What role does a water meter play in plumbing systems?

A water meter is an essential component of plumbing systems, primarily designed to measure water flow. It accurately tracks the volume of water consumed in a facility or by an individual user, providing crucial data for billing purposes and helping to monitor water usage patterns. This measurement is vital for both homeowners and utility companies to manage water resources efficiently, identify anomalies in consumption, and detect potential leaks or wastage when unusual spikes in water usage occur.

The other roles listed, such as controlling water temperature, filtering impurities, and preventing leaks, are handled by different plumbing components. For instance, water heaters manage temperature, filtration systems purify the water, and various plumbing fittings and seals work to prevent leaks. Each component has a specific function that contributes to the overall efficacy of the plumbing system, but the water meter's primary role remains solely focused on measuring water flow.