How to locate, read, and use your meter effectively

Understanding Water Meters

The water meter is typically located near the street, in a box set into the ground, driveway, or sidewalk.

It is usually in the front yard, but sometimes on the side.

Locating Your Water Meter

Sample meter box lids:

Locating Your Water Meter

The lids pictured to the right representprivate property. These are NOT the responsibility of the City of Virginia Beach.

The water meter lid may be covered by leaves or hidden by grass. Look for a dent if you’re having trouble locating it.

Locating Your Water Meter

Before opening, clear away all grass and debris from the meter box lid.

Locating Your Water Meter

It is normal for the meter dial to be at least partially buried by dirt, sand, or leaves; it may be buried completely. Often, the meter is under water.

To find the meter dial:

• Lever the box lid up from the edge, where it rests upon the box rim.

• Use a garden trowel or similar tool to uncover the dial.

before…

after…

Reading Your Water Meter

There are different types of water meters, each with varying features...

flow finder

flow finder sweep hand

This remote sensor meter features a plastic sensor pad on the outside of the meter box and can be read by touch.

no sweep hand

sweep hand

Reading Your Water Meter

To read this typical meter dial, only the first four numbers are used; the last two are ignored.

This meter reading is 3724.

The red hand is called the sweep hand, and the small white triangle is called the flow finder.

Things to Remember…

• Don’t round up or down when reading the meter. • Readings are included on each billing statement.• To ensure safety, make sure that the lid is securely replaced on

the meter box when you are finished with the meter reading.

flow finder

sweep hand

Using Your Water Meter

Water meters can be used to detect sneakyleaks.

How?The flow finder cannot move unless water is flowing through the meter.

So…If you are not using water in the property but the flow finder is moving, you may have a leak.

Check toilets and fixtures carefully to find the culprit.

flow finder

Please Note…If there is air trapped in your pipes, the flow finder can move back and forth.

presented by:

Understanding Water Meters

757-385-4631 | 1-866-697-3481 | VBgov.com/dpu

Congratulations! Now you can locate your water meter, read it accurately, and use it to detect sneaky leaks in your home or business!

If you have any questions, please contact Customer Service using one of the methods below.