In brief: You can usually find your water meter in the basement or a utility access shaft. For your annual bill, only the reading in cubic metres (m³) matters: these are the figures on the black or black-and-white roller register. The red figures or dials show litres and don’t need to be reported. Make a note of the meter number and reading.
Once a year, your water supplier asks you to submit a water meter reading. For many people, that’s when the search in the basement begins. Reading your water meter is straightforward once you know what to look for. This guide walks you through the process, helps you understand your water use and can even help you spot hidden leaks.
Where can I find my water meter?
Before you can read your water meter, you need to find it. Its location depends on the type of home you live in. In detached houses, the meter is usually in the basement, utility room or a service shaft. Look for the main water shutoff where the water supply enters the house. The meter is normally located just behind it.
In apartments and apartment buildings, finding the meter can be more complicated. Each apartment may have its own meter, often in the bathroom, kitchen (behind an access panel) or a storage room. In other buildings, there may be a central meter in the basement, with water costs divided among residents as a standard charge. If you’re unsure, ask your property manager.
In rural areas or older buildings, the water meter may be outside in an underground chamber near the property boundary. The chamber is usually sealed with a heavy metal cover, which you’ll need to lift carefully.
How do I read my water meter correctly? A step-by-step guide
You’ve found the meter. Now it’s time to take a reading. At first glance, all the numbers and dials can seem confusing, but the system is simple. Follow these steps to find the correct reading.
Find the meter number
Every water meter has a unique meter number. Your supplier uses it to match your water use to the correct household. Compare the number on your meter reading card with the number printed or embossed on the meter. You’ll usually find it on the metal ring around the casing or on the dial. If the numbers match, you’ve found the right meter.
Understand the meter reading: cubic metres and litres
The main part of the water meter is the register, which consists of several numbered rollers. You’ll need to distinguish between:
- The main register (cubic metres): These are the figures in the black or black-bordered section. They show total water use in whole cubic metres (m³). One cubic metre is equal to 1,000 litres of water. This is the reading you need to report to your water supplier.
- The decimal places (litres): The figures in the red section or the small pointers on separate round dials show the litres. They measure water use more precisely, but aren’t needed for your annual bill. Leave these values out when you submit your reading.
Read only the figures in the black section, from left to right, and record this value as your meter reading.
In 2021, the average daily water use per person in private households was 127 litres. Knowing this figure can help you compare your own water use and find ways to save water.
The small wheel: a water flow indicator
Most water meters have a small, fast-spinning wheel, often shaped like a star or propeller. This sensitive indicator turns as soon as even a small amount of water flows through the pipe. That makes it a useful way to check for leaks.
Pro tip
Use your water meter to check for leaks. Turn off all taps, the washing machine, dishwasher and toilet flush. Then watch the small wheel. If it keeps turning, even very slowly, water is escaping somewhere. This is a quick way to spot a leaking pipe or a faulty toilet seal.
Why is my water use so high? Causes and solutions
An unexpectedly high meter reading on your annual bill can be frustrating. Often, small issues add up over the course of a year. The most common causes of high water use are slowly developing problems and habits that are easy to change.
The biggest "hidden" sources of water use include:
- Dripping faucets: A faucet that drips constantly can waste several thousand litres of water a year.
- Leaking toilet flushes: If water runs silently from the tank into the bowl, 100 litres or more can be wasted each day. Try this simple test: add a little food coloring to the tank and wait. If the water in the bowl changes color without a flush, the seal is faulty.
- Faulty safety valves: A defective valve on a water heater can also send water down the drain continuously.
In summer, especially, watering the garden can significantly increase your water use. A lawn sprinkler can use 1,000 litres (one cubic metre) of water in an hour. Consider switching to water-saving systems or watering specific areas by hand. Installing rain barrels can also lower your water bill and help protect the environment.
A slightly dripping faucet can waste up to 5,000 litres of drinking water a year. A faulty toilet flush that lets water run unnoticed can increase water use by as much as 150,000 litres annually.
What do the different symbols on a water meter mean?
Along with the numbers, you’ll find various symbols and abbreviations on your water meter’s dial or casing. These technical details aren’t as important for everyday use, but they’re useful to understand. They provide information about the meter’s design and approval.
- CE mark: Confirms that the meter complies with EU directives.
- MID: The European Measuring Instruments Directive. The "M" and the year next to it (e.g. M23) show the year the conformity assessment was carried out.
- Q3: Permanent flow rate. This indicates the volume of water the meter is designed to handle optimally. A typical household value is Q3=2,5 (2,5 m³/hour).
- Verification year: The year of the last verification is often shown on a seal or directly on the meter.
These details are especially relevant when checking the meter’s accuracy or validity.
Important note
Water meters must be verified periodically. The verification period is six years for cold water meters and five years for hot water meters. A meter with an expired verification may no longer measure accurately. Check the verification year on your meter. If it has expired, contact your water supplier or landlord to arrange a replacement.
How do I report my meter reading correctly?
Submitting your meter reading is usually straightforward. Water suppliers offer several ways to do it. The most common is a meter reading card, which you receive by mail, fill out, and return. Online portals and apps are becoming increasingly popular, letting you submit your reading directly. In some cases, you can also report it by phone.
Have the following information ready when you submit your reading:
- Your customer number or account number
- Your meter number, for identification
- The meter reading in whole cubic meters (without the red digits)
- The date you took the reading
Be sure to meet the deadline set by your supplier. If you do not report your reading on time, your water usage will be estimated. The estimate may differ from your actual usage and could result in an additional charge.
Additional advice
Take a photo of your water meter that clearly shows the reading. Your smartphone will save the photo with the date and time, giving you proof in case there is a discrepancy on your bill. It is a simple, effective way to keep a record.
Reading your water meter correctly is a small but important part of managing your household. It helps ensure accurate billing and gives you control over your water usage. By checking the meter regularly, you can keep track of your water costs and help conserve resources. Whether you are interested in general plumbing and irrigation or specific needs for your garden and outdoor space, understanding your water usage is the basis for making smart decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which numbers on my water meter should I report?
- Report only the numbers in the black display (the roller counter). These show your consumption in whole cubic meters (m³). The red decimal digits or small red dials for liters are not used for billing and should be left out.
- What does the small wheel on a water meter mean?
- This small wheel, often called a star wheel, shows whether water is flowing. If it turns while all the taps and appliances in your home are off, you may have a leak in your plumbing, such as a running toilet.
- How can I use my water meter to detect a leak?
- Close all the taps and turn off any appliances that use water, such as the washing machine. Note the exact position of the red dials or write down the full meter reading, including the decimal places. Wait at least one hour, then check again. If the reading has changed, you may have a leak.
- My water meter has no dial. How do I read it?
- Many modern water meters are digital radio meters with a digital display. The display usually turns on when you press a button or shine light on a solar cell. The value shown is generally the meter reading in cubic meters.
- How long is a water meter valid for?
- In Germany, water meters are calibrated for six years for cold water and five years for hot water. The calibration year is marked on the meter. A meter with an expired calibration may give inaccurate readings and should be replaced by the water supplier or owner.