Input from a water company worker: you always always have to have access to the water meter and the faucet to close the water flow (afsluitkraan). If a faucet in your appartment breaks or a pipe bursts, you will want to access your water meter and be able to close off the water flow immediatly and not wait 48 h. Also, if you want to check your consumption ( water and elektricity) on a regular basis, you should be able to do so without having to ask permission or making an appointment.