<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-16.1
<SEQUENCE>2
<FILENAME>c85870exv16w1.txt
<DESCRIPTION>LETTER FROM ERNST & YOUNG LLP
<TEXT>
<PAGE>


                                                                    EXHIBIT 16.1

                 Letter Regarding Change in Independent Auditors

May 26, 2004

Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20549

Gentlemen:

We have read Item 4 of Form 8-K dated May 26, 2004, of Badger Meter, Inc. and
are in agreement with the statements contained in the second and third
paragraphs of Item 4(a). We have no basis to agree or disagree with other
statements of the registrant contained therein.


                                                   /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
                                                   ---------------------
                                                       Ernst & Young LLP


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</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>