About Your Water Meter

A water meter measures the amount of water used by a property. It typically looks like a large dial with numbers, similar to an odometer on a car. The numbers on the dial show the total water usage since the meter was installed, and the flow indicator helps detect leaks.

Attached to your water meter is an ERT (Encoder Receiver Transmitter) which is a digital device used in conjunction with water meters to transmit data readings wirelessly to a reading device, eliminating the need for physical meter readings. It works by transmitting a low-power radio signal from the meter to a handheld receiver, allowing for efficient and convenient data collection by utility companies.  When opening a water meter box, exercise caution because ERT devices are sometimes attached to the lid and can be damaged if not handled carefully.

Property owners are generally responsible for ensuring their water service is maintained, including keeping the meter area clear and accessible, notifying the water company of any issues, and covering costs associated with repairs or adjustments that may be necessary. They are also responsible for maintaining the system from the meter to their property.

Damage and Neglect: Owners are responsible for the cost of repairing or replacing a meter that is damaged due to neglect, such as from freezing or theft.

Water meters and maintenance holes are critical pieces of infrastructure.  We need to be able to easily access meters and maintenance holes so that we can accurately bill our shareholders, properly inspect and  quickly respond to faults or emergencies.  Sometimes they’re located on private property, so we rely on property owners to keep them well maintained.  Any work around meters and maintenance holes should be done with caution. You are liable for the cost of repairing any damage.

• Meter Accessibility
  The LDWA requires that access to the meter box be maintained by the home owner. The meter box ring and cover should be accessible at all times. This will help us if we need to access your meter for maintenance or emergency shutoffs due to broken pipes and leaks.
• Trees, Bushes & Plantings
  Trim bushes, trees, and grass that block the way or cover the meter. During the growing season, plants can cover a water meter box very quickly.  Please minimize plants in the area which meter readers must travel to get to your meter.
• Pets
  If you have a guard dog for security, please let us know so that we can make sure that our meter readers and other utility personnel are aware of this.  We may ask that you arrange to confine the dog during the days that our crews will be in the area.
• Objects That Cover or Block Your Meter
  Please make sure that no objects cover or block access to the meter box. Items we have found blocking water meters include cars, trailers, garbage cans and recycling bins, construction equipment or supplies, landscape bark, rocks or gravel.
• Locked Gates
  If your meter is located behind a gate that is normally locked, please contact us to arrange access. We often obtain keys from those who wish to secure their property.