Meter Size
Water usage at a property can vary over the years due to changes in the number of occupants or in the type of business, as you conserve more water, and changes in usage patterns in the home and business.
Determine which size water meter you need
To determine the correct meter size, do the following:
- Determine the type of water service that serves your property.
Fire - used for fire protection i.e., fire sprinklers, fire hydrants etc.
Domestic - drinking water, flushing, washing, etc., as well as business and industrial uses.
Fire and Domestic - combined service which supplies water for both domestic and fire protection uses. - Determine the maximum water flow on your property in gallons per minute. (Remember to include the maximum designed fire flow, if applicable.)
- Use the meter sizing matrix below.
- See the Standard Menu of Charges for the cost to install a new service and retire any existing services.
- If needed, see the steps to request a new meter size. Contact the Development Services Office at SPU_DSO@seattle.gov (preferred) or (206) 684-3333 with questions.
Meter sizing matrix
The flow rates listed are manufacturers’ rated capacities. Actual flow rates will vary depending on water pressure, length and diameter of your water service line, and flow capacity of the water main.
| Meter Size | Domestic Meter Maximum Capacity (gpm) | Fire/Domestic Meter Maximum Capacity (gpm) | Fire Meter Maximum Capacity (gpm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ¾" | 15-20 | ||
| 1" | 50 | ||
| 1½" | 100 | ||
| 2" | 160 | 360 | 750 |
| 4" | 1,500 | 825 | |
| 6" | 3,100 | 1,900 | |
| 8" | 5,000 | 3,400 | |
| 10" | 8,000 | 5,000 | |
| 12" | n/a | n/a |