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Meter Types and Methods

Your water meter is a precision instrument built to the exacting standards of the industry. The device is used to measure water usage in gallons.

Two types of water meters are used for monitoring usage: the standard, circular meter and an encoder register meter.

The standard water meter contains a numeric register that is read and used for billing purposes. Meters have one or two fixed registers in the far right position. The register advances for each 10 or 100 gallons used.

The meter also contains a leak detector indicator. This is a small, red triangle to the left of the center of the dial. This indicator moves even with minute amounts of water flows. If all water-using appliances are turned off and not using water, the indicator should not be moving. If it is, there is a leak somewhere in the home distribution system.

Encoder Register Meter

The encoder meter enables an inside meter to be read from the outside using only a touch read pad.

The equipment to perform this service is furnished and maintained by the City of Fairfield Water Division.

Customers are advised that the installation of an encoder does not guarantee that City personnel will never enter your home to read, repair, seal or replace the internal meter. Maintenance of water meters is a routine part of City duties as a source of public drinking water.

Meter Accuracy

Water meters are tested and inspected for accuracy prior to installation. Meters can remain in service only if they meet rigid standards for accuracy.

If you think your meter is inaccurate, you may request in writing removal and testing of the device. If the meter is tested and meets the accuracy standard, you will be required to pay the charge set forth in the rate schedules for the test. If the meter is found to be registering more water than is truly passing through it, above the standard, you will not be charged for the test, and billing adjustment will be made to compensate you for the over registration.

Customer Responsibility for Meters

The meters are owned, installed and maintained by the City of Fairfield Water Division. You are responsible for protecting the meter from damage. If the meter is damaged by any reason of any act (including the freezing of an inside meter), you must pay the charges prescribed in the City's rate schedules for a meter of the same size as the one damage.

Water meters must remain accessible at all times for reading, inspection and removal for repairs. Meter locations must be approved by the Fairfield Water Division, as are any changes in the location of the meter.

Meter Reading and Estimates

Fairfield Water Division personnel read your water meter monthly. The City of Fairfield cannot accept more than three consecutive months of estimated readings per service address for billing purposes. Ohio State law requires us to obtain an actual meter reading at least quarterly.

The billing statement you receive will indicate if your reading was estimated. Regular meter readings are the best method of early detection of leaks that could result in high bills.

For information regarding your next reading date or to make arrangements for us to obtain actual readings, please contact the Utility Billing Office at 513-867-5370.