Step 1: Locate your meter box.
To read your water meter, you’ll need to locate it first. Most meters are located in your front lawn or near the curb or sidewalk, though some can be in a side yard, or even your back yard. The meter “box” will include a metal or plastic lid that reads “Water” or “Water Meter.” To remove the lid, use a long metal screwdriver, and pry gently from the side of the box. Wearing gloves is an additional option for added protection from hot lids or from boxes that have become natural homes for wildlife, including insects, frogs, and even snakes.
Step 2: Identify your type of water meter.
Though we are currently in the process of replacing outdated meter hardware, some customers may still have previous models of Digital or Mechanical meters at their residence. Please see below for examples of both types:
Digital Meter:
Display – The digital meter needs light for activation so you may need to shine a flashlight on it. The display alternates between the meter read and the flow rate. The meter read equals the gallons (or cubic feet) used while the flow rate equals the number of gallons (or cubic feet) per minute flowing through the water meter
Mechanical water meter
The large, red sweep hand on an mechanical water meter is used to measure water in gallons or cubic feet. When the large sweep hand moves from one number to the next (e.g. 0 to 1), then 1 gallon or 1 cubic foot of water has passed through your water meter.