Faster leak detection is on the way
Unitywater is upgrading to digital water meters across our network. This modern technology helps us save water, reduce leaks sooner and ease cost of living pressures for our customers.
Customer benefits
- Faster leak detection: Daily monitoring helps us spot unusual water use early, often before leaks become costly or cause damage.
- Quick notifications: If something doesn’t look right, we’ll let you know so you can check for leaks and fix them sooner.
- More accurate billing: Digital meters remove the need for manual reads and estimated bills, helping ensure your bill reflects your actual water use.
Detect today. Save tomorrow.
Our pilot programs have already shown strong results. For 10,000 trial customers, digital metering helped deliver:
How digital meters work
A digital meter is made up of a mechanical water meter and a logger device that sits on top. Like your existing meter, a logger device counts the volume of water used on your property as the water flows through it.
Instead of waiting for a manual meter read every few months, the meter securely sends your daily water use information to Unitywater.
Over time, this gives us a clear picture of your normal water use — including daily patterns, overnight use and seasonal changes.
A digital meter consists of a water meter plus a logger device that checks daily water usage
Water meter data is securely transmitted to Unitywater
Unitywater assesses daily water usage, detects any possible leaks and notifies customer via SMS or email
Customer takes action to find and fix the leak fast
Customer avoids a costly surprise on their bill, saving water and the environment
The installation process
We’re rolling out digital meters across Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast and Noosa from early 2026. We’ll start in areas with older infrastructure where leaks are more common.
Opt in early
From late 2026, you’ll be able to request an early upgrade. Register your interest here.
FAQs
What is a water meter?
A water meter measures how much water is supplied to your property from the main water pipe in the street. Without it, we wouldn’t know how much water you’ve used or be able to bill accurately. Meters are usually located in your front yard.
Traditionally, a meter reader visits every three months to record your usage and calculate your bill.
How does a digital meter work?
Digital meters automatically measure your water use and securely send the data to Unitywater each day. They’re battery powered (lasting up to 15 years), so they keep working even during power outages. If a device stops working, we’re notified automatically.
What are the benefits of digital meters?
Daily checking helps us spot unusual water use early — often before a hidden leak becomes expensive. Fixing leaks sooner saves water and helps keep bills down, supporting a more sustainable future.
Does Unitywater compensate customers for unknown leaks?
You may be eligible for a Concealed Leak Allowance if a hidden leak caused a sudden increase in your bill. Customers who don’t fix leaks after being notified aren’t eligible for the allowance.
Is digital metering safe?
Yes. Digital meters emit very low level radiofrequency (RF) waves — far less than a garage remote — and well within Australian safety standards.
How is my privacy protected?
We only receive encrypted information about:
- the meter serial number
- the time of the reading
- the total water used (in kilolitres).
No personal information, including your address, is transmitted. All data is handled in line with our Privacy Policy and Australian security requirements.
What happens if a potential leak is detected?
If we detect unusual continuous water use, we’ll contact the property owner by SMS, email or letter. It’s the owner’s responsibility to find and repair leaks on their side of the meter. We recommend checking for leaks regularly using our step by step guide.
Will I still get a physical meter read?
No. Once your digital meter is active, manual meter reads are no longer needed.
Can I still check my own water usage?
Yes. You can still read your physical meter, and you can use the online tool called ‘My Usage Tracker’ via My Account to keep an eye on your water use. Daily usage data also helps us notify you of potential leaks.
Who does leak notification go to? Owner or resident?
Ideally, it will go to the primary property owner. This is to avoid multiple actions being taken, such as multiple property owners engaging multiple plumbers for the same event.
What is the trigger point for a leak notification?
We check your water usage over a 48 hour period. A leak notification will be triggered if a meter’s minimum use through the day is above 500 litres (we find the lowest hourly flow and multiply it by 24 hours) and persists for 3 consecutive days.
How does Unitywater send leak notifications?
Via SMS or email, however if neither of these are available to us, we will send a letter via post. Leak notifications go to the property owner, not occupier, as they are financially responsible to Unitywater for the account. Also, Unitywater does not manage contact details for tenants.
Will this change how I’m billed?
No. You’ll still receive quarterly bills. Digital metering simply means your bill is calculated using accurate, up to date data — and you won’t receive a meter reading card anymore.
What if I’m a tenant?
Unitywater communicates with the property owner, who is responsible for fixing leaks. Landlords may pass on water usage charges to tenants under Queensland tenancy laws.
When will I get my digital meter?
The digital meter network is being expanded across Moreton Bay, the Sunshine Coast and Noosa in 2026, prioritising areas with older infrastructure that are more likely to have leaks.
We’ll contact you when your property is scheduled, using your preferred method (letter or email).
If you want your meter upgraded sooner, you can register now using the 'opt in early' form above and we will be in touch in late 2026 with more information.
What type of meter will be installed?
Older mechanical meters will be replaced with a digital meter, called a TD8 water meter. If you already have a newer meter, we may simply add a digital logging device to your existing meter.
Will it cost anything?
No. The upgrade is part of Unitywater’s commitment to ensuring we deliver a 24/7 reliable and safe drinking water service to our community and will not incur an additional fee.
Do I need to be home?
No. Our authorised contractor, ETS, will undertake the work and leave a notification brochure in your letterbox.
Will my water be turned off?
If your meter needs replacing, your water may be off for up to one hour. We’ll give you plenty of notice beforehand.
Need extra support?
We work closely with customers who rely on water for medical reasons (such as dialysis). If you’re on our critical water needs list, we’ll arrange a suitable time for installation and provide alternative water if needed.
If you’re not on our list or you’d like to know more about how to get onto our critical water needs list, please contact us so we can help.
