Your water meter is usually located where the main water line to your home branches off from the municipal water line. Many water meters can be found near the street or sidewalk, covered by a metal lid. Other water meters can be found on the side of your home, so take a look around if you’re not sure where your meter is located. Inside the water line is a mechanical impeller that rotates as water pushes past it. The meter is designed to measure the flow rate of the water, based on the rotations of this impeller. This is how the city knows how much water enters your home, but they can’t tell how that water is used or if it’s leaking out before it reaches you!