What you need to know
Water meters are an important step that will help us reach our Greenest City goals.
Meters are used to measure water usage. Most are installed on the water services that connect and supply water to buildings. Some meters are for parks or water fountains.
Water meters need to be installed into:
- All newly-built single and dual family homes
- Existing residences that are being renovated or rebuilt
We read water meters on a set quarterly cycle and bills its customers accordingly for the amount of water used.
Private water meters
If you have installed your own water meter on your property, it is your responsibility to maintain and repair.
Finding your water meter
The City owns, installs, maintains, and repairs all water meters marked "VWW" by the City of Vancouver.
Water meters on residential property are installed into underground boxes near the property line at the same level as a sidewalk. To locate the water meter on your residential property, look for a box covered by a steel or plastic lid.
Water meters in commercial buildings are often located inside utility rooms.
Water meter service calls
Urgent calls
If the problem affects traffic or poses a public safety concern, phone 3-1-1 to request a City crew to investigate.
An urgent issue would be if the rectangular water meter box cover is missing.
Non-emergency water meter service calls
If the problem involves minor leaks, noise, or other non-urgent meter issues, phone 3-1-1.
Your report will be forwarded to the Water Meter department, who will contact you to gather more information about your report.
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Water meter with cover attached |
Water meter with cover missing |
Water meter maintenance
City of Vancouver water meters are tested and maintained regularly, and in response to reported problems. Regular testing and maintenance ensures the water meter records information within a standard, acceptable accuracy range.
All meters for large volume customers and fire lines are maintained annually
All other compound meters are maintained every three years
Removing a water meter during construction
The City's water service can be used in large scale construction, renovation, or excavation projects. If the project duration is one year or less, water usage is metered. If the project duration is longer that one year, the project is subject to a flat rate.
Property developers planning such projects should contact the City's Water Design division to work out a plan to remove existing water meters.
For more details, read Section 29 of the Water Works By-law.
Understand water meters and utility billing
Water meters
Understand how water meters work and how they help us conserve our drinking water supply.
Metered rates
Find more information about metered rates for water, sewer, and energy.
Request a meter reading
Learn how to request a meter reading if you are selling property, preparing for new tenants, or other changes to your property.
Review high water consumption
If you notice your water consumption is drastically higher than normal, we can review your high consumption to find out if there is an underground leak.
Review high consumption