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Meter Replacement

The Water Authority ensures that water meters for measuring consumption register correctly as specified in the Waterworks Regulations. A meter will be replaced when it is damaged or its accuracy exceeds 3%.

Upon completion of water replacement, the final reading of old meter and the initial reading of new meter will be provided to the registered consumer.

After a meter is replaced, some customers may find increase in water consumption probably because:

  1. the old meter had already been used for a long time to give a reading smaller than actual;
  2. the filter of the old meter might be clogged up to weaken the water pressure. Therefore, upon meter replacement, the water pressure resumes normal. If the degree of the tap opening is unchanged, the flow rate will increase. Hence, the consumer may have to adjust the degree of tap opening.

We would also like to provide the following probable causes of water charge increase and the corresponding solutions:

Common causes for increase in water charges Corresponding solutions
Leaking pipes or taps. Carry out proper maintenance work.
Being forgotten to turn off the water tap. Ensure closure of the tap or use self-closing water taps.
Consumption falls into a higher charging tier of the progressive tariff structure. Adopt effective ways to save water.
Illegal water connections Disconnect the illegal pipes.
Unlawful taking of potable water to use for flushing. Apply for flushing supply.

Simple and convenient ways to detect water leakage by customer:

  1. Turn off all the water taps in the premises tightly;
  2. Find out the serial number of the water meter on the water bill, go to the water meter room or meter position and record the digit at the far right of the display window of the meter. Check again after ten minutes and record the digit once more. Compare the two records to see if the digit of the meter rotates;
  3. If the digit does rotate, employ a licensed plumber to check and repair.

If you have any doubt about the accuracy of the water meter, you may apply for a meter test.