Water Meter Bypass Inspections

To keep our city’s water system safe and accurate, we inspect and seal all water meter by-passes. This page explains what a water meter bypass is, why inspections are needed, and what you can expect during the process.

What is a water meter bypass?

A water meter bypass is a connection that redirects water flow around the water meter and back into the plumbing system. This bypass can interfere with water usage measurement, so it’s important to inspect and seal them. 

View the Water meter bypass drawing.

Water meter bypass rules

This program is not meant to inconvenience property owners. These rules make sure people only open a meter bypass for the right reasons. This helps keep track of water usage and ensures no one uses water without it being properly measured by the meter.

1. You can't open a meter bypass unless it's necessary to replace, repair, or service the meter or handle an emergency
2. You must tell the City first if you plan to open a meter bypass
3. The City must give you permission before you open it
4. The City can also set rules or conditions for opening the bypass
5. If you open a meter bypass, you must tell the City immediately that it has been opened
6. You must close the bypass as soon as the issue is fixed or the reason for opening it is resolved
7. If the bypass is found open without permission, the property owner will be charged a special rate for using it

Why are inspections required?

The City inspects all water meters that are 1 inch or larger as part of this program. Even if your property does not have a water meter bypass, an inspection is still required. This helps ensure compliance and keeps the system running smoothly for everyone.

What happens during the inspection?

If a water meter bypass is found, we will lock and seal it to prevent unauthorized water flow. We’ll attach a tag with a contact number in case the bypass needs to be reopened for maintenance or emergencies. It is the property owner’s responsibility to maintain the bypass and ensure it is used appropriately.