How to Read Your Water Meter & Monitor Your Usage

Keeping an eye on your water meter can help you better understand your usage, detect leaks early, and avoid surprises on your water bill. Whether you're trying to troubleshoot a possible issue or just want to stay informed, here's how you can read your water meter and monitor your water use in Harris County MUD 504.

Understanding Your Water Meter

What Type of Meters Does HC MUD 504 Use?

Harris County MUD 504 uses digital water meters. These meters provide accurate readings and are connected to a system that tracks your usage for billing purposes. While there's no error code display or warning on the meter itself, residents can monitor their usage trends through the customer portal, AquaHawk, which is free and easy to sign up for.

How to Read Your Meter

Reading your meter at home is simple:

1. Locate the meter box—typically near the curb or sidewalk.
2. Open the lid carefully (it may require a tool like a screwdriver).
3. There will be two meters located in your meter box. To determine the correct meter, locate the meter number on the lid of your meter display and compare it to the meter number listed on your bill.
4. On the digital face, you'll see the reading in gallons.
5. Some meters have a small red or black leak indicator — a triangle or asterisk. If it’s moving when no water is running in your home, it could signal a leak.

Monitoring Your Usage

Keeping an eye on your monthly water bill is one of the best ways to monitor your usage. If you notice a sudden increase, it might be due to seasonal changes—like summer irrigation—or it could indicate an issue such as a leak or faulty irrigation equipment.

You can also sign up for AquaHawk, a free online portal that allows you to:

• View your daily water consumption
• Set up alerts for unusual usage
• Detect leaks based on patterns in your average usage

Spotting Potential Issues

Signs Something Might Be Off

• A higher than usual water bill without a clear reason
• Usage that doesn’t align with your habits (e.g., you’ve been out of town)
• The leak indicator is spinning when all water is off in the home

These may signal a leak or another issue. While seasonal usage can fluctuate (especially in summer due to irrigation systems), if your indoor usage is low but the bill is still high, it’s worth checking further.

What to Do if You Suspect a Leak

1. Turn off all faucets, appliances, and irrigation systems.
2. Check the leak indicator on your meter.
3. If it's moving, call Inframark to schedule a visit.
   a. 📞 Phone: (281) 579-4500
   b. 📧 Email: MUDCustomerService@inframark.com

There is no cost to residents for having a technician inspect the meter, even if the meter is functioning properly.

Requesting a Meter Re-Read

If you believe your meter reading is off or you’d like a technician to investigate further, contact Inframark directly. There is no fee for re-read requests. Common causes of discrepancies include signal interference, battery or meter malfunctions, or network issues—all of which are investigated and addressed by Inframark’s technicians.

Need Help? Contact Inframark

If you're unsure about your meter reading, suspect a leak, or just want to understand your water usage better, Inframark is here to help. Reach out to their team and they’ll assist with inspections, meter readings, and more.

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