Purchase a Water Meter

Information You Need

NOTE: The term "meter purchasing" refers to buying the right to use the water meter and paying for the demand on TVWD's water system. TVWD owns the physical water meter and the fitting behind the meter.

Before Purchasing a Water Meter

When purchasing your water meter, TVWD will need a copy of the building permit with address, and information to determine the plumbing fixture count for the home being built. A Sizing of Residential Water Meter Work Sheet (PDF) is available for your convenience or you may come prepared with information at the time of purchase to complete this work sheet. The size of the water meter will be based upon this fixture count.

• Call (503) 642-1511 and request the Engineering Department.
• Print out the Sizing of Residential Water Meter Work Sheet (PDF), fill it out by hand, and fax it to (503) 591-0986 or mail it to 1850 SW 170th Ave., Beaverton, OR 97006. If mailing, please allow adequate time for the post office to deliver.
• If a sprinkler system is required, submit flow requirements as determined by the fire sprinkler system installer with the Sizing Worksheet.
• Be sure you understand TVWD's Rules and Regulations (PDF).   

After Purchasing a Water Meter, TVWD will

• Install the meter in 10-14 working days.
• Install the meter with appropriate fittings.
• Make sure the meter box is intact and set to grade. This is done when the copper service is installed. If the meter box is missing or damaged, the meter will not be installed and the customer will be responsible for replacement.
• Take a pressure reading for our records.   

Your Responsibilities Prior to Installation 

• Stake the location and grade if service is not in a subdivision.
• Make the meter location accessible. Keep the area free of debris.
• Replace a broken or missing meter box. Meter boxes are available at local water works supply outlets. A 3/4" meter requires a #4 Brooks meter box. A 1" meter requires a #37 Brooks meter box. Please call the District when this is complete to expedite your meter installation. If we respond at your request and the repairs are incomplete, a fee will be assessed.
• Inform the District if you have changed your address or phone number.   

Protect The Meter After Installation

• DO NOT tamper with the meter after installation. It's illegal to remove the meter and connect to the District service line, and could result in a fine. We will confiscate connection materials and assess illegal connection charges. The fine will include an estimated commodity charge.
• Removing the metal tailpiece and connecting directly to the meter will result in shutting off and locking the meter until the appropriate repairs are made by the builder. A fine will be assessed.
• A missing or stolen water meter will be assessed at the current replacement rate. Payment for the meter replacement must be made at the District office before re-installation.
• If you break the curb stop (the shutoff at the meter) you will be billed for the repair.
• If you damage the District's service line, you will be billed time and materials for the repair.

For more information, take a look at our Meter Purchasing Brochure (PDF), contact our Engineering Department or call (503) 642-1511.

System Development Charges

For meters over 1-1/2"

SDC is determined based on the customers anticipated water usage.  Anticipated peak day water usage is divided by the peak day system design flow of 844 gallons per day per equivalent residential unit (ERU) to determine peak day ERU's.  Anticipated average daily water usage will be divided by 358 gallons per day per ERU to determine average day ERU's (storage ERU's). The SDC is the sum of the peak day SDC cost per ERU multiplied by the peak day ERU's and the storage SDC cost per ERU multiplied by the storage ERU's.

For more information about SDCs, including on circumstances where you need to upgrade the meter size due to fire sprinkler system requirements, take a look at our SDC Resolution (PDF), contact our Engineering Department or call (503) 642-1511.