Read My Meter

How to Read Your Water Meter

Step 1: Locate and Access Your Water Meter

Locate your water meter box, which is typically positioned near the front of the property, generally within 3 to 4 feet of one side of the driveway. The meter is often aligned with the property's main outdoor water faucet. Most meters are housed in a concrete box marked "Water."

To access the meter, carefully remove the lid using a suitable tool, such as a large screwdriver. Insert the tool into one of the access holes and gently pry the lid open.

Step 2: Read the Meter

Once the meter box is open, lift the protective cover on the meter. The meter face contains a numerical display and a large dial. For a standard residential meter, each complete rotation of the dial represents 10 gallons of water usage.

Read the numerical display from left to right, making sure to include any stationary zeros. This number represents the current meter reading. Water meters measure consumption in either gallons or cubic feet. Billing is based on usage and is typically rounded to the nearest 1,000 gallons or 100 cubic feet consumed during the billing period.

Compare the reading on your meter with the current or present reading shown on your water bill.

Step 3: Verify Usage and Check for Leaks

Please note that the date on which you read your meter may differ from the date used for billing. As a result, some variation between your reading and the reading shown on your bill is normal.

If your meter reading is significantly higher than the reading on your bill, inspect your property for possible leaks or other sources of unusually high water consumption. Most meters include a leak indicator approximately the size of a dime that resembles a small fan blade. If this indicator is moving while all water fixtures and appliances are turned off, a leak may be present.

If your meter reading is significantly lower than the reading shown on your bill, please contact our office for assistance. Our staff will be happy to help investigate and resolve any discrepancies.