Flagstaff City customer service explains how to read residential water meters to spot leaks

Jessica Kittleson, customer service director for Flagstaff City, demonstrated how residents can read their residential water meters and monitor usage to spot leaks.

"Most residential meters in Flagstaff are in a concrete box near the street or sidewalk. Look for a blue or metal lid," Kittleson said, advising residents to lift the lid carefully and to open the black cover to view the meter number printed there.

Kittleson said the digital display activates when it senses light or movement and that residents may need to shine a flashlight to wake it. "This number shows how many gallons of water have passed through the meter since it was installed. The city bills in gallon increments. The digits to the far right are to the hundredth and tenth of a gallon," she said.

She recommended that residents record a reading, wait at least four hours or overnight, then check the reading again; an increase indicates a possible leak. Kittleson noted the display may show a small faucet icon to signal a leak and suggested comparing the reading with the most recent billing statement to estimate usage since the last bill.

The Flagstaff City water conservation team offers free home consultations to assess fixtures for leaks. "Reading your water meter regularly is a great way to stay on top of your water use and avoid any surprises on your bill," Kittleson said. Residents with questions were directed to contact Flagstaff City customer service.

Details from the presentation: typical meter location (concrete box near street/sidewalk), the presence of a blue or metal lid and a black cover with the meter number, the light-activated digital display, rightmost digits for hundredths/tenths of a gallon, the four-hour (or overnight) check for changes, a faucet icon indicating possible leaks, and the availability of free home consultations.