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Water, gas & utilities

Water meters

These are instructions for installing water meters and what to do if a water meter is damaged.

How to have a water meter installed

If you don’t have a water meter, or your current meter is damaged, call (215) 685-6300 to schedule an appointment to have the meter repaired or replaced. This requires that a City representative enter your home to complete the installation.

After the new meter is installed, the property owner is responsible for safeguarding the meter and meter components from theft, vandalism, inclement weather, tampering, or other damage.

Until your replacement meter is installed, the Water Revenue Bureau will bill you for estimated usage. Estimated usage is based on the amount of water used in the past and the size of your existing meter.

Your water usage is automatically transmitted to the City on a monthly basis for billing purposes.

Reading a water meter

Knowing how to read a water meter can help you understand your water usage, or find out if you have a leak.

The six-digit number on the face of the meter reflects the meter’s current usage reading. Be sure to record all six digits, including any leading zeros, if you need to share this number. The seven-digit number engraved into the metal base of your meter is the meter number.

The large red needle will move around the face of the meter one time for every 10 gallons you use. The small blue dial will move even if you have a very small leak. To check if you have a leak, stop all water usage on the home and see if the blue dial continues to move. A registered plumber can help detect the source of a leak if it isn’t apparent.

Automatic meter reading

Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) uses radio waves to transmit information about your water usage. This allows a City representative to read your meter without entering your home. AMR readings happen once a month.

Broken water meter

Having a water meter at your property means you are responsible for keeping it in good condition. If your water meter breaks, call (215) 685-6300 to get it repaired or replaced.

You may be back billed for periods of unregistered usage when a meter is broken.


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