Town Water Meters

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!

 

 Digital 1:


 

 Digital 2:

 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.