Water meters

Learn how your water meter works, including how to read it, repair it and replace it. Use it to detect possible water leaks in your home.

We are installing equipment that allows us to read meters remotely. We call this Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). Find out how AMI works.

put a few drops of food colouring in your toilet tank and do not flush the toilet for 1 hour — if you see coloured water in the toilet bowl, you have a leaking flange
check if your meter moves when no water is being used
inspect all outlets and pipes outside your home for leaks
check for drips from faucets and showerheads – even small drips can waste a lot of water over time
check for damp spots or water stains under water-using fixtures and appliances such as sinks, water heaters, water softeners, dishwashers and washing machines

These simple steps can help you find and fix leaks, saving water and money.

If you have low water pressure:

try putting your water softener on bypass mode
check that the control valves before and after your water meter are fully open
clean the aerators on your faucets and showerheads to remove any buildup

Water meter repairs

The city owns and takes care of most water meters.

If your water meter is leaking, malfunctioning, making noise, or has a disconnected sensor, email utilities@waterloo.ca or call 519-886-2310. We’ll reply within 1 to 2 business days.

Watch out for scams

City staff drive city-marked vehicles and carry city ID. Most work is outside, but sometimes we need to check or replace a water meter or wiring inside.

Beware of scams where people call to make appointments or go door-to-door asking to check water valves inside homes. If you get a call or visit and you're unsure, don't make an appointment or let them in. Call us at 519-886-2310 to check if they are from the city.

The City of Waterloo is currently working with Metercor and KTI Limited. Find details below on water meter replacement and upgrading to remote meter reading.

Water meter replacement

Residential water meters last about 20 years. Old meters slow down over time due to friction, which could lead to an expensive back-bill.

Water meter replacement is mandatory according to the Water Use Bylaw.

The city works with Metercor to replace old meters:

you’ll get a notice in the mail if your meter needs replacement
when you get the notice, call 1-888-290-3070 or book an appointment online
Metercor will not come to your home without an appointment

Book water meter replacement

Prepare for your appointment

A Metercor employee will need to come inside your home to replace the meter. The appointment takes 30 to 90 minutes and the installer will need to shut off water to your house.

Water meters are usually in the basement near the main water control valve. If you can't find it, check your furnace room, utility room, or near your hot water tank.

For a smooth meter installation, make sure:

control valves before and after your meter are working properly
there is 60 cm of clear space around your meter and control valves
someone over 18 is present during the appointment

Metercor employees carry ID, drive marked vehicles, and only come to your house if you have an appointment. If unsure, call our Service Centre at 519-886-2310 or Metercor at 1-888-290-3070.

The installation is free, but there is a service fee if you miss the appointment, we can't access the meter, or the valves don’t work.

Water meter service fees

The installation is free, but there are service fees if:

no one is home at the appointment time
someone over 18 is not present
one or both of the control valves are not working properly
60 cm around the water meter and valves is not clear
the technician can't access the meter because it is in an enclosed space, behind drywall or blocked by a water heater, softener, furnace or other appliance

If we can't complete the water meter replacement because we can't access it or there's a control valve problem, the homeowner must fix the issue and rebook an appointment with Metercor within 14 days.

Service	Fee
Missed appointment applies to water meters that are 25mm or smaller (most residential meters)	$91.50
Missed appointment applies to water meters that are 40mm and larger	$126.00
Minimum service call charge applies when the technician cannot complete the meter exchange due to one of the reasons listed above	$91.50
Security tag replacement applies when the wire that seals the meter has been broken	$77.00

Upgrading to remote meter reading

A 'smart' water reader, a small white box that fits over the existing reader The City of Waterloo is upgrading to a new system called Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) for more consistent and accurate water meter readings.

AMI is a technology that allows water meters to be read remotely, without the need for manual checks, by using smart radios that transmit data directly to the city's systems.

AMI Smart Point radio installation

We are working with KTI Limited to finish installing the new AMI radios. KTI Limited employees will:

install a small AMI Smart Point radio over your existing water meter reader outside your home — this takes 5 to 10 minutes
no need to enter your home, and there's no cost or service interruption

How AMI Smart Point radios work:

the small radio connects to your water meter and sends a radio signal a few times a day
base stations across the city, shared with Enova, receive the signal and send the information to the city
this system allows remote meter reading, data analysis, and alerts for possible leaks or problems

These radios ensure accurate billing and let city staff and residents spot issues quickly.

Low radio frequency exposure

AMI Smart Point radios send brief signals lasting less than a second only 6 times a day. These signals are similar to AM or FM radio signals and are much weaker than microwaves or cell phones.

Why Exposure is Low

Your exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic fields (EMF) from AMI Smart Point radios is very low. Here’s why:

these radios emit low-power signals
they only send data in short bursts and do not emit EMF the rest of the time
the radio frequency emitted is 55 μW/m² which is far below Health Canada's safety limit of 6,000,000 μW/m²
our equipment meets Industry Canada’s safety regulations

Health Canada and the World Health Organization have found no harmful effects from these radio waves. For more information, visit the Government of Canada's smart meters and health webpage.

We keep your information secure

The information we collect from your water meter helps us:

bill you accurately
detect any ongoing water use or possible leaks

A new customer online tool will be available starting in early 2025, allowing you to access your water use information and set up alerts.

We keep your information secure:

our system uses advanced encryption, similar to internet banking and ATMs
your meter readings are encrypted before they are sent over secure wireless network
multiple layers of security block unauthorized access
only authorized city staff can access billing and customer service information
no personal data is sent — only the meter reading and Smart Point number

Once received, your data is matched with billing information to create your bill.

Radio replacement fee

The City of Waterloo owns all AMI Smart Point radios. Do not attempt to remove a smart meter from your home at any time.

If you remove, damage, or tamper with your AMI Smart Point radio, we'll apply replacement fees to your water bill.

Service	Fee
Advanced meter reading unit replacement applies when staff must replace a damaged or removed AMI unit (includes the minimum service call charge)	$259.50

New water use tool coming soon

In early 2025, we're launching a new online tool that will let you track daily water use, find ways to save water and reduce bills, and set alerts for high water use.

Contact us

If you have questions regarding your water meter or AMI Smart Point radio, email utilities@waterloo.ca or call 519-886-2310. We’ll reply within 1 to 2 business days.

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Water meters

On this page

How water meters work

Check your water use

Water meters can't speed up

How the city reads your water meter

City responsibility

Property owner responsibility

Learn how to read your water meter

Check for leaks or low water pressure