Over time, a 5/8" x 3/4" water meter is expected to do what in relation to measuring water used?

The correct understanding regarding a 5/8" x 3/4" water meter involves recognizing that as it ages, it may lose its efficiency in accurately measuring the volume of water that passes through it. Over time, factors such as mineral buildup, wear and tear of internal components, and the degradation of moving parts can contribute to a decline in measurement accuracy. This means that the meter may start to record less water being used than is actually flowing through it, resulting in lower recorded volumes over time.

This deterioration in performance is typical for mechanical meters, as they rely on moving parts that can wear out or become obstructed. Thus, the expectation is not that the meter will necessarily come to a complete stop but instead that it will provide diminished readings relative to the actual water consumption, leading to a discrepancy in billing and water usage analysis.