The program is upgrading existing mechanical meters with modern technology that securely sends daily water use data to Unitywater – providing faster leak identification, earlier customer notifications, clearer billing and a more complete picture of water use across the network.
Identified properties in Kallangur, Murrumba Downs, Nambour, Woombye and Diddillibah will receive a digital meter this month and follow 2,205 properties that were converted to digital meters last month.
Unitywater Executive Manager Customer Experience, Katherine Gee, said properties identified in older areas that were more likely to experience leaks were receiving the meters first.
“We’re installing meters by ‘network blocks’, which are defined by our water supply infrastructure layout, rather than street-by-street,” she said.
“This enables us to more accurately pinpoint potential leaks in the network beyond the household level.
“It means you may see your neighbours’ meter being upgraded but not yours – yet – and this is an intentional, operational approach.”
Ms Gee said traditional mechanical meters were read every three months and customers may not realise they have a leak until they receive their Unitywater bill.
“With this technology, we can identify a leak at a property sooner than ever before and provide support to our customers to help them resolve it quickly, before they receive a large water bill,” Ms Gee said.
Unitywater’s pilot program installed digital technology in 10,000 properties and has so far delivered more than 800 million litres of water savings, more than $5 million in customer savings, and early leak identification support for more than 3,000 households.
Customers set to receive a digital meter in the next six months will receive a letter from Unitywater followed by a notice approximately five to 10 days before their installation window. They don’t need to be home for the upgrade, which takes between five minutes to one hour.
“We don’t always need to turn off your water for this upgrade, but if we do we will notify you beforehand,” Ms Gee said.
Ms Gee said there was no additional fee for customers if they received the digital meter as per Unitywater’s schedule, however those customers wishing to have an early upgrade could opt-in which may incur an additional fee. For more information or to register your interest visit our Digital Metering Program page. .
