If you receive a monthly water bill, it means that the water usage in your home is monitored by a water meter. The water meter displays numbers that make it easier for you or the residents of the property concerned to monitor the amount of water usage every day. Whether your property is fitted with a standard analog dial or a digital meter, the amount of water used can be easily calculated. You just need to look at the number in the meter, then subtract it from last month's figure to determine an estimate for your future water bill. However, keep in mind that some municipalities use devices that transmit signals over radio frequencies so in this case, you won't be able to read the meter.
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Part 1 of 3: Checking the Water Meter
Step 1. Find the water meter
Home water meters can usually be found in front of the property near a sidewalk or street. This meter is usually located in a heavy armored concrete underground box that is tightly closed and labeled “Water” for easy identification.
- In apartments or condominiums, the water meter is usually in the utility room in the basement or basement. This meter can also be located right on the outside of the building.
- If the water bill is included in the rental or utility costs, the entire building's water usage will be calculated from one meter.
- Make sure you check with the water supply company first to make sure you have access to the water meter.
Step 2. Remove the meter case cover
Unscrew the screw from the small hole in the meter cover using a screwdriver or similar tool and carefully remove it. Set aside the cover near the meter. If the meter has a hinged cover, simply pull the cover off like a door.
- Never try to open the meter case by hand. There is a possibility that animals such as snakes, rodents, insects, and other dangerous animals may nest in the water meter box.
- Wipe the underside of the box cover to remove dust, dirt, and cobwebs, while they are coming off.
Step 3. Check if the property has an analog or digital meter
The analog meter appears to have a large circular dial with 1-2 moving hands. Digital meters have a display containing numbers similar to an alarm clock and can be read easily without complicated calculations.
- Analog water meters can be wrapped in covers that need to be removed before you can see the meter underneath.
- Some digital meters are light-activated and do not show water usage figures before being illuminated.
- Keep in mind that you are solely responsible for repairing or checking in case the meter is damaged.
Part 2 of 3: Getting Accurate Numbers
Step 1. Write down the numbers on the meter display
Record the numbers exactly as they appear on the meter. This number will be used as a benchmark when you compare water usage every day, week, or month.
- If you want to monitor water usage, consider keeping a utility journal and writing down the number on the meter periodically as well as checking the monthly reports provided by the water supply company.
- Last month's bill can also be used to detect water leaks.
Step 2. Record the position of the dial on the analog meter
There are nine digits surrounding the face of the analog display, depending on the type of meter, each number representing 1 cubic meter or 1 liter. For every cubic meter or liter that flows through the house, the long hand will move from one number to the next. If the needle has turned fully on the dial, it means that 10 liters of water have been used in this meter.
Step 3. Fill in the last digit of the meter number
The last digit on the screen is “static zero”, which means the number is always zero. This is a patch. The value of this digit is the number the needle points to. You enter it as part of the measurement number. Make sure you include it to make sure your measurements are accurate.
- For example, if the display shows the number “012340” and the needle is at “5”, the meter indicates that your water consumption is 12,345 cubic meters or liters.
- Do a round when the needle is pointing between two numbers. To be more accurate, note the small line the needle is pointing at; This small line represents tenths in cubic meters or liters. For example, the measurement number above is 12,345, 0, but if the needle points to the second small line, the number becomes 12,345, 2.
Step 4. Record the water consumption and flow rate directly from the digital meter
If your property has a digital meter, reading it will be much easier. The row of numbers on the meter shows the total water usage as measured by the meter. The smaller number in the corner indicates the water flow rate, or the amount of water that passes through your home per minute.
Your digital meter can show the amount of water consumption and flow rate alternately, or both have their own display
Step 5. Replace the meter cover
Don't forget to return the meter guard before you close the water meter case. In this way, the meter is protected and kept clean so that the next measurement can be viewed easily.
Step 6. Learn how to understand the numbers on the meter
Not all meters measure water the same way. For example, the cost of water usage may vary depending on the season or the time of day when water usage becomes more frequent, for example in summer when people tend to wash their cars outdoors. To find out how the meter measures water usage, and to find out the structure of water tariffs, contact your water supply provider. If you understand it, you can start monitoring your own monthly water consumption.
Water consumption is usually measured in cubic meters or liters. One cubic meter is equal to 1000 liters. In Indonesia, most water meter figures are displayed in two colors: black and red. The black number indicates the cubic meter unit for calculating the bill, while the red number indicates the liter unit used for testing the water meter
Part 3 of 3: Monitoring Water Usage
Step 1. Record monthly usage
In order to accurately measure the amount of water passing through your home, you will need to check the water meter every 30 days. That way, you have numbers to compare with last month's bills.
- Reviewing your measurements over several months will help you find patterns in your water usage, which will be useful in your water-saving efforts.
- The more often you check your water meter, the better chance you have of finding a leak before it becomes a serious problem.
Step 2. Determine the amount of water your household uses
Since water consumption is billed in units of 100 cubic meters, you can ignore the last two digits of the meter number (12,345 to 123). This figure can be subtracted from the next month's metered figure. Say at that time the number on the meter is 13,545 (or 135), which means you will be charged 1,200 (or 12) units.
- The water bill reflects the number of units used per month. Each unit is usually about 100 cubic meters, or about 100,000 liters.
- If there is uncertainty in measuring water usage in your area, simply subtract this month's number from last month's number and study your area's utility code to see how it is calculated.
Step 3. Calculate your water usage costs
The next step is to determine the tariff charged by the water supply company per unit of water consumed. You can find out by calling their customer service department. If it is known, multiply it by the amount of water used in the relevant month to find out the estimated cost that will be incurred.
If you still have old billing receipts, try working in reverse by dividing the amount billed by the number of units used in the month to get the average cost per unit
Step 4. Check for leaks
Sometimes, the bill you receive is larger than usual. In this case, there is a possibility of water leaking. To fix this, turn off all faucets and showers in the house. Also, if you have an underground sprinkler system, be sure to check all of its components for leaks. If so, check the meter again. If the meter needle is still moving, it means there is a leak in your property.
- Another way to check for leaks is to pay attention to the water flow indicator. Most water meters have a small symbol (usually a triangle, star, or gear) on the meter display. This flow indicator will rotate when a leak is detected.
- You can also use a stethoscope to hear a leak, which is usually a buzzing or hissing sound.
- Fix leaks immediately. If left unchecked, small leaks can cause big losses.
Step 5. Find ways to reduce water usage
If you're surprised that your water bill is much higher than usual, don't worry. There are several ways to save water use, such as combining laundry into a large load, turning off the water when brushing your teeth, using less water when tending the garden, or taking shorter showers. Remember: all the little savings make big in the end.
Educate your family to get used to saving water
Tips
- Make sure you attach the dial protection cover and meter cover when you are done checking the water usage.
- You don't have to worry if the meter figures are inconsistent; Water bills do change slightly every month.
- It's a good idea to check for leaks regularly. Thus, if found, the handling of leaks can be done early.
- Reading a water meter can be confusing at times. If you are still not sure, contact your water provider's customer service and ask how to determine the water tariff as clearly as possible.
- Keep in mind that large residential and commercial properties are sometimes fitted with separate water meters for irrigation reasons.
- Ask your water supply company for any billing you don't understand, such as wastewater treatment fees.
