More than 20 years ago, DC Water changed the meters to a fixed network, radio technology system called the automated meter reading (AMR) system. This program provided state-of-the-art technology that enabled actual reads from a meter without sending meter-reading personnel to individual homes. This AMR technology is fully integrated with our Customer Billing and Information System. Customers can retrieve more than daily meter readings and water usage information through their My DC Water account or by calling Customer Service at 202-354-3600.
Meter Read Requests
Customers receiving estimated bills can request a technician to read their meter by calling Customer Service at 202-354-3600. Our representatives will attempt to schedule a visit according to our meter reading schedule. Please note that every attempt will be made to utilize the read for billing; however, there are circumstances in which the read may not be used.
Cooling Towers/Irrigation Meters
Contact 202-612-3500 to schedule a service order to install a meter on cooling towers or irrigation systems. The service must be “meter ready,” meaning that the service must already have meter connections present. Services must not be installed above 4 feet from the ground or less than 17 inches from the ground and safely accessible for our technicians. Failure to meet these requirements may result in loss of credits for your sewer charges.
Customer-Provided Meter Read Procedures
You may also provide a picture of the register of the meter.
- Date/Time Stamp
- Meter ID
Send picture reads to customer.read@dcwater.com
Leak Identification
Helpful tips to look for leaks
Turn off all the faucets in your home and check the water meter. If the meter is still running, you may have a water leak.
Although you may not see a change in the water meter reading right away, check again after a couple of hours and compare the readings. If the water meter moved, you may have a slow-moving leak.
Drop a little food coloring into the toilet tank overnight to check for water leaking from your toilets. If there’s color in the bowl without flushing by morning, you have a leaky toilet.
How do I get a meter for my construction project?
Please contact Permit Operations at 202-646-8600 to get information on obtaining a meter for your property.
Audits via Licensed Plumbers
DC Water no longer performs in-home inspections for leaks. Have a high water bill but can’t find any leaks? Maybe a plumber can inspect your home to assist you. Visit https://www.dcwater.com/disputing-bill for more information on disputing a water bill.
Meter Access
DC Water must always be able to access the water meter. Failure to allow DC Water to read, repair, maintain, or replace the water meter may result in estimated readings, and additional fees for manual meter reading may be applied to your monthly water bill. Please remove mulch, landscaping, cars, or other obstructions blocking access to your water meter.
Engineers Corner
Most commercial buildings that have meters 3” or greater require regular maintenance. All valves (inlet, outlet, and bypass) must be in a safe and working condition. DC Water recommends that valves are exercised regularly to keep them in good condition and operable. Refer to DCMR Title 21-Chapter 3, for information regarding the responsibility of properties to maintain all appurtenances for the meter. Vaults must be kept dry to preserve optimum operational conditions for the water meter; thus water should be pumped out of vaults regularly. Our technicians will only enter vaults that are in safe condition. Ladders must be inspected for deterioration, and vaults treated for rodents and insects. Make sure that meters are accessible during DC Water working hours.
Technicians will try to get the meter reading to transmit to our AMR system, however, we may ask you to install a conduit to allow our transmission device to be mounted to the exterior of your building. Locations with no meter reading transmissions may receive estimated readings and additional fees for manual meter readings may be applied to your monthly water bill.