

We are having an old neighbour's company come in to take a look. Not sure they will be able to go in before the water gauge.. But I would feel bad getting the free water. We live just outside the city so there is only a certain amount of water the residents are permitted to use.

I have no clue what the prv is. I thought it was just a thingy that reads the pressure. not reduce it.

Most of the water u use will be showers, washing machine and dishwasher.
Comparing, your RODI to this, its very little. So just a little free water. Plus, as said, the pressure will be higher for your filters, increasing efficiency.

Yeah I do it mainly for higher pressure my landlord pays my water bill I can care less about free water.

Takes a special kind of special to admit on a public forum that you are stealing water from the city.

Perhaps we should have a thread Illegal things you do to save a few bucks??

I'm sure the police are on there way, I'm special.

I am on the way.. does that count?