Meter Reading

  • STEP 1 - Locate your meter box, generally found towards the front of a property, near the street. The box is typically in a direct line with the main outside faucet. It is housed in a concrete box usually marked "water". Remove the lid by using a tool such as a large screwdriver. Insert the tool into one of the holes and pry the lid off.
  • STEP 2 - Once you open the meter box lid, lift the protective cap on the meter. On the face of the meter, there is a large dial and a display of numbers. For the residential meter, each rotation of the dial measures 10 gallons. Read the number display from left to right. Be sure to include the stationary zero. This is your meter reading. Meters measure water in gallons or cubic feet. Charges for the amount of water consumed are rounded to the nearest thousand gallons or hundred cubic feet used during a billing period. Compare that reading to what your bill states as your current or present reading.
  • STEP 3 - Keep in mind that you might be checking your meter on a date different from the one used for billing. This could result in a difference in the amount you find, compared with the amount on which your bill is based. However, if your reading is considerably higher than what is on your bill, check for a leak or try to determine the source of large water use. If your reading is significantly lower than the reading on your bill, please contact us and let us assist you in determining the problem.
Meter Tampering:

Water Meter Tampering includes, but no limited to, reconnecting meter (turning on), removing/cutting locks, and removing tags. Attempting to use water supplied by City of Kress without that water being measured and tracked through your meter is also considered tampering. Meter tampering is subject to criminal prosecution, a Class B Misdemeanor, and/or fines. The city will prosecute to the full extent of the law under Texas Penal Code Sec. 28.03 & Sec. 31.01. When a customer's meter has been tampered with there will be anadditional deposit fee required that will be charged to the account as well as possible criminal charges.

  • 1st time fee of $100
  • 2nd time fee of $250
  • 3rd time fee of $500

A $25.00 lock cut fee may also be charged. If a lock is cut, the meter will be pulled and a $100.00 fee will be charged to the customer's account. The customer will be charged for the cost of meter if there has been damage during tampering. The customer will be required to add an additional $200.00 water deposit to any account that has had tampering fee assessed on it and all future accounts with the city. If meter valve is broken the fee is $200.

Conserve Water

It's our most precious natural resource. Here are some resouces for more information and help on conserving our water.