Maintenance of Meters

Abstract

Next to the provision of an adequate supply of water and its efficient and economical distribution, there is no more serious problem confronting the water utility official than the conservation of that supply without unnecessary restriction and its distribution upon an equitable and economical basis. In that conservation and distribution of the supply there is no factor of greater importance than that of meterage of the sj^stem. Universal meterage, though desirable, is, not alone sufficient. For the utmost efficiency and economy, careful consideration should be given to the selection of the type of meter, its operation and record control. The meter should be adequately sized but not oversized, it should have the capability of meeting the quick and changeable volumetric demands of the service. It should be so constructed that wear of parts is minimized. And, finally, it should be capable of continuous registration of all flows through the meter. Since the revenue of the utility is dependent upon the meter, it is essential that its operation be closely supervised. In that, the frequency of meter reading, record control and accuracy tests play no small part. Frequent meter readings insure the utility against lose of service, reduce the period of non-registration of the meter and enable the utility to obtain a closer and more equitable accounting of its supply. They protect the consumer from high water bills through wastage or leakage, frequently unknown to him. Record control is the warning signal of the system. Registration inaccuracies are readily discernible through a system of registration records. Comparisons can be made with previous readings or with those of corresponding periods of previous years. Material increase or decrease of registration should demand an investigation of the conditions and possibly a test of the meter.