> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.immodio.app/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.immodio.app/en/anleitung/betriebskostenabrechnungen/wasserverbrauch/zahler-und-zahlerstande.md). # Meters and meter readings This page explains how you can allocate water consumption either using meters and meter readings maintained digitally in Immodio or using manual entries.
{% stepper %} {% step %} ### Total consumption In the first step you enter the **total water consumption**. To do so, click **"Enter consumption"** in the **"Total water"** area. {% hint style="info" %} This means the water consumption of the **entire building**. {% endhint %}
You now have two ways to enter the **total water consumption**: Either you enter the water consumed manually in **cubic metres (m³)**, or (if a water meter exists for total consumption) you enter the current **meter reading** of that water meter. #### A. Manual entry To enter the total water consumption manually, click the **"Manual entry"** button and enter the quantity of water consumed in m³.
#### B. Reading from meters
1. If you have created a water meter for total consumption in Immodio under the property in the [**Meters (property)**](/en/anleitung/immobilien/objekt/zahler-objekt.md) area and maintained the current meter reading there, you can select the meter reading directly at this point.
2. You can now select the "**start meter reading**" and the "**end meter reading**" for the meter concerned.
To do so, click the field for the **start** or **end meter reading** and select the appropriate reading from the list of meter readings stored in Immodio. {% hint style="info" %} Immodio automatically suggests the matching start and end meter readings, taking the reading closest to the **start of the settlement period** and the **end of the settlement period**, provided it was recorded no more than **three** **days** before or after. Where a tenant changes, Immodio uses the tenant's move-in or move-out date accordingly. {% endhint %}
Repeat this procedure for all relevant water meters in the property and then confirm your entries by clicking **"Save"**.
{% endstep %} {% step %} ### Consumption of the individual tenancies In the second step you enter the **water consumption of the individual tenancies**. To do so, click **"Enter consumption"** for each tenancy listed. {% hint style="info" %} The consumption figures for the tenancies now have to be entered one after another. {% endhint %}
You now have two ways to enter the **water consumption of the selected tenancy**: Either you enter the water consumed manually in **cubic metres (m³)**, or (if a [water meter exists in the unit](/en/anleitung/immobilien/einheit/zahler-einheit.md)) you enter the current **meter reading** of that water meter. #### A. Manual entry To enter the water consumption of the selected tenancy manually, click the **"Manual entry"** button and enter the quantity of water consumed in m³. You can enter meter readings for **"cold water"**, **"hot water"** and **"garden water"** manually.
#### B. Reading from meters
1. If you have created all the water meters for the tenancy's consumption in Immodio in the relevant unit in the [**Meters (unit)**](/en/anleitung/immobilien/einheit/zahler-einheit.md) area and maintained the current meter readings there, you can select the meter readings directly at this point.\ \ To do so, click the areas marked with red arrows in the example image above.
2. You can now select the "**start meter reading**" and the "**end meter reading**" for the meter concerned.
To do so, click the field for the **start** or **end meter reading** and select the appropriate reading from the list of meter readings stored in Immodio. {% hint style="info" %} Immodio automatically suggests the matching start and end meter readings, taking the reading closest to the **start of the settlement period** and the **end of the settlement period**, provided it was recorded no more than **three** **days** before or after. Where a tenant changes, Immodio uses the tenant's move-in or move-out date accordingly. {% endhint %} Repeat this procedure for all relevant water meters of the respective tenancies and then confirm your entries by clicking **"Save"**.
{% endstep %} {% endstepper %} *** ### The total water quantity is higher than the sum of the individual meters If the total water quantity is higher than the sum of the individual meters, this is not a problem in itself. Under tenancy case law, measurement differences between the main water meter and the individual meters may only be allocated proportionally to the users up to a limit of about 20%.
If this limit is exceeded, however, this indicates non-recoverable excess consumption, for example due to measurement errors, pipe losses or unrecorded outlets. In that case only the sum of the individual meters can be billed. Please check the meter readings and reading dates. *** ### Calibration of the meters Where billing is based on meter readings, the meters generally have to be usable under calibration law. Under Section 37 of the German Measurement and Calibration Act, measuring devices may not be used uncalibrated once the calibration period has expired. {% hint style="info" %} For water meters the calibration period is generally 6 years under Section 34 of the German Measurement and Calibration Ordinance in conjunction with Annex 7 of that ordinance. {% endhint %}