Reading Your Water Meter: A Guide for Aberdeen Trails Residents
Understanding how to read your water meter is key to managing your water usage and avoiding unexpected charges. West Harris County MUD 14, the MUD for Aberdeen Trails, encourages residents to follow these easy steps to get familiar with your meter, and you’ll be able to track your water consumption like a pro!
Step 1: Locate Your Water Meter
Most water meters are housed in a standard 12-inch meter box located at the front property line. They resemble a car odometer, which is why they’re called “straight read” meters. The digits on these meters are read from left to right.
Step 2: Identify Your Meter Type
West Harris County MUD 14 uses three types of water meters. Identify which type you have by comparing your meter to the photos provided below, and then follow the corresponding instructions for reading it.
Type A Meter
- Reading the Meter: Look at the numbers on your meter. Ignore the last three digits on the right end (two black and one white) as they measure units less than 1000 gallons. You’re billed for every 1000 gallons of water used.
- Low Flow Detector: The dial with a sweep hand represents water use. One full sweep equals 10 gallons. A black triangle above the meter numbers acts as a low flow detector. If it’s moving and no water is being used, you might have a leak.
- Example Reading: If your meter reads 0274260, your usage is 274 (on your water bill, ignore the last three digits).
Type B Meter
- Reading the Meter: Disregard the last four digits on the right side. These measure units less than 1000 gallons. Your bill will reflect the total usage in 1000-gallon increments.
- Low Flow Detector: Look for a small red triangle in the bottom right corner of the meter. If it’s moving when no water is being used, you could have a leak.
- Example Reading: If your meter shows 0000000.1, your reading for billing purposes is 000.
Type C Meter
- Reading the Meter: Ignore the last three numbers on the right end. These represent units less than 1000 gallons. Only the digits before these are used for billing.
- Low Flow Detector: A small red (sometimes black) triangle above the numbers, near the large red hand, is the low flow detector. A dial with a sweep hand on top shows water usage. One sweep equals 10 gallons. If the low flow detector moves without water being used, there could be a leak.
- Example Reading: If the meter reads 0000000, your bill would reflect 000.
By following these guidelines, Aberdeen Trails residents can easily monitor their water usage and catch any potential issues early. If you notice any unusual activity on your meter or suspect a leak, be sure to contact the appropriate services promptly. To contact West Harris County MUD 14, call 281-367-5511 or report a leak at municipalops.com/help/report-a-water-leak.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
