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My Meter

Most people are aware that their water usage is tracked by a meter—but fewer know how these meters work or why they matter.

As an OUA customer, understanding your water meter can help you keep tabs on your usage, detect leaks early, and prevent small plumbing issues from becoming costly repairs.

Water meters measure the flow of water—usually in gallons—as it travels through the service line into your home or business. Think of it like a car’s odometer, but for water. 

 

DISCLAIMER: While it’s permissible for customers to observe their water usage and inspect their meter, it’s important to understand that any modifications, tampering, or theft of a water meter is considered a punishable criminal offense under Florida law.


Locating My Meter

Locating your meter can  often be a bit of a challenge since locations may vary based upon how your residence or business was constructed. A few tips that can help you to find your meter:

Blue and green water utility valve covers in dirt.

1. Look outside near the curb of your home. 

Meters will often be located in a box in your front yard, utility right-of-way, or as part of the sidewalk outside of your place of business.

2. Look around your property.

Depending how your residence was constructed, sometimes meters can be found in unusual places like in a backyard.

3. Use a hose bib for guidance.

Often, meters are directly connected via the  service line to an outdoor hose bib, since this is typically the first place that water makes its way into the home.

4. Talk to your realtor or landlord.

A realtor or landlord may have useful information about your utility provider as part of due diligence they have conducted. This could include the meter location and equally important, shut off valve.

5. Call the OUA for assistance.

 

Reading My Meter

The OUA uses several types of water meters, but most share a few key features. Typically, each meter includes a register, flow detector, and a display. Here's a quick breakdown of these components to help you better understand how to read your meter:

Components

1) Register.

Water meter with open lid, showing digital display and attached wire sensor.
  • The register displays your total water usage over time. When a meter reader collects a reading, this is the number they record. Your bill is calculated by subtracting your previous reading from the current one.

2) Flow Detector.

  • This part of the meter gives an indication of leaks and usage. Whenever water is flowing through the meter, this part of the meter will spin. If there is no water being used in the home or by any appliances, and this part of the meter is spinning, it could be an indication of a leak that’s causing water to flow through the meter.

3) Display.

  • The display indicates usage on a gallon basis. 
    • Example
      • Let’s say your meter is read on June1st. The meter register reads 0020000 or 20,000 gallons. On July1st, the meter now reads 0023000 or 23,000 gallons. The usage between June1st and July1st would be calculated at 3,000 gallons.

 

How Do I Cut Off My Water In An Emergency Situation?

OUA does not condone tampering with water meters but we do understand their may be times when you have to open or close your meter in an emergency situation. A customer valve box (described later in this article) is the preferred way of opening and closing of water service.

A metal lawn edger is lying on a concrete surface.

If damages do occur when opening or closing valve that customer will be responsible for damages.

To easily turn your water service on and off there is a device called a “curb key” that can be purchased at most home supply stores as shown to the right.  If you do not have a curb key you can improvise by using a wrench that will fit snugly over the bronze cut off (where the arrow is located) Then placing a screwdriver of the appropriate size in the other end of the wrench. 

 

If you have to turn your water off in an emergency situation the pictures below shows the correct position of the cut off valve for open and closed.

A valve with a label pointing to the cut-off in the "on" position.
This picture represents a water meter in the open or on position. Please note the direction of the arrow on the bronze cut off valve. 
A cut-off valve in the off position is shown with a label.
This picture represents a water meter that is in the closed or off position. Please note the direction of the arrow on the bronze cut off valve. 

 

Shared Responsibility for Your Water Meter

When it comes to your water meter, both the OUA and its customers have important roles to play. This section outlines the key responsibilities related to meter reading, access, and the serious consequences of tampering or theft.

Meter Reading & Maintenance

The OUA owns and maintains each customer’s water meter and is responsible for reading it regularly, as required by Florida State Law. Meters are typically located in a ground-level meter box within a utility easement—either in the front or backyard—or mounted above ground.

Over time, meters can wear down and lose accuracy, so they may be replaced as part of routine maintenance. If you believe your meter or meter box needs attention, please contact your local OUA Customer Service Office.

Meter Access

While OUA handles meter readings, it's the customer’s responsibility to keep the meter accessible. Please help by keeping the area clear of overgrown plants, landscaping equipment, parked vehicles, and anything else that might block or damage the meter. Also, ensure meter readers can safely access the area—this includes securing pets and unlocking gates.

If a meter cannot be accessed, OUA will leave a door tag or send a letter to arrange access. In the meantime, billing may be based on an estimated reading, using your historical usage. Meter estimates are rare and limited to a maximum of three consecutive months. In cases where access is repeatedly denied, OUA may work with local law enforcement to ensure meter access.

Meter Tampering & Theft

Tampering with or making unauthorized connections to a water meter is illegal.

If tampering is found, OUA will document the incident, notify the customer with a door tag and letter, and assess a tampering fee. The notice will also state that further tampering may result in the removal of the meter and/or full reimbursement of any damage or service repair costs.

If you suspect someone is tampering with your meter or stealing water, please report it to your local OUA Customer Service Office or law enforcement.

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