Metering technical information

If your water right has been provisioned to meter and report your water use, these technical requirements will help you understand the types of meters and their uses, how to read your meter, and where to look for a vendor.

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The term “open channel” refers to any system in which liquid flows with a free surface, such as canals or irrigation ditches.

Examples of open channel measuring devices

Weirs — sharp crested (v-notch, rectangular, or Cipoletti)
Flumes — long-throated or Parshall
Submerged orifice
Electronic methods — Doppler, electromagnetic, anemometer and propeller velocity, optical strobe

Guidelines for Selecting Open Channel Meters
Inspecting an Open Channel Water Measuring System
The Basics: How to Read Your Meter (mechanical meters)

Metering requirements for open channel systems

WAC 173-173-130 — What are the specific requirements for measuring systems on open channels?
WAC 173-173-140 — What are the installation requirements for open channel measuring systems?
WAC 173-173-150 — What are the operation and maintenance requirements for open channel measuring facilities?

The term “pressurized” refers to any system in which liquid flows through a pipe. Water is typically (but not always) pumped directly into a pipe in a closed and pressurized system.

Examples of pressurized pipe measuring devices

Mechanical — propeller, positive displacement, or turbine
Electronic — electromagnetic (i.e., insertion or full pipe), ultrasonic, or vortex

Metering requirements for pressurized systems

WAC 173-173-100 — What are the specific requirements for meters for pressure systems?,
WAC 173-173-110 — What are the installation requirements for meters on pressure systems?
WAC 173-173-120 — What are the operation and maintenance requirements for meters on pressure systems?

WAC 173-173 lays out the requirements for installing meters. If you are responsible for reporting your water use, you must also ensure you have an approved measuring device installed or constructed in accordance with the manufacturer’s and/or designer’s specifications. This applies to both pressurized systems and open channel flows.

If you are unsure of the manufacturer’s specifications, you may consider hiring a professional vendor within your service area to install your meter. Examples of professional services that may sell or perform meter installations include (but are not limited to):

Pipe and pump companies
Irrigation specialists
Instrument supply shops
Water specialty companies
Electric instrumentation supply

Contact information

Northwest Region

Island, King, Kitsap, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, and Whatcom counties

Andrea Lauden
Environmental Specialist
andrea.lauden@ecy.wa.gov
206-594-0197

Southwest Region

Clallam, Clark, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Mason, Lewis, Pacific, Pierce, Skamania, Thurston, and Wahkiakum counties

Arlene Harris
Environmental specialist
arlene.harris@ecy.wa.gov
360-407-0240

Central Region

Benton, Chelan, Douglas, Kittitas, Klickitat, Okanogan, and Yakima counties

Nigel Kingsbury
Environmental Specialist
nigel.kingsbury@ecy.wa.gov
509-454-7887

Eastern Region

Adams, Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman counties

Tracy Band
Hydrogeologist
tracy.band@ecy.wa.gov
509-329-3538

Office of Columbia River in Union Gap

Philip Lefler
Environmental Specialist
philip.lefler@ecy.wa.gov
509-329-4255

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