Retail Motor Fuel Testing Truck at a Gas Pump
Retail Motor Fuel Testing Truck at a Gas Pump

National Weights and Measures Week - March 1-7th, 2020

Author: David Aguayo: Deputy Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer
Date: 3/2/2020 12:51:17 PM

The San Luis Obispo County Department of Agriculture/ Weights and Measures announces National Weights and Measures Week will take place from March 1-7, 2019. National Weights and Measures Week commemorates President John Adams’s signing of the first United States weights and measures law on March 2nd, 1799.


In 1901, the Federal government established the National Bureau of Standards, now known as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and shortly thereafter the National Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM) was established in 1905 when state directors first met to discuss weights and measures issues. These organizations, along with state and local weights and measures officials, industry members, and consumers continue to work together to address and develop U.S. standards while sharing knowledge and providing specialized training.

The theme for 2020 is “Building Weights and Measures’ Future by Sharing Our Knowledge”. This year the Conference will expand its efforts to share knowledge and inform the public of weights and measures programs through an online marketing plan, create a mentoring program for the succession of weights and measures programs across the country,  and provide additional training opportunities for members through alternative means.

San Luis Obispo County (SLO) weights and measures officials are active members in the NCWM, regularly attending annual meetings and trainings to gain insight on issues and technologies impacting state and county jurisdictions. SLO County inspectors have attended specialized trainings offered by the Conference on various commercial weighing and measuring devices, packaging and labeling, and price verification inspection techniques. Each training provides an opportunity for staff to expand their specialized skillset and share their knowledge locally. SLO County weights and measures officials continue to collaborate with officials nationwide to share experiences and knowledge on developing technologies and challenging technical issues.

From shelf to scanner, pump to vehicle, Weights and Measures Inspectors make certain customers get what they pay for. If you have been overcharged or have a complaint about the accuracy of a device, we would like to hear from you. Please contact a Weights and Measures Inspector at (805) 781-5910.