A water flow metering device for use as a handheld or ground-based sprinkler includes a device body having a water inlet, a water distribution head in fluid communication with the device body, and a flow pattern selector. The flow pattern selector is coupled to the water distribution head and meters the amount of water sprayed onto the surrounding area. The flow pattern selector includes indicia that provide flow rate information to an operator. A pressure control valve regulates the flow rate in accordance with the information provided by the flow pattern selector. The water flow metering device may also include a timing mechanism having a timer which closes the water supply after a set period of time. A pressure transducer or other flow rate measuring device may allow the timer to operate the device for a predetermined amount of water distribution in inches per hour.
