How to Read Your Water Meter

Meter Box

Overview

Reading your water meter will tell you how much water you’re using and can help identify if you have a leak. Your water meter records the amount of water you use, just like the odometer on your car records the number of miles you drive and is never reset. Water use is measured in cubic feet and is billed in units of hundred cubic feet (HCF). One HCF is equal to 748 gallons of water. You can view your meter data online under View My Water Data and on the water meter at your home.

WHERE IS MY METER?

Most meters are located near the curb in front of your home, usually near the roadway or sidewalk. Your water meter is located inside a rectangular concrete box, flush with the ground and has a lid labeled WATER. Be careful when removing the meter lid as the AMI radio is attached to the lid and connected to the meter by a wire which could become disconnected. In addition there may be critters or insects in the box.

READING YOUR WATER METER

To learn how to read your water meter, please select the video that matches your meter style.

To calculate your water usage, read and record the first four numbers to your left. Subtract your previous reading from this reading to determine your usage in HCF. To convert your usage to gallons, multiply the number of units used by 748. For example, if your current read is 055 and your previous read was 052, then you would have used 3 HCF or 2,244 gallons of water. (example: 055 - 052 = 3 HCF; 3 HCF x 748 = 2,244 gallons). 

To check for leaks, please follow the instructions in the above videos. To be alerted of potential future leaks, please sign-up for the free online service Aquahawk.