An important factor for selection of main water meters is a precise determination of design flow, value of “nieprzewyższenia”. Presently, technical norms, on which determination of design flow for diameter selection of waterworks selection and consequently water meters selection are based, are no reliable in relation to the actual flow. This gives arguments to ascertain that harmonized standards do not meet Polish conditions and it requires correction. The article presents the method of determining the actual design flow for water supply system connection, which has an impact on a proper selection of main water meters in public buildings.