Where are water meters typically installed?

Water meters are typically installed at the consumer's property line to accurately measure the amount of water being used by each individual property. This location is strategic because it allows for clear delineation between the utility's infrastructure and the customer's usage, ensuring that the readings reflect only what the consumer utilizes. This placement helps in billing and monitoring usage efficiently while minimizing potential discrepancies that could occur if the meter were placed further upstream in the water distribution system.

In contrast, placing meters at the water treatment plant would not be practical for individual consumer billing, as it would measure all the processed water rather than what is delivered to specific properties. Similarly, installing meters within the main water distribution line could lead to complications in measuring individual usage accurately since multiple consumers might draw from the same line. Lastly, a local regulatory office is not a feasible location for water meters, as it does not serve the purpose of monitoring individual usage. The focus of water meter installation is on consumer accountability and accurate billing, which is best achieved at the property line.