Public Works Water Division staff are responsible for the maintenance and installation of approximately 4100 water meters in service city-wide. They work closely with the City's Utility Billing staff, who are responsible for producing the monthly water bills and monitoring accounts for anomalies that could indicate a leak or other issue.
The City contracts with a meter reader to manually read the water meters during the last week of each month. Manual meter reading is a time consuming process, generally requiring 3 to 5 days to complete city-wide. The City is conducting a pilot program in one Wilsonville neighborhood to test automated meter reading equipment. If successful, Public Works staff may be able to read all city meter in a single day.
Public Works staff are not only responsible for meter maintenance for broken or missing meters, but also respond to water meter leaks, and provide bulk water permits.
For questions regarding meter installation, meter maintenance, or bulk water, please contact Public Works at 503-682-4092.
For questions regarding water rates or your water bill, please contact Utility Billing at 503-682-1011.
Below is a list of frequently asked questions, along with some additional information on your water meter:
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Water Meter FAQs |
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1. Are the meters actually read each month, or do you estimate? |
They are read each and every month, usually within the last 4 days of the month. We do not use estimated reads.
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| 2. My meter is dirty. I don't see how the meter reader can properly read my meter. |
 If your meter lens is dirty, the meter reader will either spray it with a water bottle or brush off a portion of the lens to read the number. However, each and every time it rains or you irrigate your yard, the box may fill with water. This will cause the lens to become covered with dirt once again when the water drains from the box.
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| 3. How can I read my meter and determine my consumption? |
First of all, locate your meter. Water meters are set in the ground near the sidewalk or street, enclosed in a cement box and covered with a metal lid. The City of Wilsonville uses meters that measure cubic feet of water used. To convert cubic feet of water into gallons, multiply the number shown on your meter by 7.48. Water meters are never reset. To find out how much water you've used in any given period, simply subtract the previous read from the current read. This will give you the amount of consumption in "units". One unit equals 748 gallons or 100 cubic feet of water. As you look at the face of your meter, you will see a needle. Every time it goes around, one cubic foot of water (7.48 gallons) is used. |
4. My consumption seems high this month but I haven't changed my usage habits. |
You might have a leak. You can call our office at (503) 682-1011 and we will send our water crew out to check your water meter (at no charge). If you would like to perform this simple leak check yourself, follow these steps:
• Make sure there is no water being used in your house (eg. dishwasher/washing machine running, etc.).
• Take a look at your meter. On top of the large needle is a small triangle shaped dial that has no cubic feet value but will detect small flows of water through the meter. The triangle shaped dial should be completely still. If it shows any movement, you have a leak somewhere within your plumbing. Here are somes ways to check for a leak. If you are not able to locate the leak, you may have to contact a plumber for assistance.
We do offer adjustments on your billing if you should experience a leak. To qualify for this credit, you must report the leak as soon as you are aware of it. The leak must be repaired within 72 hours, however extensions on this time limit may be granted in certain situations. Once the leak is repaired, submit a Leak Adjustment Form to the Utility Billing department by fax (503) 682-1015 or by mailing it to PO Box 765, Wilsonville, OR 97070. In most situations, your adjustment will appear on your next monthly statement. |
| 5. How do I maintain the area around my meter? |
Most people are unaware that their water meter is located within a utility easement. This means that when landscaping or fencing, you should maintain a safe distance from the meter and protective box.
Some things to keep in mind about landscaping:
• The meter should be kept clear of shrubbery, ornamental trees & low growing bushes. Do not bury your meter!
• When planting trees, please be aware that tree roots can become entangled around pipes increasing the possibility of a line breakage.
• Customers who already have established landscaping are required to trim vegetation back from the meter box.
The next time you're working in your yard, please take a few minutes and check out the area around your meter.
• Is it easily seen from the street?
• Do you have to push shrubs or tree limbs out of the way to get to it?
• Do you have to duck down or crawl to read it?
If any of these are true, our meter reader will have trouble reading your meter. If you have questions on maintaining your meter, call our public works department at
503-682-4092. |