Yarra Valley Water

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Digital water meter trial

We’ve upgraded water meters with new technology at about 900 properties in the Vermont South area. This will help us better understand how customers can benefit from digital water meter technology.

With Melbourne’s population set to double and scientists predicting more extreme droughts in the future, we need to find new ways to improve our water network and work better. We’re exploring upgrading existing water meters to digital water meters to help us manage our water even more sustainably.

Benefits of digital water meters

Digital water meters link to telecommunications networks to relay water meter readings to our secure data centre. Because digital water meters can collect and relay information quickly, they have the potential to provide daily information about:

  • Your water use, so you're more aware of how much water you’re using.
  • Possible water leaks on your property through a leak alert, so you can take action quickly if needed. This will help to save water and avoid potentially high bills.

Upgrading digital water meters in Vermont South

The process of upgrading water meters in Vermont South:

Digital metering process infographic (described below)

 

The process explained

1. Existing water meter setup

A  meter reader physically visits a property every 3 months to take a water meter reading. We compare this reading to the previous water meter reading, and use the difference to calculate the next bill.

2. Digital water meter trial

We’ve upgraded water meters with new technology at about 900 properties in Vermont South.

3. Replacing the water meter

Our contractor has replaced the existing water meter with a digital water meter.

4. New digital water meter setup

The digital water meter sends the property’s daily water use data back to us.

5. Benefits of having a digital water meter

Digital water meters enable customers to see how much water they’re using. They can help save money and also reduce water wastage by identifying possible leaks on the property.

Frequently asked questions

Water meters

What is a water meter?

Every property has a water meter – a device that tracks the volume of water being supplied to that property from the water pipe out in the street.

Without water meters, we wouldn’t know how much water a property used, and we wouldn’t be able to accurately bill people for the water they used.

Water meters are usually in the front yard of the property. For most customers, a meter reader physically visits the property every 3 months to take a water meter reading. This reading is compared to the previous water meter reading, and the difference is used to calculate the next bill.

How often are water meters replaced?

Water meters last for around 15 years. After this time, the mechanical components can start slowing down. This  means the meter tracks a slightly lower amount of water being used than the amount that’s actually used.

We replace water meters every 15 years, as part of an ongoing maintenance program.

What does the digital water meter look like?

See the different appearance between standard water meters and the digital water meter being used in the trial:

Standard water meter
Standard water meter
Digital water meter
Digital water meter used in Phase 1

 

Are any other digital water meter trials happening?

Yes, we're working with the other metropolitan Melbourne water utilities, Greater Western Water and South East Water.  Together we're exploring how we upgrade existing water meters to digital water meters to help us manage our water more sustainably. Find out more about the Digital metering joint program.

Digital water meters have been rolled out in Europe and North America since 2013, and in New York, Toronto and London. These examples are just the first of a global movement towards a smarter and more reliable future for water.

What happens after the trial?

The trial is helping us to understand the benefits of digital water meters. It also helps us understand the practicalities of a future digital water meter replacement program, including what the financial implications may be.

Your water use data

What happens with my water use data?

We may use data collected through digital water meters to: 

  • send you quarterly bills 
  • detect potential water leaks and identify abnormal water use patterns 
  • optimise our network operations and planning. 

The information we collect through digital water meters may be disclosed to property owners, occupiers, and contractors or third parties. 

What type of data is collected through the digital water meter?

The digital water meter device itself doesn't collect or store any personal information.  

However, we may collect the following data through digital water meters: 

  • Water usage data showing the volume of water that has passed through the meter at various times in the day. 
  • Meter performance information, such as the battery’s health and the network’s signal strength.
  • Water network related information, such as the water’s temperature and pressure.  

 

What happens if there's a possible leak at my property?

If we notice a possible water leak, we’ll contact you as soon as possible and guide you to check for, and fix, a leak yourself. 

View how to check for and fix a leak

If you can’t find the leak, don’t worry – as part of our trial we’re offering a free leak check, to be completed at your property by a qualified plumber.

Find out more about the free leak check

How do digital water meters transmit data?

Digital water meters communicate data to us via telecommunication networks, similar to how mobile phones send data.

Are there any health concerns about data transmission?

The data sent from digital water meters uses low level radiofrequency (RF) waves, a form of electromagnetic energy present all around us from natural and man-made sources.

We’re trialling communication technologies that are well within the Australian safety standards and likely to produce much less RF than that produced by a mobile phone.

Together with South East Water and Greater Western Water, we're undertaking independent RF testing, and this will continue  as we move forward in our digital metering journey.

How are you securing my personal information?

We take your privacy very seriously. We manage your information in accordance with the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014. No personal information is stored on the digital water metering device itself.

Contact us

If you have any questions or feedback about the digital water meter trial, please call us on 1300 164 844 or email [email protected].