Metered water refers to water service where customers pay based on actual consumption measured by water meters, rather than flat rates regardless of use. Water meters record how much water passes through to each property, and utilities bill customers based on measured volume. Metered billing promotes water conservation since customers who use less pay less. Most Canadian municipalities have transitioned to metered water for residential customers, though some smaller communities still use flat rates. Modern smart meters can provide detailed usage data, detect leaks, and enable remote reading. Metered systems require investment in meters, reading infrastructure, and billing systems.