Which device is used to measure the volume of water consumed by a building or property?

The device that is used to measure the volume of water consumed by a building or property is the water meter. This instrument accurately tracks the total amount of water that passes through it, typically measured in gallons or liters. Water meters are essential for both residential and commercial properties for billing purposes and to monitor water usage, enabling property owners to manage their water consumption effectively.

Water meters operate on various principles, including positive displacement and water flow measurement through a turbine or other mechanisms, ensuring precision in tracking the flow rate. The data collected can also help in identifying leaks or unexpected increases in water usage, which can indicate potential issues in the plumbing system.

In contrast, a flow gauge measures the rate of flow rather than total volume, and pressure sensors are designed to monitor the pressure of the water system but do not measure volume. A flow regulator is used to maintain a consistent flow rate but does not provide a measurement of water usage. Thus, the water meter is the correct answer for measuring the volume of water consumed.