The ground wire should be connected as close as possible to the plumbing service entry and upstream of (before) any devices that might interrupt it. Meters, valves and dielectric connectors can interrupt electrical continuity. Where there are devices such as meters upstream, a jumper should be added around the devices, or the ground wire should be moved upstream of these. The jumper should be the same size as the ground wire.
In most areas the metallic natural gas piping must be bonded to the grounding system. This applies to new installations, or renovations involving gas piping or electrical service work. It is common to find this bonding wire connected to the plumbing system at the water heater, where the gas and water pipes are close together. In this case, a jumper should be provided around the water meter to maintain continuity of ground for the gas piping (although the electrical system may be properly grounded without this jumper).