Possible Clues:

• It's read for flow
• It monitors movement of liquid resources we had over one period and most of another
• It's read by the utility company
• Utility usage gauge
• A period of time surrounded by dripping ends to pipe and sewer may see it appear
• Distance unit for competitive swimming?
• Utility gauge
• Use shower for cleaning, washing etc
• Utility measurer
• 39.37 inches of stream?