Water Meters

The Public Works Water Division staff is responsible for the maintenance and installation of approximately 5,800 water meters in service citywide. They work closely with the city's Utility Billing Department staff, who are responsible for producing the monthly water bills and monitoring accounts for anomalies that could indicate a leak or other issue.

Meter Readings

The water meters are read each month between March and November to determine what your consumption is for that billing period. December through February your usage is estimated using your last read for the fall.  December is 90%, January is 80% and February is 70% of the read from the November bill due in December.

Maintaining the Meter Area

Most people are unaware that their water meter is located within a utility easement. This means that when landscaping or fencing, you should maintain a safe distance from the meter and protective box. Some things to keep in mind about landscaping:

• The meter should be kept clear of shrubbery, ornamental trees, and low growing bushes. Do not bury your meter.
• When planting trees, please be aware that tree roots can become entangled around pipes increasing the possibility of a line breakage.
• Customers who already have established landscaping are required to trim vegetation back from the meter box.

The next time you are working in your yard, please take a few minutes and check out the area around your meter. A few things to consider are:

• Is the meter easily seen from the street
• Do you have to push shrubs or tree limbs out of the way to get to the meter
• Do you have to duck down or crawl to read the meter.

Backflow

If you have a backflow device, State law requires it to be tested annually.

Cross Connections and Backflow Prevention

Turned-Off and Locked Meters

If your meter was turned off by the City or there is a padlock on your meter, you need to call the City to restore service. Tampering with the meter to restore it yourself is illegal and you could be charged a meter penalty fee.

Meter Tampering

A meter tampering fee will be charged for a meter that has been tampered with or altered in any way.

Additional Information

If you have questions on maintaining your meter, meter installation, or bulk water, please call the Utility Department at 541-966-0207. For questions regarding water rates or your water bill, please contact the Utility Department at 541-966-0207.