What is the primary function of a water meter?

The primary function of a water meter is to measure water usage. Water meters are essential devices that track the amount of water that flows through a plumbing system, typically measured in gallons or cubic feet. This measurement is crucial for various reasons, including billing purposes, resource management, and monitoring water consumption patterns. Accurate readings can help utilities manage their water supply and infrastructure more efficiently and alert homeowners to potential leaks or abnormal usage patterns.

Other options do not align with the core purpose of a water meter. Regulating water pressure is typically the role of pressure regulator valves, which control how much pressure is in the plumbing system. Filtering impurities is achieved through water filtration systems, designed to remove contaminants from the water supply. Heating water is the function of water heaters, which are separate appliances used to provide hot water for household needs. Thus, the emphasis on measuring water usage highlights the vital role of water meters in the overall management of water resources.