Reading your water meter is a straightforward process primarily focused on identifying the numbers that measure your main water usage.
To read your water meter, you need to locate the numbers on the meter face and understand which ones indicate your water consumption for billing purposes.
Understanding Your Water Meter Display
Water meters typically have a display with different sets of numbers and sometimes dials. According to the provided information:
- Black Numbers: Located on the left side of the meter face. These numbers represent the number of cubic metres used.
- Red Numbers and Dials: Found on the right side of the meter face. These indicate usage in litres.
Steps to Read Your Water Meter
The key to taking an accurate reading for billing is to focus on the larger unit of measurement.
- Locate Your Meter: Your water meter is usually found near the boundary of your property, often in a pit or box.
- Open the Cover: Carefully lift the cover protecting the meter.
- Identify the Numbers: Look at the meter face to see the black and red numbers.
- Take the Reading: Only read the black numbers. Ignore the red numbers and any small dials showing litres. The black numbers are what are used to calculate your consumption in cubic metres.
Here's a simple breakdown:
| Meter Display Part | What it Shows | Is it for Your Main Reading? |
|---|---|---|
| Black Numbers (Left) | Cubic Metres (m³) | YES |
| Red Numbers (Right) | Litres (L) | NO |
| Small Dials (Right) | Litres (L) or fractions | NO |
For example, if the black numbers show '0125', your reading is 125 cubic metres. The red numbers or dials might show hundreds or thousands of litres, but you only record the '0125'.
By focusing solely on the black numbers, you get the accurate measurement of cubic metres used, which is typically the unit your water company uses for billing.
