A small wire connects your indoor water meter to a reader outside your home. The reader sends your water use data to the city through a secure signal, so staff do not need to visit in person.
How to read your water meter
Learn how your water meter works and how to read it. Check for water leaks around your home.
On this page:
How water meters work
Your water meter measures how much water you use in cubic metres.
1 cubic metre = 1,000 litres.
Water meters only record the water that flows through them. They cannot speed up or overcharge. Older meters may slow down over time, which means they record less water use, not more.
How to read your water meter
Most water meters are in the basement near the main water control valve. If you can't find it, check your furnace room, utility room, or near your hot water tank.
Helpful tips
- your meter measures in litres and cubic metres
- the symbol for a cubic metre is m3 (1m3 = 1,000 litres of water)
How billing works
- your meter measures how much water you use
- the city charges you for the water you use (in cubic metres)
- the same number of cubic metres is used to calculate your sewage charges
Follow these steps to read a dial meter:
- read the dials to find your water use in cubic metres
- watch the small red triangle or wheel (called the low flow indicator) – it spins counter-clockwise when water is running
- each full turn of the indicator equals 1 litre of water
If the Low Flow indicator moves when you are not using water, you might have a leak.
Follow these steps to read a digital meter:
- open the lid to turn on the display
- check the screen for your water use in cubic metres
If the last digit on the digital display moves when you are not using water, you may have a leak.
Check your water use
You can compare the number on your meter with your water bill.
If the numbers do not match, or your meter shows a low reading, email utilities@waterloo.ca.
If your water meter isn’t working
If your meter stops working or shows a low reading, we may estimate your bill until we can repair or replace it.
Contact us if your water meter is leaking, noisy or showing the wrong reading. We’ll help you check the problem and schedule a repair or replacement if needed.
Learn more on our repair or replace your water meter page.
Check for leaks around your home
Check your meter
- watch your water meter when no water is running – if the numbers move, you may have a leak
- look for drips around the meter – the leak may come from the control valves or nearby pipes
Check toilets and taps
- put a few drops of food colouring in your toilet tank and wait one hour without flushing – if coloured water appears in the bowl, your toilet is leaking
- check for dripping faucets or showerheads – even small drips can waste a lot of water over time
Check around your home
- check for damp spots or water stains under sinks and around appliances like your water heater, water softener, dishwasher or washing machine
- inspect outdoor faucets, hoses and pipes for leaks, even in winter
If your water pressure seems low, visit our check a water issue page to learn how to test it.
Contact us
If you have questions about your water meter:
- call 519-886-2310
- email utilities@waterloo.ca