Residential water meters are located in a cement box in the ground, usually near the end of a driveway or side walk. If the residence is in a condominium, town home, or an apartment, the meters for one building are typically located in a row or bank of meters in an area near the units.

While wearing gloves, you can use your fingers to lift the small, center portion of the meter lid. If you are unable to lift the lid with your fingers, use a stick or screwdriver to prop the lid open.

The meter is read like an automobile odometer. IRWD's meters record 100 cubic feet of water used. Each 100 cubic foot equals 748 gallons.

IRWD is responsible for maintenance and repairs to the water system from the street to the District side of the meter.

The customer side of the meter begins at the customer valve located on the meter. The customer is responsible for any necessary repairs at and beyond the customer valve away from the street. IRWD is not able to check for or repair leaks on a customer’s property.

If you need emergency assistance turning your water off to repair a leak and cannot locate your customer valve call the Customer Service department at (949) 453-5300.

Read and record the meter reading on at least two consecutive days. By subtracting the previous day's reading from the current reading, you will find out how many hundred cubic feet (ccf) of water you used in a specific period of time. By multiplying the number of ccfs by 748, you will determine how many gallons of water were used.

IRWD has contracted with Alexander's Contract Services (ACS) to perform meter reading services. ACS has considerable experience reading water meters and currently provides this service to several other cities and water companies. ACS uses an automated, hand-held meter reading system which is downloaded into a web interface and transferred electronically to IRWD's billing system.

IRWD's mission is to provide services in an efficient, cost-effective manner. Though the District is a public agency, many operations have been privatized to take advantage of fast-changing technology and an up-to-date pool of resources and skills. 

If you have any questions regarding meter reading, please call IRWD's Customer Service Department at (949) 453-5300 or email customerservice@irwd.com.