Meter Information

Water meters for service lines of 2” or less are provided and installed on residential and commercial properties by the PWSB to collect water consumption data. This water consumption data from the meter is then used to generate monthly water bills.

Application to Change Meter Size

Meter Reading

All PWSB meters are equipped with automatic meter reading capability. Our meter department staff collect readings from the entire distribution system each month using radio technology. Monthly readings improve billing accuracy, provide water usage history for our customers, and help customers manage their water use.

 

Estimated Bills

Occasionally, our meter readers are unable to obtain a meter reading, possibly due to weather conditions, radio interference or damage to the transmitter or meter. If we are unable to obtain a reading from your meter, your bill will be estimated. You can find out if you have an estimated bill by checking the usage section.  There will be an “-E” next to the water usage on the upper right portion of your bill. If the bill is based on an actual meter reading, only the water usage will be shown. If your bill is estimated, usage from previous months will be used for consumption rates.

This sample water bill below shows the upper right portion of the bill. Note that in the usage section there is an “-E” indicating the bill is estimated. If you find that your readings are estimated frequently, please call our Meter department at 401-729-5019.

 

Meter Tampering

Water meters are provided and installed by the Pawtucket Water Supply Board and are property of the PWSB. No one other than PWSB personnel may disconnect or remove a water meter, nor cut or tamper with the wire security seal. The radio unit and lead wire should not be disturbed. Penalties associated with meter tampering will incur a $500 fine. Additionally, the PWSB will estimate and bill water charges for the entirety of the time in which meter tampering took place. To avoid potential fines, please contact the Meter department if you are planning to perform any plumbing work near your water meter.

 

Meter Freezing

Every winter property owners face the expense and inconvenience of frozen water pipes and meters. It is the customer’s responsibility to ensure that the area around the water meter is kept open, warm, and dry. The cost to replace a meter damaged from freezing or bursting is the customer’s responsibility. More information on preventing frozen water pipes can be found by following this link.

 

The Future of Water Meters

The PWSB is working on an exciting project to upgrade our water meters and enhance the experience for all of our customers. You can find more information about this project on the Advanced Metering Infrastructure page.