How to Read Your Meter

Reading Your Meter

Typically, the water meter is located in the front yard, near the street or sidewalk.

Use a screwdriver to remove the meter-box lid. Then flip the meter lens cap to expose the meter face.
Dirt may need to be removed to expose the meter dial. The meter face will look similar to this image.
To determine if the meter has been misread, copy down the numbers on the meter's register. (The register looks similar to a car odometer.)
Compare the numbers on the register to your "Present Reading" on your water bill. The reading from the register should be equal to or higher than the "Present Reading."
If the reading on the meter is lower than the reading listed on your bill, the meter may have been misread.
If the meter reading is substantially higher than the reading on your bill, there may be a water leak.

If you think there is a leak

Step one in tracking down a leak is to read your meter.

First, make sure there’s no water running—that includes the washing machine, dishwasher and sprinkler—then check your meter.
If the dial on the meter is moving, you’ve got an obvious leak.
Even if you can’t see the dial moving, you could still have a small, slow leak.
To check, write down the number on the meter before you go to bed.
Then, before anyone uses water in the morning, check the number again. Also, remember to turn your ice maker off in the refrigerator.
If it’s different, you’ve got a water leak.

MAWSS will be happy to send someone out to re-read your meter. If our reading proves to be accurate, a $40 fee will be charged for this service. Customers may also re-read the meter themselves.

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