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                                                                    EXHIBIT (23)


               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8 No. 33-62241) pertaining to the Badger Meter Employee Savings and Stock
Ownership Plan (the Plan) of our report dated March 23, 2001, with respect to
the financial statements and schedules of the Plan included in this Annual
Report (Form 11-K) for the year ended December 31, 2000.


                                                       Ernst & Young LLP



Milwaukee, Wisconsin
June 12, 2001





















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