Understanding Water Meters

Water meters measure how much water enters your home from the City's water distribution system. They also help to regulate flow and record water use. In Oklahoma City, water meters are typically located near the street and connect the residential private service lines with the City's water mains located in the public easement.

Graphic showing house with a pipe (public and private service line) that runs from the house to the water meter to the water main.

Oklahoma City uses what is called nutating disc meters to measure water use. When a customer turns on their faucet, the disc inside the meter pushes water around at a specific flow rate, and measures the amount of water that is used. Meters are read once each month and the amount recorded by the meter is what is used for billing purposes. Customers are charged for every 1,000 gallons used.

Meters are read two different ways, either via an analog dial, which looks much like a car odometer and which is read by one of our meter reading staff, or using Automated Meter Reading (AMR) technology, where data collected in the meter is transmitted to a console inside a Utilities vehicle using a a secure, wireless receiver.

What am I billed for?

You are billed for the amount of water used each month in increments of 1,000 gallons. If you still have an analog meter, find the 7 digits on the meter face, which together look like a car odometer (see above). The first digits on the white background measure water consumption by 1,000 gallons. This is what is read each month for billing. The meter reading is rounded down to the closest 1,000 gallons each month. The black background digits on the right side show the 1-gallon, 10-gallon and 100-gallon amounts and carry over to the following month's reading for billing. These turn over when they reach the 999 mark, just like a car.

Analog Meters

Understanding the dials

The long hand measures water consumption and shows larger water flows. The "flower"-shaped hand shows smaller water flows and is often used as a leak indicator. If the long hand moves while no water is being used, it likely indicates a large leak. If the smaller, flower-shaped hand is moving, this may indicate smaller water leak.

A graphic of the dial on a typical water meter. Most meters have an analog dial that looks like a car odometer. Numbers move forward as water is used and this is how customers are charged for water.

Meters with AMR Technology

In 2022, the Oklahoma City Utilities Department began upgrading customer water meters to include meters and meter registers with AMR (Automated Meter Reading) technology with a goal of upgrading about 28,000 meters each year. The intent is to have all water customer water meters fit with AMR technology within the next five to eight years (as of 2025).

What's the difference?

Meters fitted with AMR technology are ready using secure, one-way wireless technology. Meter-reading staff drive by in trucks fitted with receiving technology and then the monthly water use as measured by the meter is transmitted to a console inside the truck. Data collected is verified at the end of the day before being processed for billing.

What are the advantages of using AMR?

AMR devices offer multiple benefits. They make our meter-reading process more efficient since customer use data is automatically uploaded using a secure, wireless receiver. They also help prevent employee injuries, and ensure on-time meter reading to meet monthly billing schedules.

Can the Utilities Department control water flow in my meter or read my water use "live time"?

No. While some technologies allow for live-time meter reads, the specific AMR technology adopted by the Oklahoma City Utilities Department does not allow for live-time monitoring. Nor can Utilities Department control the meter or the AMR device remotely.

Will this disrupt my water service?

Replacing the register will not disrupt service. If the meter is replaced, residential customers can expect to be without water service for about 20-30 minutes; business customers will take a little longer. Crews will try to contact the resident or business before turning off the water. If contact is not made or they need to return due to access or scheduling purposes, a door hanger will be left with pertinent information.

Once water comes back on, you can clear out any air in your lines (popping noise) or discoloration (cloudy or brown water) by turning on each faucet and letting them run for about 3-5 minutes until water is clear. These are very common occurrences.

Will this damage my property?

No property damage should occur, but if so it does occur, please call Utilities Customer Service at (405) 297-2833 for assistance.

Why is the City making this change?

Our customer base grows by about 3,500 new accounts each year. Adding AMR technology enables us to increase the number of meters we read each day. They also enable meter readers to record your water use during times of inclemente weather, or when workers cannot access meter boxes.