What is the primary purpose of a water meter?

The primary purpose of a water meter is to measure the amount of water consumed by a customer. Water meters are essential tools in the water distribution system as they provide accurate readings of water usage for billing purposes and help utilities assess consumption patterns. By measuring the flow of water through the meter, utilities can determine how much water is being used by a household or business, which in turn informs the billing process and ensures customers pay for what they actually consume.

This function is critical for effective water management, allowing both the provider and consumer to understand usage rates, encourage conservation, and identify leaks or discrepancies in the system. Other options, such as controlling water pressure, disinfecting water, or monitoring temperature, are separate functions within a water distribution system and do not align with the primary role of a water meter.