Water meters
Backtotop
A water meter is a mechanical device that’s connected to your water shut off valve typically located in the basement of your property. It measures the amount of water your home uses, like when a tap is turned on or a toilet is flushed.
With a water meter, you only pay for the water you use, and you can also track your usage, which makes it easier to conserve water.
A water meter can also help you detect leaks or plumbing issues in your home. If you detect a water leak or your bill is higher than expected, use the high water consumption checklist and see our tips for basic water leak repairs you can do yourself and when you may need to hire a professional plumber. To learn more about how much water the average household uses, visit Water Rates.
Nearly all Calgary homes have water meters installed as part of the Water Utility Bylaw 40M2006. The City of Calgary supplies water meters to properties and will replace them at no charge when the meter has reached the end of its lifecycle.
What does a water meter look like?
Most meters are usually round or oval, about the size of a cantaloupe. They’re commonly copper‑coloured or brass, because it’s made of metal and connected to copper piping.
On top of the meter is a small display or dial (called a register) that shows how much water has flowed through it. Older meters often have number wheels or a needle, while newer ones may have a digital display.
Most meters now have a small, wired box attached to the register. This is the radio transmitter that sends readings to the water utility.
Water Meter Replacement Program
Between 2025 and 2030, we’ll be replacing all residential and business water meters across the city.
These meters are nearing their end of service life and are being proactively replaced to ensure reliable meter readings and continued accurate billing.
Find out when your water meter will be replaced
How a water meter works
A water meter is a mechanical device that is connected to your water connection and only registers consumption when water is being used, such as a tap being turned on or a toilet being flushed. There are no electric components inside a water meter.
Most water meters have a transmitter that is remotely read for billing purposes. If the water meter or radio begin to malfunction, or the meter itself develops a leak, a service call to 311 is at no cost to you. It’s covered by your monthly service charges.
All enquiries concerning billing are to be directed to ENMAX.
-
For an explanation of how a water meter works, watch this video.
Water usage is measured in cubic meters, and the meter is accurate down to single litres. Usage data is sent from the register to the attached radio.
This is read by the utility company and applied to your utility bill. The water meter will only record usage if there is water moving through the meter.
What if my water meter is not working or leaking?
If the water meter or radio begin to malfunction, or the meter itself develops a leak, a service call to 311 is at no cost to you. It’s covered by your monthly service charges.
-
Watch a short video on water meter replacement, testing and accuracy.
Quick links
How to have a water meter installed
A water meter is mandatory and having one installed is simple. Both the meter and installation for a new meter are free of charge.
Maintaining your water meter
Property owners must protect the water meter, valves and pipes located on their property from:
- freezing
- excessive heat
- overheating of water
- external or internal damage of any kind, or any other thing which may affect the operation of the water meter(s).
It’s recommended not to store anything on the meter, as it may cause damage to the register, or the wire that sends information to the radio. If your meter is damaged or missing and you need a replacement, call 311 to report a meter issue. City staff will follow up to book an appointment to have your meter inspected. If necessary, your meter will be replaced. Damaged or missing meters are subject to replacement charges.
Rates for missing, damaged/frozen meters
The 2026 rates for missing, damaged/frozen meters are shown below and are based on the size of the meter. Depending on your property’s meter location and billing set up, missing meter charges may be applied to your ENMAX bill or an invoice may be sent to your property management company/designate via The City of Calgary.
| Meter Size | Total Charge - Regular | Total Charge – Overtime/Emergency |
|---|---|---|
| 15mm |
$278.19 |
$322.69 |
|
20mm |
$298.99 |
$343.49 |
|
25mm |
$330.98
|
$375.48 |
|
40mm |
$607.77 |
$652.27
|
|
50mm |
$735.76 |
$780.26 |
|
75mm |
$1,810.56 |
$1,886.84
|
|
100mm |
$2,764.08 |
$2,840.36 |
|
150mm |
$3,875.98
|
$3,952.26
|
|
75mm (turbine) |
$1,020.24
|
$1,096.52
|
|
100mm (turbine) |
$1,273.03 |
$1,349.31 |
|
150 mm (turbine) |
$2,756.08
|
$2,832.36
|