New water meters equipped with ultrasonic transmitters that the Stinson Beach County Water District began installing in two of the town’s neighborhoods have helped the district spot and fix several leaks, saving an estimated 100,000 gallons of water from being wasted. The district received a $300,000 grant from the California Department of Water Resources to install 730 advanced-technology meters for all homes and businesses in Stinson Beach. Since installation began six weeks ago, 120 meters are online in the Seadrift and Dipsea neighborhoods, with the remainder scheduled to be active by Thanksgiving. Equipped with Orion ultrasonic transmitters, the new meters record amounts of water passing through pipes in far more specific measurements than current meters, which calculate water volumes by means of a propeller. That precision has alerted the district to 10 small leaks that otherwise would have been missed, saving homeowners thousands of dollars. Aside from saving money, the district’s general manager, Ed Schmidt, said the meters will help reduce a meter he calls “lost water,” which represents the difference between the amount of water the district processes through its treatment plant and the amount sold to customers. Historically, Stinson Beach averages an 18-percent difference between water treated and water sold, up from the state average of 12 percent. The meters arrive at an opportune time for the district, which hopes to further reduce the town’s consumption from the 25-percent reduction it has seen since 2013 as California’s drought continues. “We’re going to find every leak possible,” Mr. Schmidt said. “It’s amazing how much water has been going through [the current meters] without getting measured.” The new meters also feature 24-hour electronic updates to the district and to home and business owners via text message. That feature, Mr. Schmidt said, would help homeowners who live in Stinson Beach only a few months out of the year catch leaks that could run up a hefty bill.