In the City of League City, Texas we are billed monthly by the city for water usage. 
How do they know how much water we have used? Drive-by readings. If you are a recent home buyer here you may have noticed the meter box in the lawn near the edge of each property.
The water meter itself can be seen if you take the cover off. These meters belong to the city and have electronic devices that can be read by a "drive-by-unit". Water usage is measured in "thousands of gallons". You can read the meter yourself manually if you take the cover off. If water is obscuring the dial, remove it. Plumbers have a tool that looks something like a bicycle pump to pump water out of water meter boxes, etc. Compare the numbers to what is on your bill if you like.
It's a good idea to keep your lawnmower clear of the meter box. Do NOT mow over or around it, trim by hand or with a "weed eater". Parts replacement for the meter from damage due to a mower or the like may need to be paid by you. Inform your lawn care company of this.
Landscape wisely and do not place plants or trees whose roots could eventually grow around water lines, near the box. City personnel may occasionally need access to your water meter, do not obscure or camouflage it with your plants, hardscape or mulch.
For emergency water shutuff you can purchase a "key" at your local hardware or home improvement store. They are not very expensive. A general rule of thumb is that if there is a leak or plumbing problem located from the water meter to and including your home you will pay for the repairs. If the leak or plumbing problem location occurs from the water meter down to the street and main lines the city will cover costs. Each case is different, check with the Utility Department.
For meter leaks or billing questions call the Utility Billing Department at 281-554-1335.
©2009 Sara Goss All rights reserved
SARA GOSS, REALTOR®
HatmakerGroup.com GMAC Real Estate
www.har.com/saragoss
Serving the Houston Bay Area of Texas, helping buyers find the home that is right for them, and helping sellers to sell their homes, no matter what their water needs.
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