How to Read Your Residential Water Meter
Overview
In our service area, we use a variety of water meter types and sizes. Each meter functions similarly to a car’s odometer—it starts at zero when installed and continually adds up water usage over time. The reading does not reset, but instead provides a running total of all water used throughout the meter’s lifespan.
Reading your water meter is simple. Just lift the lid on the meter box and take note of the current number displayed. By comparing this to a previous reading—such as last week’s or last month’s—you can determine how much water you’ve used. To calculate usage, subtract the previous reading from the current one. This difference is the number of gallons (or thousands of gallons, depending on your meter type) you've used, which is what we base your billing on.
Please note: our new Sensus meters record usage in single gallons, whereas older meters measured in increments of 1,000 gallons. This allows for more precise usage tracking and billing.
Meter Types
Some of our meter registers display black numbers, which indicate hundreds, tens, and a stationary zero for ones. However, we bill only in whole 1,000-gallon increments. If customers are concerned about potential leaks—especially in irrigation systems or toilets, which are common causes of unusually high usage—they may take daily or weekly readings to monitor consumption. If you need help with verifying your reading, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to assist you!
City of Georgetown Utilities--Customer Care
customercare@georgetowntexas.gov
512-930-3640, Option 2