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1. Who is required to have a water meter?

All new homes in Monroe are required to have water meters installed in pits in the front yard. Older homes will probably have meters located inside the home or building. Each meter is read remotely by use of radio technology. The unit that allows this technology to be used is located on the lid of the water meter pit, so please be careful while mowing or working around the pit lid to prevent damaging the read unit.

2. Can I tell if I have a leak by looking at the reading unit on my meter?

The meter dial contains a leak detector indicator. This is a small, red asterisk to the left of the center of the dial. This indicator rotates, even when there are minute amounts of water flow. If all water-using appliances are turned off and not using water, the leak indicator should not be moving at all.  If it is, there is a leak somewhere inside the home or building. It is the customer's responsibility to have leaks repaired unless the leak is within the meter itself.

3. Who owns the water meters?

The meters are owned, installed, and maintained by the City of Monroe. Water meters must remain accessible at all times for reading, inspection, and removal for repairs. Meter locations must be approved by the Monroe Water Department, as are any changes in the location of the meter.

4. Will I be charged if my meter has to be upgraded?

Beginning December 31, 2012, the FCC regulations required the City to update our meter reading equipment, including the transponders that are attached to the meters and in some cases, the entire meter. Instead of charging each resident one costly, up-front sum for the upgrade to their meter, City Council has adopted a flat monthly fee for all residential customers to fund this initial project, as well as future upgrades to the meters and reading system (Ordinance 1040.04 .) The meter replacement for commercial or industrial customers is based on a tiered rate structure according to the size of the meter.

Please see our utility rates page for more information on current meter replacement rates.

5. What is Automatic Meter Reading (AMR?)

AMR stands for Automatic Meter Reading.  AMR refers to the method of obtaining water meter readings electronically.  The water meter uses a radio frequency signal to transmit the meter reading to a receiver that is utilized by the City’s meter reading staff. 

6. Will the AMR interfere with cell phones, garage door openers, or other electronics?

No. The transmitter is fully compliant with all FCC regulations and will not interfere with any other radio signal.

7. Do I need to be home to have my water meter changed?

Yes, if the water meter is located inside your house and has not recently been replaced. If your water meter is inside, someone will need to provide access to the meter. You will need to make those arrangements with us to have someone at your residence during the appointment slot.

No, if the water meter is located outside in a meter pit. We will confirm that no water is currently being used prior to replacing the meter.

8. How long does it take to replace a water meter?

A normal meter replacement will typically take 15-25 minutes, however, each location is different taking into consideration the condition of the adjacent plumbing and other conflicting home improvements.

9. How do I make an appointment to have my water meter changed?

Please call the Utility Billing Office at 513-539-7374, option 1.