A water meter is a device measuring water consumption at individual properties, enabling usage-based billing. Meters are typically installed where service lines enter buildings. Traditional mechanical meters use rotating elements moved by water flow; modern smart meters enable remote reading and can detect leaks through continuous monitoring. Metered billing charges customers based on actual consumption, creating incentives for conservation compared to flat-rate billing. Meter reading may be manual (staff visiting properties), drive-by (radio transmission to passing vehicles), or automatic (continuous remote transmission). Meter accuracy is important for fair billing—meters are tested and replaced when worn. Some municipalities meter all properties while others meter only certain categories. Universal metering typically reduces overall consumption by making water costs visible to users.