Reading Your Water Meter

You are encouraged to know where your water meter is located and to check it regularly to make sure it is working properly. This will help to make sure your water usage is correct on your water bill from the City of Kenora.

Locating your water meter

A residential water meter is most often located in the basement, if you have one, or the lower level.

Access to the meter

It is your responsibility to keep a clear path to the water meter and adjoining shut-offs at all times.

The water meter has an outside water-meter reading device called a “remote-reader”. The Meter Reader scans the remote-reader to take the water reading. It is important that the remote-reader be kept accessible at all times, especially winter months, for regular readings. Keep a path clear of debris, snow and ice.

Reading the water meter

The sweep hand (shown in the picture) measures water use in cubic meters. Odometer readings are to the nearest tenth of a cubic meter.

One complete rotation of the sweep hand is equal to 0.1 m3 (100 L) of water used; therefore, an odometer reading of 23.1 m3 is equal to 23,000 L.

The flow indicator spins when water is flowing through the meter.

Water meter reads in cubic meters (m3), and similar to a vehicle odometer displays the total consumption to the nearest tenth of a cubic meter.

Measuring water consumption

Water flowing through the water meter is measured in cubic meters (m3). You water bill is based on your water consumption.

Tracking water usage

1. Record an initial reading by writing down the number displayed on the odometer display at time t1.
2. To calculate the consumption over a set period of time, return to the meter and write down the final reading at t2.
3. Subtract the final meter reading from the initial reading to determine how much water your household has used during the time. For example: 1 cubic meter (cm3 ) = 1,000 litres (L)

Finding water leaks

1. Turn off all appliances that use water in your household, including automatic devices like humidifiers and ice machines;
2. Take a water meter reading at night, followed by another reading in the morning; and

If the number has changed, you likely have a water leak.

1. You will need to hire a plumber immediately. Water consumption is the homeowners responsibility even in the event of a leak.
2. Keep the leaking appliance off so it does not draw any more water until repairs can be done. This will minimize additional consumption and keep your water bill from rising.

Water rate calculation

The rate you pay for water is a combined water and sewer cost based on your water consumption plus a flat meter charge, depending on the meter size.

It looks like this:

• Amount of water consumption X the per cm3 meter amount + the flat monthly meter charge X 100% of your water cost for sewer charges.

This is a user-pay system. This calculation provides the City with enough money to:

• produce treated water from the Water Treatment Plant and process sewer at the Wastewater Treatment Plant; and
• operate and maintain the municipal water and wastewater systems, including water quality testing, fire hydrant maintenance, system repairs, upgrades and replacements.

If you need help with your water services account, please contact Customer Service at 807-467-2000.

Most important reasons to read your meter

• To monitor daily and monthly usage
• To detect water leaks
• To conserve water
• To save money