What is the purpose of a master meter in water distribution?

The purpose of a master meter in a water distribution system is to measure the total flow of water into the distribution system. This is crucial for several reasons. First, it allows utility operators to understand how much water is being supplied to the system, which is essential for managing and planning resources effectively. Accurate measurements help in identifying consumption patterns, detecting leaks, and ensuring that water supply aligns with the demand from consumers.

Furthermore, the data obtained from the master meter can inform maintenance schedules and operational decisions, such as adjustments to water supply based on fluctuating demands throughout the day or season. This information is vital for billing purposes as well since it ensures that customers are charged based on accurate usage figures.

While regulating pressure, monitoring water quality, and controlling temperature are important aspects of water distribution management, they are not the primary function of a master meter, which focuses specifically on measuring flow into the system.