A change between recorded meter readings can help describe water use. It does not locate a leak. Identify the water supplier, check known uses and bring the observations to the appropriate utility or plumber.

Compare readings without assuming a cause
- RecordUse the same register and units.
- WaitAvoid household and irrigation water use.
- CompareA rise suggests use or leakage; investigate the source.
Begin with the bill and supplier
Palm Beach County includes multiple water utilities; a postal address alone does not establish the provider. Use the supplier and account information on your bill when asking about readings, unusual use or public-system equipment.
Record the units and times
Use only safely accessible readings and follow your utility’s instructions. Record the displayed units and the actual interval. The worksheet calculates a difference from your inputs; it is not a meter test and does not assign a leak location.
Consider known use without a diagnosis
Irrigation, a running fixture or a changed household routine can affect readings. Write down what you know and what is uncertain. If a reading changes when you expected no use, ask the utility or plumber how to investigate safely rather than opening equipment.
Arrange the right follow-up
For meter or billing concerns, start with the responsible utility. For a suspected private fixture or line issue, describe the readings, timing and observed symptoms to a plumbing business. Confirm responsibility, diagnostic charges and access before work.
Compare two meter readings
Read the same register before and after a period with no water use. Include irrigation, appliances and automatic equipment in that pause. The EPA suggests a two-hour comparison. Enter up to six decimal places.
Entries stay in your browser and are not sent to this website. These tools organize observations; they do not diagnose a property or quote a service.
Take the next step for this problem
Water lines & shutoff valves in West Palm Beach ↗
For address-specific utility and access context, visit West Palm Beach or your locality guide. Confirm the independent business’s availability and any assessment charge.
Related homeowner guidance
Official resources
- West Palm Beach Public Utilities ↗
- Water and sewer emergency reporting ↗
- Palm Beach County utility FAQs ↗
- Florida contractor license verification ↗
- West Palm Beach permit FAQs ↗
- EPA WaterSense household leak guidance ↗
Resources provide general preparation and official contacts. They do not establish provider coverage or endorsement.