Which two types of water meters are typically used in water distribution?

Positive displacement meters and velocity meters are commonly used in water distribution due to their ability to accurately measure the flow of water in different conditions.

Positive displacement meters work by trapping a specific volume of water to measure flow, making them particularly useful for smaller flows or residential applications. They are highly accurate at low flow rates and maintain this accuracy across varying flow conditions, allowing for detailed measurement of consumption.

On the other hand, velocity meters calculate flow based on the velocity of the water moving through the meter. These meters are typically used for larger pipes and higher flow rates, as they can handle significant volumes of water and are more cost-effective for large-scale applications. Velocity meters can utilize various technologies, including turbine, electromagnetic, or ultrasonic methods, to determine flow rates based on the speed of the water.

The combination of these two types of meters serves different purposes in a water distribution system, ensuring both accurate measurement and efficient management of water resources across diverse applications. This versatility makes them the standard choices in the industry.