Your water meter can help you track household water use and identify possible leaks. In Villa Park, water service is provided by Serrano Water District (SWD). This guide explains how to locate your meter, safely access the meter box, understand the display, monitor water use and perform a basic leak check.
Water meter models and displays can vary by property. Use the markings on your specific meter and contact Serrano Water District if the meter, box or utility equipment appears damaged or unsafe.
Find Your Meter | Open the Box | Read the Meter | Check for Leaks | Monitor Water Use | Serrano Water District
How to Find Your Water Meter
Your water meter is typically located near the curb or property frontage, often roughly in line with the home’s water service and main house-side shutoff. It is usually housed in a ground-level meter box, but the exact location and cover style can vary by property. The box may be set in a driveway, walkway, lawn, dirt or landscaped area, and soil or vegetation can partially obscure the cover.
How to Open the Water Meter Cover
Use the meter box’s lifting hole or slot with an appropriate tool to carefully lift the cover. Meter box covers can be heavy, so do not use your fingers to pry up the lid.
- Check around and inside the box for spiders, insects or other animals before reaching into it.
- Do not put your hands into standing water or into a box where you cannot clearly see what is inside.
- Avoid striking, disassembling or damaging the meter or other District equipment.
- If the cover is damaged, stuck or unsafe to open, contact Serrano Water District rather than forcing it.
How to Read Your Water Meter
The water meter pictured above is typical of many residential meters, but the register serving your property may look different. Digital and analog registers can display usage in different ways, so note the full displayed reading and the unit shown on your particular meter.
Understanding Your Water Meter
Odometer or Display
The register shows cumulative water usage since the meter was installed or the register was reset or replaced. Rather than assuming a specific number of digits should be ignored, record the full reading and identify the unit displayed on your meter.
Serrano Water District bills volumetric water use in HCF (hundred cubic feet). One HCF equals 100 cubic feet, or approximately 748 gallons. A physical meter may display gallons or cubic feet differently from the way usage is shown on a bill, so make sure the units are understood before comparing readings.
Flow Indicator & Leak Detection
Many analog meters have a small flow indicator that moves whenever water passes through the meter. The indicator may move quickly during heavy use and very slowly when only a small amount of water is flowing. Continued movement when you believe all water use is off can indicate unaccounted-for water use, but it does not by itself identify where that water is going.
Sweep Hand or Dial
On an analog meter, the sweep hand measures smaller increments of water as it passes through the meter. The amount represented by a complete revolution varies by meter, so use the markings printed on your particular meter face rather than assuming that every revolution represents the same number of gallons.
For the meter shown in the photo, the position of the sweep hand can be used to track small changes in water use. Other meter models may use a different scale or a digital display.
How to Check Your Water Meter for a Leak
A water meter can help identify water use that you cannot otherwise account for. It cannot tell you where a leak is located.
- Turn off faucets and make sure no one is intentionally using water.
- Make sure toilets are not running.
- Turn off irrigation and sprinklers.
- Make sure the washing machine, dishwasher, water softener and other water-using appliances are not operating.
- Record the meter reading or note the position of the flow indicator or sweep hand.
- Wait without using water, then check the meter again.
If the meter continues to register usage, there may be a leak or an automatic water-using device operating somewhere on the property. Running toilets and irrigation leaks are common sources of hidden water use. Very slow leaks may require watching the flow indicator carefully or comparing readings over a longer period.
How to Monitor Your Water Use
You can compare meter readings over time to estimate household water use.
- Record the meter reading along with the date and time.
- Take another reading later.
- Subtract the first reading from the second, using the same units.
- Convert the result to gallons if needed.
- Divide the total gallons used by the number of days between readings to estimate average daily use.
Example Using HCF
Beginning reading: 125.0 HCF
Ending reading: 127.0 HCF
Usage: 2 HCF
Conversion: 2 × 748 gallons = approximately 1,496 gallons
This is only an example of the calculation and is not intended as a benchmark for typical household consumption.
Comparing Your Meter With Your Water Bill
You can also compare a current meter reading with the earlier reading shown on your water bill. Check the bill’s meter-reading date first, confirm that you understand the units, and then subtract the earlier bill reading from the newer meter reading. Because the physical meter display and billing information may represent usage differently, do not assume that an apparent discrepancy means the meter is incorrect.
See Serrano Water District’s About My Bill information for help understanding the bill. If the readings or billing still appear inconsistent, contact SWD.
Water Meter vs. Your Home’s Main Shutoff
The water meter is utility equipment used to measure water delivered to the property. Homeowners can read the meter, but should not disassemble, modify or tamper with it or other District equipment.
The meter is also different from the home’s main house-side water shutoff valve. Homeowners should know the location of their own shutoff so water can be stopped during a plumbing emergency. If you are unsure which valve is yours or whether utility-side equipment may be operated, contact Serrano Water District rather than forcing or altering meter equipment.
Serrano Water District & Villa Park Water Service
Serrano Water District provides potable water service to the City of Villa Park and a small portion of the City of Orange. Current District planning documents describe its supply as a combination of local groundwater, imported water purchased through the Municipal Water District of Orange County, and purchased local surface water from Irvine Lake. SWD transferred its ownership interest in Irvine Lake/Santiago Reservoir to Irvine Ranch Water District in January 2025.
Serrano Water District
18021 Lincoln Street
Villa Park, CA 92861
(714) 538-0079
SWD lists the same phone number for 24/7 emergency service. For current billing and rate information, use the District’s billing information and current water rates rather than relying on rates reproduced elsewhere.
For additional local utility contacts, see Villa Park Government, Utilities & Community Services or the Villa Park Directory & Local Resources. Learn more about Irvine Lake in our local guide.
Villa Park Water Meter FAQ
Where is my water meter located in Villa Park?
Residential water meters are typically near the curb or property frontage in a ground-level meter box. Exact locations and cover styles vary, and landscaping or soil can sometimes obscure the box.
How do I read my water meter?
Record the full displayed reading and identify the unit shown on your meter. Meter models vary, so use the markings on your specific register rather than assuming that certain digits should be ignored.
How can I use my water meter to check for a leak?
Turn off intentional water use, note the meter reading or flow indicator, wait without using water and check it again. Continued usage may indicate a leak or an automatic water-using device.
How many gallons are in one HCF?
One HCF, or 100 cubic feet, is approximately 748 gallons.
Who provides water service in Villa Park?
Serrano Water District provides potable water service to Villa Park and a small portion of Orange.
Who should I call if my water meter is damaged or inaccessible?
Contact Serrano Water District at (714) 538-0079 if the meter, meter box or District equipment is damaged, inaccessible or unsafe.
Can I shut off my water at the meter?
The meter and utility-side equipment should not be modified or tampered with. Homeowners should use their house-side main shutoff when appropriate. If you are uncertain which valve to use or need help with District equipment, contact Serrano Water District.