Meter Information

Your Water Meter

Because water meters are not all exactly alike, the information provided is generalized. Your meter installation may be different. Contact the Water Division if you need assistance by filling out the online request form or by calling them at 805-237-3866.

How to Turn Your Water Off

The customer hand valve is turned off with a quarter turn clockwise and turned on with a quarter turn counterclockwise.

If you don’t have a customer hand valve, in case of an emergency, the City valve may be shut off by turning a half turn clockwise. Turn back on with half turn counterclockwise.

Water Meter Diagram
Arrow On and Off Valves

Valve Without Arrow

If the City valve does not have an arrow engraved on top, then it is turned off with a quarter turn.

Turning Water Off Diagram
On and Off Valves

How to Read Your Meter

For the standard house meter, only the first four digits of your meter are read from left to right, and this reading is shown on your water bill. The reading for the meter shown would be 1507.

Meter Face

How to Check for a Water Leak

If you suspect a water leak on your property, this is a simple check you can use as a test.

  1. Make sure you have everything turned off (faucets in and outside, washing machine, dishwasher, etc.).
  2. Check the flow indicator represented here by a blue triangle.
  3. If flow indicator is moving, you may have a leak.

Possible Sources of Leaks

  • Irrigation valve that does not close completely
  • Leaking irrigation feed line
  • Leaking house feed between water meter and house
  • Leaking hose bib valve
  • Work toilet fill valve that does not shut off completely
  • Leaking toilet flapper