Deduct Meters: Saving Money in Ohio
If you are looking for an easy way to monitor your outdoor water use or save money on water bills for your lush lawn, a deduct meter may be your best solution.
Deduct meters, also called auxiliary meters, give you more control over your water consumption by keeping track of the water that does not go down the drain and into the sewer.
Our licensed technicians at Rain One can install one at your Columbus, home to help you gain significant savings on water bills.
Let’s explore deduct meters, how they work, and why they might be a smart solution for you. We will break it all down!
What Is a Deduct Meter?
Your main water meter tracks all water used inside and outside your home, but a deduct meter only measures water for non-potable uses, such as lawn watering, filling your swimming pool, or washing your car in the driveway. It separates your non-drinking water from water used for daily living needs.
How Does a Deduct Meter Work?
Deduct meter installation is pretty straightforward. At Rain One, we install the meter on a separate water line that feeds your outdoor water use. It is independent and does not track indoor water use.
When you turn on your sprinklers, the water flows through this auxiliary meter, which records the exact amount used. The best part? Because the water flows into your lawn, it does not run into the sewer, and you may save on the sewer portion of your water bill.
The meter sends usage information to your water provider, gives you insight into your water consumption, and potentially allows for separate billing for non-potable water.
Deduct Meter Benefits
The biggest advantage of a deduct meter is the potential for significant savings on your water bill. Sewer charges can be a substantial portion of your bill, sometimes even matching the cost of the water itself.
By accurately measuring and potentially excluding the water that does not go into the sewer, you only pay sewer fees for the water you send down the drain.
A deduct meter leads to fairer water billing. You gain peace of mind knowing you will not pay sewer fees for watering the lawn. It also helps you monitor outdoor water use and encourages water conservation.
Outdoor water use can represent a significant portion of your daily water use. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), of the estimated 29 billion gallons of water used daily by U.S. households, nearly 9 billion gallons, or 30 percent, goes toward outdoor water use. In hot summer months or dry climates, it can be as high as 70 percent. LINK: https://www.epa.gov/watersense/start-saving
By accurately tracking water use with a deduct meter, you can make informed decisions about reducing waste and conserving water, contributing to more sustainable living practices.
Besides helping you conserve water, adding a deduct meter to your Columbus, home may increase its value and attract eco-conscious buyers.
Can a Deduct Meter Save Me Money?
Many municipalities base water bills on total water usage, regardless of how you use it. Your main meter registers all that water usage, and you get charged for the water and the sewage treatment, even though the outdoor water did not flow into the sewer.
Having a separate meter for outdoor water use could exempt you from the sewer charges for watering your lawn or washing your car. Over a hot summer, those savings can really add up!
Are Deduct Meters Allowed Everywhere?
Check with your local water and sewer department before installing a deduct meter. Water billing regulations vary from city to city and state to state. Your water supplier in Columbus, OH can tell you if it allows deduct meters, what permits are necessary, and how it adjusts billing.
Although government authorities, like water departments, ultimately approve the installation and manage the billing, they typically do not perform the physical installation. They set the rules, inspect the work, read the meters, and send you the bills.
Who Installs Deduct Meters?
Installing a deduct meter is not a do-it-yourself task. Tapping into your main water line and installing piping and a separate meter requires plumbing expertise and knowledge of local codes.
Plumbing and irrigation companies can work with your local government to obtain the correct permits and installation requirements. They have the knowledge and experience to add a second meter to your main water line.
Our experts at Rain One understand the plumbing requirements and will correctly install your deduct meter, ensuring leaks and backflow issues will not occur as the equipment tracks outdoor water use.
Before we install new equipment, we assess your needs and provide an accurate quote for the job. We pride ourselves on transparent pricing and superior customer service. We will guide you through the entire process.
Start Saving on Water Bills Today!
If you use a significant amount of water outdoors for irrigation or other purposes that do not add water to the sewer, exploring deduct meters is worth your time. Our team at Rain One can show you how a deduct meter can save significantly on water bills in your Columbus, home. Call us at 614.759.1196 or request service online for a consultation.