17 Water Meter Reader Interview Questions and Answers

Municipal water meter readers play an important role in water conservation by reading and recording water meter data. This data is used to calculate water usage for each customer and to identify water leaks. Meter readers also provide customer service by responding to customer inquiries and complaints about water bills.

To become a municipal water meter reader, you will likely need to go through a job interview. Review the following questions and answers to help you prepare for your interview.

Are you familiar with how to read water meters?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you have experience reading water meters. If you don’t have any prior experience, consider describing how you would go about learning this skill.

Example: “Yes, I am familiar with how to read water meters. In my last position, I was responsible for checking and recording the meter readings every month. This process involved me going out into the field to physically check each of our company’s meters. I also had to record the data in a spreadsheet and send it back to headquarters.”

What are some of the most important skills for a water meter reader?

Interviewers may ask this question to learn more about your skills and abilities as a water meter reader. They want to know what you think are the most important skills for this position, so they can see if you have them. When answering this question, try to list specific skills that you possess. This will show the interviewer that you have these skills and that you’re qualified for the job.

Example: “I believe some of the most important skills for a water meter reader are attention to detail, math skills and problem-solving skills. As a water meter reader, I need to make sure I’m reading meters accurately and thoroughly. I also need to be able to solve any problems that arise while reading meters, such as finding an issue with a meter or figuring out how much water a customer used.”

How would you handle a situation where you can’t find the water meter you need to read?

Interviewers ask this question to see how you would respond to a challenging situation. They want to know that you can think on your feet and find solutions to problems. In your answer, explain what steps you would take to solve the problem. Show that you are confident in your ability to adapt to new situations.

Example: “If I couldn’t find the water meter I needed to read, I would first check my notes to make sure I was at the right address. If I was, I would then look for other water meters on the property. For example, if there were two houses on the same property, I would look for the water meter on the house next door. If I still couldn’t find it, I would call my supervisor to let them know what happened. From there, they would decide whether or not we should continue looking for the water meter or reschedule the appointment.”

What is your process for inspecting property lines to ensure you’re reading the correct meter?

This question can help the interviewer understand your process for completing a task that is important to their organization. Use examples from previous experience to highlight your ability to follow directions and complete tasks efficiently.

Example: “I always start by reading the water meter on the house closest to the property line, then I read the meter on the house farthest away from the property line. If there’s no difference between these two meters, I know I’m in the right spot. If there is a difference, I will move along the property line until I find the point where the numbers are equal. This ensures I am reading the correct meter.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to communicate a complex water usage issue to a customer.

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your communication skills and ability to explain technical information in a way that customers can understand. In your answer, try to describe how you used clear language and visuals to help the customer understand what was happening with their water usage.

Example: “In my last position as a water meter reader, I had a customer who called me several times about her high water bill. After speaking with her for a while, I realized she didn’t understand how to read her own water meter. She thought there was something wrong with her water bill because it was so much higher than usual. Once I explained how to read her water meter, she understood why her bill was so high. She thanked me for helping her understand.”

If a customer disputes your reading of their water meter, how would you handle the situation?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your customer service skills. They want to know that you can handle conflict and disagreements with customers in a professional manner. In your answer, try to emphasize your ability to remain calm under pressure and use problem-solving skills to find solutions for the customer.

Example: “If a customer disputes my reading of their water meter, I would first listen to what they have to say. Then, I would explain how our system works and show them the readings on the computer screen. If they are still not satisfied, I would offer to send someone out to read the meter again at no charge. This usually resolves the issue.”

What would you do if you noticed a leak while reading a water meter?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your problem-solving skills and ability to multitask. In your answer, demonstrate that you can prioritize tasks and complete them efficiently.

Example: “If I noticed a leak while reading the water meter, I would first record the current reading on the meter before turning off the water supply. Then, I would call my supervisor or another professional for help with locating the source of the leak. If it was safe to do so, I would turn off the main valve to stop the flow of water until someone arrived to fix the issue.”

How well can you see in low-light conditions?

Some water meter readings are done at night, so the interviewer wants to know if you have any issues with low-light conditions. If you do, explain what steps you take to ensure accurate readings.

Example: “I’ve worked in a few areas where I had to read meters at night, and I always make sure to bring along a flashlight or wear reflective clothing to help me see better. I also try to get there early enough that I can familiarize myself with the area before it gets dark.”

Do you have experience using a GPS to locate properties and record their coordinates?

This question can help the interviewer determine your experience with using a GPS and how you might perform this task on the job. If you have previous experience, share what you’ve learned about using a GPS to record coordinates. If you don’t have any experience, consider sharing your interest in learning more about it.

Example: “I do have some experience using a GPS to locate properties and record their coordinates. I find that having a good understanding of the area where I’m working is important for accuracy when recording data. In my last position, I used a GPS to record property locations every day before work and after work. This helped me learn the layout of the city and familiarize myself with the streets.”

When reading a water meter, what is the minimum volume of water you should see to confirm that the meter is working correctly?

This question is a test of your knowledge about water meters and how they work. It also tests your ability to apply that knowledge in the field. When answering this question, make sure you are as specific as possible with your answer.

Example: “When reading a water meter, I look for at least 100 gallons per day. If there’s less than that, then it means the meter isn’t working correctly. However, if there’s more than that, then it could mean the customer has an issue with their plumbing or something else is wrong with the meter.”

We want to be able to read our customers’ water meters within 24 hours of their usage. How would you structure your workday to achieve this goal?

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you are organized and can prioritize tasks. In your answer, explain how you would structure your day to ensure you meet the 24-hour deadline.

Example: “I always make sure I have my route planned out ahead of time so I know exactly where I’m going each day. This helps me get to work on time and ensures I don’t waste any time getting there. Once I arrive at a customer’s home, I immediately begin reading their water meter. Then, I record the information in my notebook and input it into our system as soon as possible. After that, I move onto the next house.”

Describe your process for entering water meter readings into a database.

This question can help the interviewer understand your technical skills and how you apply them to a job. Use examples from previous work experience to describe what steps you take when entering data into a database.

Example: “I use my computer to enter water meter readings into a database, which I then upload to our company’s server. In my last position, I used an app on my phone to record meter readings while out in the field. Once I returned to the office, I uploaded the data from my phone to the company’s server. This process helped me save time by not having to type all of the information into a computer.”

What makes you an ideal candidate for this water meter reader position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their company. Before your interview, make a list of reasons why you are the best candidate for this position. Consider including any relevant experience or skills that relate to this job.

Example: “I am an ideal candidate for this water meter reader position because I have several years of experience working in construction. This means I am familiar with many different types of equipment and tools used on construction sites. In my previous role as a construction worker, I also worked with water meters quite often. I know how to read them accurately and efficiently, which makes me a great fit for this role.”

Which water meter reading system do you have the most experience with?

This question can help the interviewer determine your experience level and whether you have any experience with their company’s system. If you don’t have much experience, it may be a good idea to mention that you’re willing to learn new systems.

Example: “I’ve worked with both analog and digital water meter reading systems in my previous positions. I find that I’m more comfortable with digital systems because they are easier for me to understand and use. However, I am open to learning about other systems if necessary.”

What do you think is the most challenging part of being a water meter reader?

Interviewers may ask this question to see if you have experience with the challenges of this role. They want to know that you are prepared for the job and can handle its unique demands. In your answer, try to identify a challenge that you’ve overcome in the past or how you would approach it differently in the future.

Example: “The most challenging part of being a water meter reader is having to read meters at night. I find that it’s hard to get accurate readings when there aren’t any lights around. To solve this problem, I always make sure to bring my flashlight and wear reflective clothing so drivers can see me. This helps keep me safe while also allowing me to do my job.”

How often do you perform maintenance on your water meter reader equipment?

This question can help an interviewer determine your familiarity with the tools of the trade. It also helps them understand how often you might need to be replaced in the field and whether they would have to train you on equipment maintenance. In your answer, try to describe a specific situation where you performed regular maintenance on your water meter reader equipment.

Example: “I perform regular maintenance on my equipment at least once per month. I check all of the connections for loose wires or broken parts and make sure that everything is working properly. If any part of my equipment needs replacing, I replace it immediately so I don’t miss any readings.”

There is a large construction project near one of your properties and you can’t access the water meter. What do you do?

This question is a great way to test your problem-solving skills. You can use this opportunity to show the interviewer that you are willing to go above and beyond for your customers.

Example: “I would contact my supervisor immediately, so they could find another water meter reader to cover my property while I was on site at the construction project. If there were no other water meter readers available, I would ask if it was okay to leave the property until the construction project was over. Then, I would return to the property as soon as possible after the construction project ended.”