The water used within your home or business is measured by a water meter and billed to you monthly. The majority of meters measure consumption in cubic metres (M3).
Meter readings ensure that monthly bills are based on actual consumption. When readings are inaccessible, the consumption is estimated until the meter can be accessed. Estimates are an average of your actual consumption. Estimate readings are required if you are set-up on temporary water or if your meter is inaccessible for an actual read.
You can monitor your water consumption and check your home for leaks by reading your water meter. Most water meters are located in the basement or close to where the water service enters the building near the shut off valve.
Reading Your Water Meter
Rotational Dial
The rotational dial displays the current water consumption. Each hatch mark is a consumption of 10 litres, each number (0,001, 0.002, etc.) is a consumption of 100 litres and a full rotation of the sweep hand is 1000 litres.
These are recorded on the counter register.
Counter Register
The counter register records the total water consumption for your residence:
9999,99 ←10 litres
9999,99 ←100 litres
9999,99 ←1000 litres (1 m3)
Low Flow Indicator
The low flow indicator is in constant rotation when there is water running through the line. If all the taps inside your home are turned off and this dial is still spinning, then you may have a leak in your home.
Calculating Your Consumption
To calculate your water usage or to check for a leak choose a starting point on your water meter and take note of the reading on the counter and the time and date.
5-day Water Consumption
2380.00 - 2377.00 = 3.00 cubic metres
There are 1000 litres (220 gallons) in a cubic metre. To convert your reading into litres multiply it by 1000 (3.00m³ x 1000 = 3000) 3000 litres. If this was your reading, your average daily use would be 0.60 m³ (600 litres).
A cubic metre (1000 litres) of water is equivalent to:
- 13 baths, or
- 14 washing machine loads, or
- 28 showers, or
- 33 dishwasher loads, or
- 111 toilet flushes
Damaged or Frozen Water Meters
If a meter is damaged due to negligence or tampering the property owner will be responsible for the replacement cost of a new meter. e.g. inadequate heating, failing to protect the meter during renovations or tampering with the meter.
Water Meter Calibration Tests
If you have a high water bill and are convinced that there is not a leak in your home, we can test your meter for any inconsistencies. For more information please contact the Utilities Department at 780-581-2412.