AWWA ACE61844

This paper presents the results of hundreds of accuracy tests of single manufacturer 5/8-inch by 3/4-inch domestic residential water meters, all having the same age of field service but varying amounts of cumulative water flow through the meter. The relationship between accuracy and cumulative flow is presented and discussed for AWWA low, medium, and high flow accuracy test regimes. The economics of water meter replacement is discussed relative to the accuracy-flow relationships for the three flow test ranges, and the process for determining the economic optimum cumulative volume through the meter is described. For the Arizona utility from which the meters tested were derived, the recommended replacement timeframe is presented utilizing the specific average annual residential water use and water rate structure in effect. The optimum replacement volume for different utilities will vary based on water meter environment, water use, economics of meter replacement, and water rates. Includes tables, figures.