Photo collage containing images of Austin Water employees, construction workers, and water infrastructure including pipes and treatment facilities.

Water Meters

A water meter can be purchased when a new water service connection is not required, as determined by Austin Water's Utility Permitting Office. Water meters can be installed by Austin Water or a private right-of-way contractor depending on the meter size and the residential or commercial use.

Take the Water Meter Project Survey to determine the correct process for your project.


Austin Build + Connect Portal

Tap plan and Water Meter Upgrade (WMU) applications are reviewed and processed through the Austin Build + Connect (AB+C) portal.

Guest Access

Public search is available to look up permit and case history by address without registering:


AB+C Public Search


Registered User Access

Applications for engineered tap plan review must be submitted by a Texas licensed Professional Engineer (PE) only. Licensed PEs must register in the AB+C portal. Registered users can submit initial applications and project documents, submit revisions and corrections, view permits and make payments online.


Residential Use

Qualifying residential customers may be able to purchase a water meter without submitting a Water Meter Upgrade Plan Review Application to Austin Water's Tap Plan Review team.


Commercial Use

An application packet must be submitted to Austin Water's Tap Plan Review team before purchasing a water meter. Depending on your project:


Resources