How does the meter bypass detect leaks?

• A. Small amounts of water flow through the small-diameter bypass line with its own meter, allowing the utility to detect unauthorized use
• B. It vents water to atmosphere
• C. It isolates the RPZ from the supply
• D. It increases flow rate to test the backflow preventer

Answer: (A)

Meter bypass works by providing a separate, small-diameter path around the main water meter that has its own meter. Water can flow through this bypass and be measured independently, so the utility can detect any flow that bypasses the main meter. This makes it possible to spot unauthorized use or leaks that aren’t accounted for by the main meter readings, since the bypass meter will show flow that shouldn’t be occurring or isn’t being recorded by the primary meter. The other options don’t describe a separate, metered bypass path and thus don’t explain how leakage or tampering would be detected.