How Do I Obtain a Water Meter?

1. A master plumber must obtain a plumbing permit from the City of Ames Inspections Division.
2. The Water Meter Division will size the water meter according to the number of fixture units listed on the plumbing permit. The meter fee for the permanent meter will be billed when the construction meter is installed.
3. The construction meter cannot be set until either the contractor or property owner completes an application for Municipal Utility Services.
4. All service lines larger than 2" must meet Inspections Division requirements. For questions on requirements click here or to schedule an inspection contact the Inspections Division at 515-239-5153. The Inspector will place a lock on the meter valve or curb box once inspection is complete.
5. Contact the Water Meter Division to schedule an appointment for the meter to be installed at 515-239-5151. The meter will be installed within 48 hours.

1. Once construction is near completion, a permanent water meter will be installed by the Water Meter Division. (Plumbing work, copper ground wire around meter, drywall, exterior siding/painting all completed, etc.) A 22/3 gauge braided, shielded wire must be installed from the meter setting to within three feet of the electric meter. The remote read register will be installed when the permanent meter is installed.
2. Call the Water Meter Division at 515-239-5151 to schedule an appointment to have the permanent meter installed. Installation will occur within 48 hours of notification. If a yard meter is to be installed, it will be done at the same time.
3. Once the permanent meter(s) is installed and project ready for final inspection, call the Inspections Division at 515-239-5153. Occupancy is prohibited until a final inspection has been completed.

1. If yard meter was not included on original plumbing permit, the plumber must apply for another permit through the Inspections Division.
2. The contractor or property owner must complete (or have already completed) an Application for Municipal Utility Service.
3. Once the plumbing work is complete and a separate wire for the remote reading device has been installed, call the Inspections Division at 515-239-5153 to schedule an inspection.
4. After the inspection is complete, contact the Water Meter Division at 515-239-5151 to schedule an appointment to have the yard meter installed. Note: A monthly charge is assessed for yard meters.

Click here for additional information on obtaining a yard meter.(PDF, 107KB)

1. Submit a completed hydrant meter application online to the Water Meter Division. A signature is required by the individual or contractor's representative who will be responsible for any damages that may occur to the hydrant, meter, or backflow prevention device. Click here to access the most current Hydrant Meter Application.
2. Once the completed application is submitted to the Water Meter Division, an appointment will be scheduled for a staff member of Water Meter to meet with the representative or contractor at the specified hydrant to install the hydrant meter.
3. The individual or company requesting the hydrant meter is responsible for providing a lock and chain to secure the outlet valve to prevent unauthorized water usage.
4. Once the hydrant meter is no longer needed, contact the Water Meter Division at 515-239-5151. The lock and chain must be removed from the outlet valve prior to the removal of the meter.
5. Charges will be calculated by the Water Meter Division and billed through the City's Finance Department.

NOTE: Due to freezing temperatures, unprotected hydrant meters are only allowed from April 15 through October 15. If the hydrant and meter cannot be protected from freezing, contact the Water Meter Division at 515-239-5151.