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In Niagara Falls, all property owners must have a water meter installed on any service pipe that brings water into a building. Here’s everything you need to know about your water meter, from where to find it to how it works.
Where to find your water meter
Your water meter is usually located in the basement along the front wall, where your main service line enters your home. Other common spots include:
- Basement washrooms
- Laundry rooms
- Utility or furnace rooms
How water meters work
Water meters track your water use in cubic meters. Inside the meter, a disk turns as water flows through, much like a car’s odometer. This movement measures the amount of water used.
Who owns the water meter and who maintains it?
- The water meter belongs to the City, but property owners pay for it through the initial installation or building permit
- Property owners must keep the meter in a safe environment and protect it from freezing or damage. If the meter freezes or is damaged because of misuse, the property owner has to pay for repairs or replacement
- The City maintains the water meters
Requesting a new, larger, or smaller water meter
- New meters: If you’re building a new home, your water meter is included with your building permit. Email a copy of the permit and receipt to [email protected], and staff will arrange the release within two weeks
- New meters not part of a permit: If the meter is not covered within the permit and/or receipt, you must email [email protected] with supporting engineered mechanical drawings that identify the incoming water line, the size and the location of the water meter
- Larger or smaller meters: If you want to change the size of an existing water meter, you’ll need to submit a formal application. Include engineered mechanical drawings that show the water line size and meter location. A fee applies
- Fees: For the latest fees, please refer to the City’s fee schedule under the Municipal Works section
Water meter technology
The City uses Neptune ProCoder Registers and R900 Endpoint units to measure and transmit water usage data securely.
- The ProCoder register tracks water consumption
- The R900 transmitter sends water usage data securely to a collection unit for billing
Key facts about transmitters
- Data is sent every hour in quick 0.25-second transmissions.
- Only the meter’s serial number and water consumption are transmitted – no personal data.
- Transmitters operate on a battery designed to last up to 20 years. If the battery dies o there’s an issue, the City will contact you for maintenance.
- Devices operate in the Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) band (902 MHz to 928 MHz). They emit non-ionizing radiation, similar to TVs, radios, and remote controls.
For more details, check the Neptune product sheet.
High water bills? Check for leaks
A typical household uses about 10 cubic meters of water per person each month. If your water use seems high, you might have a leak.
Use our leak investigation pamphlet to help you investigate.
Water meter by-pass inspections
The City is inspecting water meters that are 1 inch or larger. For more details, visit our Water Meter By-Pass Inspections page.
Contact us
- All billing questions please call City Hall, Finance Department at 905-356-7521 x 4347 or [email protected].
- All water meter technical problems please contact Water & Wastewater Services at 905-356-7521 x 6300 or [email protected]
