Water Meters & Shut-Off Valves
Water meters and shut-off valves play an important role in managing water use and maintaining safe, reliable service to your property. Understanding where they are located and how they work helps ensure your water service runs smoothly.
Water Meters
A water meter measures the amount of water used at your property. This information is used to calculate your water and wastewater bill.
Municipal water meters are installed and maintained by InnServices. Property owners are responsible for ensuring the meter remains accessible and protected from damage.
Water meters are typically located:
- In the basement near where the water service enters the home
- In a utility room or mechanical area
- In some cases, in an exterior meter pit
Water Meter Features
- Counting mechanism: Counts only when water is flowing through the meter; stops when there is no flow through the meter.
- Leak indicator: This handy indicator may help you conserve water and save money by helping to identify a leaking tap or toilet.
- e Label/Tag: this tamper-proof tag must always be affixed, and advises the owner/occupant of the building that the town-owned meter must always remain accessible.
Water Meter Readings (Smart Point)
The town reads some water meters remotely using a reading device installed on homes and buildings (most often on the outside). The readout relays the reading from the water meter and sends it via radio wave frequency directly to the department. Homeowners and business owners are therefore not disturbed by requests to access the meter for manual reading. Some meters are still read manually
Requesting a Water Meter
Learn how to request, pick up, install, and book an inspection for your water meter.
Internal Shut-Off Valves
Every household is equipped with an internal shut-off valve. This belongs to the homeowner
This valve enables you to shut off your water supply in the event of doing home plumbing repairs or in the event of an emergency leak. Residents will have either a ball valve or gate valve. Typically, the internal shut-off valve is located in the basement or crawl space area. Look for it near your hot water heater, water softener, or furnace.
Responsibility
For a full breakdown of infrastructure ownership and responsibilities, please visit our Water Service Responsibilities page
Think Your Water Meter Isn’t Working? Start Here
If something doesn’t seem quite right with your water meter, there are a few simple things you can check.
Try this first:
- Run a tap for about 30-60 seconds and watch the meter reading
- If the reading changes, the meter is working
- Check for visible leaks or damage around the meter
- If your concern is about your bill, consider whether water use may have increased due to seasonal watering, guests, or a possible leak
If you are unsure, contact InnServices, our team can help.
When to contact InnServices
Please contact us if:
- The meter reading does not change when water is running
- The display is blank or not functioning
- There is leaking or visible damage
- You suspect a technical issue with the meter