FAQs

A water meter is a device installed in your home or business that measures how much water you use. In Oxford County, your meter ensures you are billed accurately based on your actual water consumption.

Did you know water meters don’t last forever? Just like any mechanical device, they get tired over time. Most residential water meters have a lifespan of about 15–20 years.

As water flows into your home, it passes through the meter where it is measured and recorded. The meter tracks your total water use over time, similar to how a car odometer tracks distance.

In most Oxford County homes, water meters are located:

• near where the water service enters the home (usually at the front wall); or,
• in the basement or utility room.

Oxford County uses radio transmitter meter reading technology in most serviced areas. This means:

• meter readings are collected electronically;
• staff do not usually need to enter your home to read your meter; and,
• readings are accurate and consistent for billing.

In many areas, readings are collected using drive-by technology, where staff safely collect data from meters while driving along established routes. These readings capture your water use since the previous reading—even if the collection cycle varies by a day or two. As a result, billing periods may not always align exactly with calendar months (e.g., the first of the month).

Some properties may still use manual meter readings, typically at a slightly higher cost due to the additional staff time required.

Water use is measured in:

• Cubic metres (m³)
• 1 m³ = 1,000 litres of water

Yes! Cellular transmitters are becoming very common in water meter reading systems. They still allow meter data to be collected remotely but provide more timely access to water use information without requiring staff to drive routes to collect readings.

Newer meter systems may also provide features such as leak alerts, service interruption notifications, and customer access to water consumption information. These features can help residents better understand their household water use and identify unusual usage sooner.

Your water bill includes:

• water usage (consumption) measured in cubic metres (m³)
• wastewater charges, based on water use (where applicable)
• fixed charges that support system operations and maintenance

Rates are set by County by-law annually and Council-approved budgets.

No. Water bills are based on the amount of water used, along with any fixed charges and the water and wastewater rates approved each year through the County’s budget process. Homes that receive new meters will have their bills calculated in the same way.

Water meters are designed to measure consumption accurately, but like any mechanical device, they can gradually become less accurate as they age. Older meters may under-measure how much water is being used, which can affect cost recovery for the whole system.

Keeping meters in good working order helps make sure each bill accurately reflects water use and supports the long-term funding of the water and wastewater systems. Advanced meter technology can also help homeowners track their own water use and take action to reduce the consumption portion of their bill.

Water meters in Oxford County are typically read monthly. However, because meter readings are collected on scheduled routes, your reading date may vary slightly each month. This means your billing period may not always align exactly with calendar dates.

Your bill reflects the total amount of water used since the last reading.

Yes! Residents are encouraged to monitor their own usage. Reading your meter can help you:

• track your water use between bills;
• identify unusual increases; and,
• catch potential leaks early.

Newer technologies may also allow residents to view their water meter information through a website or mobile app. This can make it easier to monitor water use in near real time, track patterns, and set your own alerts for unusual usage or potential leaks.

Ask us at the event on July 28 for a hands-on demonstration.

Common reasons for higher than usual water bills in Oxford County include:

• seasonal outdoor water use (watering lawns, filling pools)
• leaks or continuously running fixtures
• changes in household usage
• longer billing periods

If you notice a sudden or unexplained increase, please contact us:

• send an email to water@oxfordcounty.ca
• call 1-800-755-0394 
• or submit a service request at www.oxfordcounty.ca/serviceoxford 

Follow these simple steps:

1. Turn off all water inside and outside your home.
2. Check your meter display or leak indicator.
3. If the meter continues to register flow, you may have a leak.

Even small leaks can significantly impact your bill over time.

If you believe you have a water leak, take the following steps. 

• Check toilets, faucets, and outdoor taps.
• Turn off fixtures to isolate the problem.
• Contact a licensed plumber if needed.
• Monitor your meter and future bills.

If you need help understanding your usage, Oxford County staff can assist:

• send an email to water@oxfordcounty.ca
• call 1-800-755-0394 
• or submit a service request at www.oxfordcounty.ca/serviceoxford 

Water meters in Oxford County are:

• owned and maintained by the County; and,
• installed by the County to ensure accurate measurement and billing.

Homeowners are responsible for protecting the meter from damage (for example, freezing or physical impact).

When your water meter reaches the end of its typical lifespan (about 15–20 years), Oxford County will contact you to coordinate its replacement. The County will arrange access and complete the work to ensure your meter continues to provide accurate readings.

No. When water meters reach the end of their service life, replacement is planned and budgeted for by Oxford County as part of its ongoing water system asset management program.

To prevent damage to your meter:

• Keep the meter area clear and accessible.
• Protect it from freezing (especially in winter).
• Avoid storing heavy items on or around it.

Damage to the meter may result in repair or replacement costs.

Yes. If you believe your meter is not working correctly, you can request testing through Oxford County. Fees and procedures may apply if the meter is found to be accurate.

It’s important to note that residential water meters are highly accurate and it is very uncommon for them to read incorrectly. In most cases, higher water use is caused by factors such as leaks, seasonal outdoor use, or changes in household water use.