What is the purpose of a water meter?

A water meter is a device specifically designed to measure the amount of water consumed in a residential property. This measurement is crucial for several reasons. It allows utility companies to accurately bill customers based on their actual water usage, promoting fair billing practices. Additionally, monitoring water usage can help homeowners understand their consumption patterns, identify leaks, and manage their water consumption more effectively, which can lead to conservation efforts and potential savings on water bills.

The other choices pertain to different functions not performed by a water meter. Regulating water pressure is typically managed by pressure-reducing valves, while disinfection of water is usually conducted through processes such as chlorination or ozonation, and control of water heating is handled by water heaters and associated thermostats. Each of these functions is essential for the overall plumbing system but does not fall under the role of measuring water usage, which is the exclusive purpose of a water meter.