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How to Read Your Water Meter

Meter Face

HOW TO READ YOUR METER AND DETECT LEAKS

 

  • How to Read Your Water Meter

Your water meter measures the amount of water used in your household. The readings from your water meter determine the amount you are charged every month on your water bill. You can read the meter yourself to verify your bill, monitor your water use, check for suspected leaks or experiment with efficient landscaping procedures.

  • Step 1: Locate Your Meter

Your water meter is generally located near the curb in front of your home or on the property line. Meters are typically housed in a concrete box with a cast iron lid. Carefully remove the lid by using a tool such as a large screwdriver or pliers. Visually examine the area around the meter to make sure there are no harmful insects or other animals.

  • Step 2: Read Your Water Meter

Water meters in Oro Valley measure volume in gallons. Water charges are based on 1,000 gallon units. The water meters used in Oro Valley are straight-reading meters which resemble the odometer in a car.

The reading is taken from the figures shown under the word gallons. The meter reads 0312600 which is the total number of gallons of water recorded since the meter was installed. The utility bills in 1,000 gallon increments therefore the read on this meter would be 0312. Reads are to the nearest 1,000 gallons. Thus, the six (6) and the zero’s (0’s) are not read.

Note: The size of the meter is usually printed on the dial. The meter shown here is a 5/8” meter. The small triangle (can be red, blue or white) is the low flow indicator. This indicator will spin if any water is flowing through the meter and can be used in leak detection.

  • Water Meter Leak Detection

First it is important to understand how to read your water meter. To check for leaks follow these steps:

  • Method 1

Turn off all water taps inside and outside your home. Record the meter reading and return in two to three hours to check for movement. If the meter reading has changed, you may have a leak.

  • Method 2

Many meters have a small triangle (red, blue or white) on the meter face, designed to detect even small leaks. If this triangle is moving when you have all water off inside and outside your home, you may have a leak. Common sources of leaks are a toilet that is running, a constant drip in a sink or outdoor faucet, a loose or dripping washer connection, a home water treatment unit, an evaporative cooler or an irrigation drip system.

  • Method 3

Turn water off at the main supply to house (usually the gate valve by the hose bib). If the meter is spinning, the leak is between the meter and the house in the water supply line.