How can I test my meter for accuracy?

The easiest and most cost-efficient way to test the accuracy of a meter is to conduct a bucket test. To conduct a bucket test, first, turn off all water sources within and outside the home. Open the meter box and take a manual read of the meter. If you are unable to open the meter box lid easily, you can purchase a water meter box key at any hardware store. When opening the meter box, please make sure to do so slowly and carefully, as the City’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) equipment is generally mounted to the bottom of the meter box lid and is connected via a wire to the meter register. 

Next, fill a 5-gallon bucket with water from your home. Return to the meter and verify that the read increased by only 5 gallons. If only 5 gallons are measured, the meter is measuring accurately.

Show All Answers

1. What type of water meter does the city use?
2. How does my meter work?
3. How can I check for a leak?
4. How can I test my meter for accuracy?
5. I've conducted my own bucket test and I still don't believe my meter is working properly. What are my options?
6. Do mechanical meters slow down or speed up over a lifespan?
7. What is Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)?
8. How does the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system work with my meter?
9. Is the Meter Transmission Unit (MTU) a meter?
10. How can I test my Meter Transmission Unit (MTU) for accuracy?
11. If the City had irrigation-specific water meters, would it help my sewer bill?
12. Will the City consider extending the leak adjustment application acceptance window to longer than within 30 days of the leak repair?
13. How are water rates established each year through the Water Rate Study?
14. What is a "take or pay" contract?
15. Why use a tiered rate structure?