Water Meter

A water meter is a device used to measure the volume of water usage.

In many developed countries water meters are used at each residential and commercial building in a public water supply system. Water meters can also be used at the water source, well, or throughout a water system to determine flow through that portion of the system. Water meters typically measure and display total usage in cubic feet, cubic meters or US gallons on a mechanical or electronic register.
There are several types of water meter in common use. Selection is based on different flow measurement methods, the type of end user, the required flow rates, and accuracy requirements.

There are three common methods of flow measurement in use:

1. Displacement
2. Velocity
3. Electromagnetic

Common types of water meter

1. Multi-jet Meter
2. Single-jet Meter
3. Positive Displacement Meter
4. Turbine Meter
5. Compound Meter
6. Fire Meter
7. Fire Hydrant Meter
8. Mag Meter

In addition to the more common types of meter, there are meters designed for special uses. Most meters in a typical water distribution system are designed for cold potable water only. There are specialty water meters manufactured for specific other uses. Hot water meters are designed with special materials that can withstand higher temperatures. Meters for reclaimed water have special lavender register covers to signify that the water is non-potable and should not be used for drinking.

Water meters are generally owned, read, and maintained by a public water provider such as a city, rural water association, or private water company. In some cases an owner of a mobile home park, apartment complex or commercial building may be billed by a utility on one meter, and want to share the cost of the bill among the tenants. In this case, private meters may be purchased to separately track usage of each unit in what is called submetering.

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