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STEP 1 Locate your meter box, generally found towards the front of a property, near the street. The box is typically in a direct line with the main outside faucet. It is housed under a metal lid. A special tool is usually used to open the lid by turning the 5 sided nut on the top. Sometimes this can be done by carefully using a pair of pliers. *Caution* Repeated use of pliers can cause the nut to round off and require replacement. Lift up on the lid after the nut us loosened.
STEP 2 Once you open the meter box lid, lift the protective cap on the meter. On the face of the meter, there is a large dial and a display of numbers. For the residential meter, each rotation of the dial measures 10 gallons. Read the number display from left to right. Be sure to include the stationary zero. This is your meter reading. Meters measure water in gallons.
Many meters are now electronic (Radio-read). These meters will have a small solar panel on them. If ambient light is not strong enough, you may need to shine a flashlight on the solar panel to activate the digital display on the meter. This digital display will show the current reading as well as flow rates and icons for continuous usage.
Charges are based on the amount of water consumed during a billing period. Compare that reading to what your bill states as your current or present reading.
STEP 3 Keep in mind that you might be checking your meter on a date different from the one used for billing. This could result in a difference in the amount you find, compared with the amount on which your bill is based. However, if your reading is considerably higher than what is on your bill, check for a leak or try to determine the source of large water use. If your reading is significantly lower than the reading on your bill, please contact us and let us assist you in determining the problem.
