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Reducing Your Meter Size

Request for reducing the size of your Greater Cincinnati Water Works (GCWW) water meter

Thank you for your interest in reducing the size of your water meter. The following information will guide you through the process. The Principles of Meter Reduction as well as the utility service rate charts will be helpful in determining your savings and payback period. Service base charges are calculated based on the size of your meter. The meter size is located on your bill.


Principles of Meter Reduction

For residential properties, the size will be determined by the number of family units and any additional water using devices. Commercial properties may require a site visit.

If permission to reduce is granted, the following statements must be adhered to:

  • All plumbing work necessary must be completed by a GCWW bonded, certified plumber.
  • Work must be completed within six (6) months of date of request or a new request must be submitted.
  • All costs for the meter reduction are the responsibility of the owner.
  • The size of the meter is determined by the following standards:  1 family-5/8”, 2 thru 6 family-3/4”, 7 thru 12 family-1”, 13 thru 25 families- 1.5”. Swimming pools and irrigation systems will also be taken into account when determining the correct size.
  • The meter setting must conform to the standards that are in effect at the time of the work. This includes the installation of approved No Lead meter valves and the type of meter enclosure.
  • All charges will be determined by the larger meter size until the old meter has been returned to the GCWW and the smaller setting has been inspected and approved.
  • If the smaller meter size is found to provide an inadequate flow of water, the property owner must increase to a larger meter at the prevailing cost. All costs will be the responsibility of the owner.


Please use the link below for service rate information:

 

If, after thoroughly reading these documents, you would like to pursue reducing the size of your water meter, you will need to complete the electronic Request for Reduction Form. You will need the account number and address for the meter that you want to reduce. This information is located on your bill.

Once the form is submitted, a GCWW Premises Services employee will review the Form and either approve or deny the application. If approved, you will receive an approval letter and you may proceed with contacting your plumber to begin the work. All costs are the responsibility of the property owner. If the request is denied, you will receive a denial letter explaining the reason.

Please use this link to access the Request for Reduction Form