What is the maximum graduation of a water meter?

The maximum graduation of a water meter is typically defined as the smallest increment of measurement that the meter can accurately display. Choosing one gallon as the maximum graduation aligns with standard water meter practices, particularly for residential use. This means that the water meter reads and measures water flow in increments of one gallon.

This specification helps in ensuring that the readings are not only precise but also manageable for billing purposes. For example, if the maximum graduation were smaller, like half a gallon, the meter would measure water usage in finer increments, which might be unnecessary for households and could lead to more complex billing without significant benefit. Conversely, larger graduations, such as two or five gallons, may not provide the level of detail desired for accountability in water usage for households.

In summary, one gallon serves as a practical balance between accuracy and ease of reading for residential water meters, making it the standard in many cases.