Measuring Water Loss

To verify the reading from your water bill you only need to check the first 4 dials on the register (or the first 5 dials for larger meters), and the reading should be equal to or greater than the reading on the bill. Remember, for City customers we bill in Ccf units and one Ccf equals 748 gallons. If the reading on the meter when you check it is the same as it is on the most recent water bill it does not necessarily mean that there was no water consumption since we took the reading; some water may have gone through the meter but not enough to advance the last dial used for the reading.

In order to determine if you have leaks you must check the meter when you are certain that there is no water being used at the time (including evaporative coolers). If there is any movement of the sweep hand or the flow indicator, then there is likely a leak on the property. Bear in mind that some types of leaks may be intermittent (i.e. commodes with faulty flush valves) and may not be detectable during a very short period of time.

When you monitor a meter to check for the rate of water flow, mark the position of the cubic foot sweep hand on the register and time the movement for one minute. Record the distance the sweep hand moved, in terms of cubic feet or gallons per minute. If necessary, refer to the Conversion Chart For Cubic Foot Meters (below) to determine the rate of flow in gallons or the potential water loss in hours, days or a month.