How is a water meter beneficial to a water system?

A water meter is beneficial to a water system primarily because it measures water usage for billing and monitoring. This function is essential for several reasons. First, it allows water utility providers to accurately track the amount of water consumed by individual users or households, ensuring that billing is based on actual usage. This promotes fairness and accountability in water consumption.

Additionally, monitoring water usage helps identify trends over time, which can be valuable for resource management. For instance, utilities can analyze consumption patterns to better anticipate demand, aiding in planning for supply needs or influencing decisions about infrastructure investments. It can also help in detecting leaks or inefficiencies in the system since an unexpected increase in usage might indicate a problem that requires attention.

While other options might seem plausible, they do not pertain directly to the primary function of a water meter. A water meter does not provide an emergency water supply, filter impurities, or control water pressure; rather, its core role is focused on measurement and monitoring of water usage.