Examination Practice Questions And

Illinois Meter Reader Certification Examination Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary function of a water meter?
• Measure water pressure
• Measure water quality
• Measure water consumption
• Measure pipe diameter

Rationale: The main purpose of a water meter is to record the

volume of water used by a customer.

• Which type of water meter is most commonly used in residential

properties?

• Ultrasonic meter 1 / 4

• Magnetic meter
• Positive displacement meter
• Turbine meter

Rationale: Positive displacement meters are widely used in homes

due to their accuracy at low flow rates.

• How often should a meter reader inspect the meter box for

obstructions?

• Once every 5 years
• Only during installation
• During each meter reading visit
• Only after a complaint

Rationale: Inspecting the meter box each visit ensures accurate

readings and identifies potential hazards.

• If a water meter reads 1,024 cubic feet at the beginning of the month

and 1,112 cubic feet at the end, how much water was used?

• 88 gallons
• 88 cubic feet
• 1,112 cubic feet
• 1,024 cubic feet

Rationale: Usage is calculated by subtracting the initial reading from

the final reading: 1,112 – 1,024 = 88 cubic feet.

• Which safety equipment is essential when reading meters in traffic

areas? 2 / 4

• Hard hat
• Gloves
• Safety glasses
• High-visibility vest

Rationale: High-visibility vests help ensure meter readers are seen by

drivers in traffic zones.

• A meter shows a continuous flow even when no water is being used.

What could this indicate?

• Normal operation
• Low water pressure
• Leaking or faulty meter
• Closed valve

Rationale: Continuous flow may indicate a leak or a malfunctioning

meter that must be investigated.

• Which tool is commonly used to remove a meter lid?
• Screwdriver
• Wrench
• Meter key
• Pliers

Rationale: A meter key is specifically designed to safely remove

meter lids.

• When a meter is installed incorrectly, which of the following problems

can occur? 3 / 4

• Water tastes different
• Inaccurate readings
• Pipe corrosion
• Water freezes

Rationale: Incorrect installation can cause turbulence or reverse flow,

leading to inaccurate consumption readings.

• What should a meter reader do if a meter is inaccessible due to

overgrowth?

• Skip the meter
• Note the obstruction and report it
• Force the cover open
• Guess the reading

Rationale: Reporting obstructions allows the utility to address safety

issues and ensures accurate readings in the future.

• Which of the following describes a compound water meter?
• Measures only low flow
• Measures both low and high flow
• Measures only high flow
• Measures water pressure

Rationale: Compound meters combine positive displacement and

turbine mechanisms to measure a wide range of flows accurately.

• What unit is commonly used on residential water bills in Illinois?
• Liters
• / 4