Meter Reading

The Meter Readers and Meter Technicians have two distinct functions but both teams share the responsibility to read every meter in McAllen and provide the best field customer service to the citizens of McAllen.

The Meter Reader Department is divided into two groups, meter readers and meter technicians.

Both groups share two distinct functions but together are responsible for reading all the water meters in the City of McAllen and providing the best customer service at your home or business. Readers and Technicians will gladly answer questions about the water meter and assist you identify leaks on your property, residential or commercial. They will also, assist you locate your shut-off valves outside and inside your home and business.

Staff

  • Assistant Utility Director, Utility Billing
    Terri Uvalle
  • Manager, Meter Readers
    Ricardo Trevino
  • Assistant Manager, Meter Readers
    Melecio Orozco
Meter Readers
Meter reading staff in the field

Their primary function is to read all the water meters within the City of McAllen. The readers capture the readings in a handheld computer that alerts them when the readings are above or below set parameters and prompts them to recheck and re-enter the readings and to make other observations about the location on the spot. On a scheduled basis meter readers also clean the inside and outside of the meter box. However, the glass on the register is cleaned at the time the meter is read.

The City is divided into three sections called cycles. The cycles are divided into smaller sections called books. Each cycle is ten days long and must have all the books read and exceptions verified within those days. Cycle 5 is the area South of Business Hwy 83. Cycle 6 is the area between Business Hwy 83 and Nolana Ave. Cycle 7 is the area north of Nolana Ave.

Meter Technicians

Their primary function is to provide field customer service as requested by the citizens of McAllen and/or McAllen Public Utility departments. The meter technicians use iPads and wireless technology which allows the information they input into an account to be updated instantaneously when the task is completed. During normal working hours the technicians will come by and initiate or terminate your water service. They will provide general information about your water meter and if requested teach you how to read it and how identify possible water leaks in your buildings and properties. During off hours the stand-by technician will respond to water breaks and no water emergencies.

Meter technician equipment
Water Meter Location
Water meter location example

The Meter Reader Department strives to provide the best customer service for all the citizens of McAllen. One way that allows us to provide that service is with your help.

Please keep your water meter area, alleys and easements clean and free of trash, debris. Trash, plant and tree clippings, construction debris, landscaping or anything that can obstruct our path to the water meter should be placed away from the water meter area. Landscaping by the water meter should not include any thorny plants and bushes as those plants can cause serious injury to you and the meter reader.

Keeping the water meter area clean and accessible is the best practice. In case of an emergency, a McAllen Public Utility employee can quickly and easily reach your water meter and shut it off and in some instances help you avoid some costly water damage repairs.

Keep the Water Meter Area Accessible

In case of an emergency, we can quickly locate the meter to turn water off or on.

Accessible water meter area example
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the meter located?

Newer homes generally have the water meter located near the curb in front of the property in a direct line with the house’s main shut-off valve. These meters are usually on a corner of the property.

Older homes have the water meter located in the alley or easement at the rear of the property in direct line with the house’s main shut-off valve. These meters are usually closer to the center of the building.

How many digits are read on a mechanical water meter?

All meters 1” or less require reading 5 digits, left to right, and all meters larger than 1” require 6 digits, left to right, to complete a read. Water meters in McAllen measure volume in gallons.

Mechanical meter digit guide
Mechanical meter digit guide text
How many digits are read on a smart meter?

All Digital/LED Meter Registers require 8 digits to complete a read.

The City of McAllen will be transitioning from onsite read meters (mechanical) to remote read meters (smart). Smart meters are read via a Regional Network Interface (RNI) communication system combined with an Automatic Meter Infrastructure (AMI) and do not require a visit to collect a reading. Smart meters:

  • Have the ability to detect leaks
  • Allow online access to view water usage
  • You will be able to understand and actively engage in your water management
  • Are accurate and provide efficient meter reading
How many digits are read on a high resolution encoder (HR-E) smart water meter?
Smart meter digit guide
Smart meter digit guide text
How many digits are read on a digital smart water meter?
Digital meter digit guide
Locate the shut-off valves inside your home or business

These valves shut the water off at specific locations instead of the whole building.

Shut-off valve example

A Reader or Technician will gladly assist you locate your shut-off valves.

Locate water leaks within your property and building
Leak example 1
Leak example 2

How Much Water is Lost? Typical Water Uses in Homes:

  • Leaking Toilet @ 1/2 GPM = 21,600 Gal/mo
  • Drip Irrigation @ 1 GPM = 43,200 Gal/mo
  • 1 Bath = 42 Gallons
  • Watering Garden for 2 hours @ 5 GPM = 18,000 Gal/mo
  • 1 Shower = 17 Gallons
  • Watering Garden for 2 hours @ 10 GPM = 36,000 Gal/mo
  • Wash Load of Clothes = 45 Gallons
  • Unattended Water Hose 1 night @ 10 GPM = 5,400 Gal/mo
  • Flush Toilet = 3 Gallons
  • Broken Services Line 1 night @ 15 GPM = 8,100 Gal
  • 1 day @ 15 GPM = 21,600 Gal
  • 1 week @ 15 GPM = 151,200 Gal
  • 1 month @ 15 GPM = 648,000 Gal
  • Stuck Ice Maker @ 2 GPM = 86,400 Gal/mo
  • Stuck Check Valve in Washing Machine – 30 minutes = 240 Gal
  • Stuck Float Valve in Watering Trough @ 5 GPM = 216,000 Gal/mo

Source: Simply Leak Detection - https://www.simplyleakdetection.biz