How to Request a Water Meter Test in Kirksville

A high water bill does not automatically mean the meter is wrong.

Leaks and real usage are common explanations.

But Kirksville customers can request a City meter test when they suspect inaccurate registration.

Start by comparing usage

Before requesting a test, compare:

• current bill;
• recent bills;
• visible meter reading;
• known high-use events;
• signs of a leak.

The City's current Water Billing page says property owners should physically compare the meter with the bill at least annually.

A large discrepancy should be reported.

The City owns and maintains the meter

The current City page says water meters have been City-owned and maintained since 1973.

Customers or property owners can still be responsible for damage caused by abuse, vandalism or freezing.

Ordinary meter ownership and accidental/property damage are different questions.

How the test works

The City currently allows a customer who suspects inaccurate registration to request a meter test.

The researched City material does not expose a dedicated public online meter-test form.

The safest current route is to contact the Finance Department and request the procedure.

The current accuracy threshold is 1.5%

As of September 27, 2026, City guidance says:

• if the meter's error is greater than 1.5%, inaccurate consumption is adjusted by the appropriate percentage;
• if the error is less than 1.5%, no adjustment is made.

That threshold is specific to the current City policy and should be rechecked on future updates.

A test can cost money when the meter is within tolerance

The current page lists a $25 charge when the customer's requested test finds an error margin below 1.5%.

That is another reason to investigate obvious leaks and usage changes before assuming the meter is defective.

Meter testing is not a leak adjustment

A meter test asks:

Is the meter registering accurately?

A leak adjustment asks:

Was there an actual leak that caused unusually high consumption, and does it qualify under City policy?

Those are different processes.

Do not request a meter test expecting it to substitute for repair documentation.

Radio reading does not remove the value of checking the physical meter

The City says meters have been read by radio frequency since 2013.

That does not mean customers should never look at the meter.

A physical reading can help identify:

• discrepancy;
• continued movement when water is not intentionally being used;
• unexpected usage trend.

Do not open or modify City meter equipment.

Practical sequence

If the bill seems wrong:

1. compare recent usage;
2. check for obvious leaks;
3. compare the physical reading with the bill;
4. contact Finance if the reading or registration appears inconsistent;
5. request a meter test if appropriate;
6. wait for the test result before assuming an adjustment.

For ordinary bill mechanics, see How Kirksville Utility Billing Works.