WATER CONSERVATION :: TIPS :: Meter Reading Tips for Consumers

Knowing how to read your water meter will help you keep an eye on your conservation efforts, check for leaks, and keep your water bill lower.  Monitor your usage by reading your meter regularly.  Check for leaks by turning off all the taps in your home and then looking at the meter; if the meter is still turning, chances are you have a leak somewhere.

Your meter is located either in your basement or outside in a cement box in the ground near the curb.  To access the outside meter, simply remove the meter box cover using a large screwdriver or pliers.  (Note: Some utilities prohibit tampering with water meters; check with your utility provider before examining your meter.)

                        Straight Meter                               

To find out how much water you've used in any given period, subtract the reading from the first day of the period from your next reading.  City of Arlington meters record water usage in gallons. 

Click here for more information on how to read your meter (pdf)

(Thank you to the American Water Works Association and the Long Beach Water and the California Urban Water Conservation Council for this information.)

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