Meter Reading

Water meters record the consumption of water so that water and sewer bills can be generated. Meters are only on water lines and not on sewer lines. It is assumed that all the water flowing through the meter will later empty into sewer lines.
There are various types of meters used which record in hundreds of cubic feet or in gallons.
To find out how much water you've used in any given period, subtract the reading listed on your last bill from the current meter reading. Click here for more information on how to read your water meter.


If you meter reads in hundreds of cubic feet, you can convert your reading to gallons. One hundred cubic feet equals 748 gallons. If your meter reads "1250" (125,000 cu. ft.) today and "1305" (130,500 cu. ft.) seven days later, then you've used 55 hundred (5,500) cubic feet of water which equals 41,140 gallons (55 x 748).

The Western Virginia Water Authority employs several meter readers who are responsible for reading meters in the city of Roanoke and Roanoke county. Most meters are read every other month and estimated in the month that they are not read. In addition, the meter readers are responsible for re-checking readings, investigating leaks, and for turning off water service on delinquent accounts. An electronic, handheld meter reading device is used by the meter readers to record the reading of each meter. This device will "beep" if the reading for a particular meter is too high or too low, thus prompting the meter reader to recheck the reading before continuing to the next meter. Once back in the office, data from the "handheld" device is uploaded into the computer so that bills can be generated.

In the case of inclement weather, please assist the meter readers by clearing the area around your meter if a reading is due. Please also assist the meter readers by keeping automobiles, weeds, leaves, brush, poison ivy, and any landscaping clear of the meter box.

Western Virginia Water Authority meter readers carry an identification card. Ask to see the employee's identification card should you have a question or call us at 540-853-2456 if you have any doubt about their identity.