WATER METERS ON THE TOWN WATER SYSTEM
How Does a Water Meter Work?
A water meter is a device that records water
consumption. Your water meter is
connected to a transmitter, which takes consumption information and sends
(transmits) it to a remote reading device that collects this data. This information and water usage data is then
used for billing purposes.
Check Your Meter Readings
The Municipality will remotely read your meter quarterly
(every three months) for billing purposes. However, you may want to read the meter yourself more frequently to monitor
your water consumption. Reading the
water meter yourself during each quarter allows you to closely monitor the
amount of water you use, can help you discover leaks in your plumbing, quickly
see the results of your water conservation, and keep your utility bills as low
as you can. To check for leaking pipes,
faucets, washer, or dishwasher by reading your meter before bed or before a
period where no water will be used for at least two hours – if the reading has
changed, you have a leak.
Instead of checking the water meter, you can simply detect a
leaking toilet by adding a few drops of food colouring to the tank – if the
tank is leaking, the coloured water will appear in the bowl.
How To Read Your Water Meter
1.
Locate
your water meter. They are normally found in basements or crawl spaces.
2.
The
meter type depends on the age of your meter (see images below). If your meter
has a lid, lift it.
3.
Shine
a bright led flashlight on the face of the meter for 3 to 6 seconds to activate
the LED display.
4.
Reading
your water meter is like reading the odometer of your car - read the
numbers from left to right. The reading
is your current water usage in imperial gallons.
5.
To
calculate water use take a current reading from you meter and subtract your
last reading from your water bill (listed under ‘present rdg’) or from a
previous reading you did yourself on a specific date.
6.
Check
it out – Take before and after readings of your in-law’s week visit, your purchase
of a new energy efficient washing machine, your teenagers week-end at home
while you were gone, or the hot summer with lawn and garden watering!
Meters Leaks,
Installation and Location
- During
hot summer months, condensation may form on cold water meters and the
surrounding piping, giving the appearance of a leak.
- Meter
leaks or broken seals should be reported to the Municipality immediately to
prevent property damage and water loss.
- The
property owner is responsible for and own the control valve and
surrounding piping. Contact a plumber if there are valve problems or leaks
inside your property.
- Water
meters are to be installed in an open accessible area providing convenient
access for servicing, repair and reading.
Frozen Meters
Meters can leak if they are exposed to sub-zero or freezing
winter temperatures. To prevent damage,
ensure the area near the meter is well heated or the meter and surrounding
piping are well insulated. If your
water meter is damaged due to freezing, the Municipality will replace the
meter at your expense.
