The meter in the illustration on the right reads 4216. Reading your water meter can help you detect a leak in your water system. To check for a meter leak, turn off all the faucets in and around your home and note the position of the meter sweep-hand. Wait about 15 minutes and check the meter again. If the meter sweep-hand has moved or if the reading has changed, you probably have a leak.
Some newer meters have a leak detector.
Reading your water meter can also help you save money by letting you know how much water you use for certain tasks. For instance, check your meter reading before watering your lawn or before washing your car. Check it again when you have finished and note how much water was used. Knowing how much water you use can help you implement water saving measures and therefore reduce your monthly water bill.