Which component helps in mitigating potential water waste caused by leaks?

• A. Water pressure gauge
• B. Drip valve
• C. Water meter
• D. Sensor

Answer: (C)

The water meter is crucial in mitigating potential water waste caused by leaks because it actively measures the volume of water flowing through a plumbing system. By monitoring usage patterns, a water meter can alert homeowners or landscapers to unusual spikes in consumption that may indicate leaks. Regularly checking the readings can help identify discrepancies between expected usage and actual consumption. This proactive measure ensures that leaks can be detected and addressed promptly, thus minimizing the amount of water wasted.

In contrast, while other components like water pressure gauges, drip valves, and sensors contribute to overall water efficiency and management, they do not directly measure water usage in a way that facilitates the immediate identification of leaks. A water pressure gauge indicates the pressure level in the system, which can be indirectly related to leaks, but does not quantify water loss. Drip valves control water flow but do not monitor overall usage, and sensors typically manage irrigation scheduling or environmental conditions rather than measuring water volume directly. Therefore, the water meter stands out as the most effective component for identifying and mitigating waste due to leaks.