Which type of water meter is most commonly used for residential applications?

The displacement type water meter is most commonly used for residential applications due to its design and functionality, which are well-suited for measuring low flow rates typically found in home water usage. This meter operates by displacing a set amount of water with a measuring chamber that divides the flow into discrete volumes, with the total volume counted by a mechanical or electronic register.

This mechanism allows for accurate measurements even at low flow rates, making it ideal for residential settings where water usage can vary significantly throughout the day. Additionally, displacement meters are generally more cost-effective for residential applications compared to other types and have a long-standing reliability record, making them a preferred choice for utility companies.

In contrast, other meter types like magnetic or electromagnetic meters are generally used for larger commercial or industrial applications where water flow rates are higher and more complex measurements are necessary. Velocity type meters, while effective, are less accurate at low flow rates compared to displacement meters and are more commonly used in scenarios with consistent, high flow rates. Thus, the displacement type meter stands out as the most appropriate choice for typical residential water usage situations.