Understanding Water Meters
Your water meter measures how much water flows into your home from the City of Sumter’s water system. It helps track your water use and ensures accurate billing. Most meters are located near the street, where your home’s water line connects to the City’s main water pipes.
The City of Sumter’s water meters use advanced technology to provide precise, reliable readings and help detect potential leaks early. Using Automated Meter Reading (AMR) technology, your meter securely transmits usage data wirelessly to the City for accurate monthly billing.
When you turn on a faucet, the disc inside the meter moves as water flows through, measuring exactly how much you use. Meters record water use continuously, and customers are billed for every 1,000 gallons used.
What am I billed for?
Your bill is based on how much water you use each month, measured in 1,000-gallon increments. Meter readings are rounded down to the nearest 1,000 gallons.
Water rates are listed in the City’s Code of Ordinances: https://library.municode.com/sc/sumter/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_APXEWASERA_ARTIWARA
damage to water meters
If your meter is damaged, you must report it to the city right away per city ordinance Chapter 98. Article II. Per city ordinance it is the customers’ responsibility to protect the meter box from being damaged.
Tampering with a meter—such as turning it on without permission, removing parts, or reconnecting service—is against the law. Service may be disconnected without warning, and fees will apply:
- First offense: $100 plus cost of damage or stolen equipment
- Second offense: $150 plus cost of damage or stolen equipment
- Third or more offenses: $400 plus cost of damage or stolen equipment
AMR Technology
In 2018, the City of Sumter began upgrading customers water meters to include Automated Meter Reading (AMR) technology. This upgrade helps ensure that every customer’s water use is measured accurately and efficiently.
Each meter uses secure, one-way wireless technology to send water usage data to the City’s system. Meters measure water flow constantly, and this data is transmitted to local towers before being sent to our secure servers. The information is verified for accuracy before being used for billing.
Today, nearly all customers—except those in the Dalzell and Oswego areas—are connected to the City’s latest AMR technology.
What are the advantages of using AMR?
AMR technology offers several important benefits. It makes meter reading faster and more accurate, reduces the need for manual checks, and helps prevent employee injuries. It also ensures that all readings are collected on time for consistent monthly billing.
Can the City control water flow or track my use in real time?
No, the City cannot monitor water usage in real time. However, we do have access to data updated daily, which allows us to view hourly water usage up to midnight of the previous day. This helps us assist customers in identifying potential leaks—whether they are intermittent, such as a running toilet, or continuous, like a broken pipe or a line that’s consistently running.