Water Meter Access

The City requires access to water meters for emergency shut off, to read water consumption, maintain equipment, and ensure accurate billing.

If the Water Meter Readers cannot access the meter, the City will leave a card or mail a letter requesting that the meter be cleared to allow access.

Providing clear and safe access to the water meter helps avoid estimated readings and billing adjustments.

Why Meter Access is Required

Water meters are used to:

• Measure water consumption
• Calculate water charges
• Support accurate and timely billing

If a water meter cannot be accessed, usage may be estimated. Once an actual reading is obtained, the account may be adjusted to reflect true consumption.

 Property Owner Responsibilities

Common Access Challenges

If Access is Temporarily Restricted

Where is my water meter located?

Most water meters are located in the ground inside a meter box, which is on or near the property line or boulevard.

Look for a rectangular meter box with a removable lid (approximately 10x15 inch).

The approximate location of your water meter can be found here: Water Meter Location Map

Clearing access to the meter

If the City personnel cannot read your water meter, we will estimate how much water you've used. This estimate may be based on a 2 or 3 year average, or on a seasonal average for a similar property.

These pictures show a meter box before and after the vegetation has been cut back.

There should be a minimum of three feet (3') on each size of the meter box and four feet (4') above.

These pictures show two meter boxes overgrown with grass and one meter box after it has been cleared.

Please note: the lid must be able to be lifted freely and easily.

After the meter is cleared

If you have received a "Water Meter Access" card:

• Please clear the meter and contact the User Rates department within 48 hours of receiving the card as we may be able to go back to your property and get an actual reading, meaning we will not need to estimate your bill

If you have received a letter:

• Please clear your meter as soon as possible before the next reading period and notify the User Rates department once this has been done. Your bill will likely be estimated for the current billing period