Core Viewpoint - The Daitian County Market Supervision Administration imposed administrative penalties on the Daitian County Construction Town Water Plant for illegal pricing practices and the use of unverified water meters, resulting in a total fine of 50,960 yuan [1][2][15]. Group 1: Illegal Charges - The water plant collected a total of 25,380 yuan from 42 new users as "opening capital fees" and from 73 new installations or meter replacements as water meter fees, both of which are prohibited by national regulations [1][2][4]. - The water plant's actions violated the national directive that eliminated such fees as early as 2020, indicating a disregard for established pricing laws [1][7][11]. Group 2: Regulatory Actions - The Daitian County Market Supervision Administration issued a refund order on August 15, 2025, requiring the water plant to return the illegally collected fees within seven days, but as of August 27, 2025, no refunds had been made [2][6]. - The total penalties included the confiscation of the illegal earnings of 25,380 yuan and an equal fine of 25,380 yuan, along with an additional fine of 200 yuan for using unverified water meters, summing up to 50,960 yuan [2][15]. Group 3: Compliance and Legal Framework - The water plant is required to pay the fines within 15 days of receiving the penalty notice, with a daily additional fine of 3% for late payment [2][15]. - The water plant has the right to appeal the decision within 60 days or file a lawsuit within 15 days if it disagrees with the penalties imposed [2][15].