When Central Highlands Regional Council set out on a digital metering journey to tackle water waste, careful planning was needed to get 100 per cent coverage from every meter.
In early 2024, Central Highlands Regional Council (CHRC) partnered with Taggle to pilot digital water meters. This Stage 1 trial was designed to evaluate the technology, demonstrate its benefits, build a solid business case, integrate the data into Council’s workflow and resolve potential challenges before scaling up.
Ensuring complete data collection from every property is crucial for effective demand management and accurately quantifying non-revenue water. However, reaching 100 per cent connectivity can be a challenge due meters being in tough radio environments and the diversity of types and sizes, so CHRC needed to assess Taggle’s technology and ensure that every meter can be reliably connected.
Network planning and testing
Queensland’s Central Highlands region is home to approximately 30,000 residents spread across 13 communities. Capella was selected as the site for this pilot program, which includes 514 meters.
Taggle Network Operations Manager, George Zisis, said that meticulous planning was the key to achieving 100 per cent connectivity.
“For every meter rollout we take the time up front to get the network right. This ensures a smooth process with minimal surprises or challenges during installation,” he said.
The team used CloudRF, an advanced radio frequency modelling tool, to identify optimal locations for network receivers. Out of six potential sites, two were chosen to provide the best coverage. By overlaying tag locations and simulating signal strength, the team confirmed that 100 per cent coverage was achievable.
However, theoretical models can only go so far. Field tests were conducted to validate the plan and ensure the receivers could be installed without unexpected issues.
Getting on the ground
After installing the receivers, another round of on-the-ground testing was conducted prior to the meter installation. Taggle performed connectivity checks with survey tags and specialised equipment. While the overall results were promising, the field tests revealed common but manageable challenges.
Several of the water meters were located under dense foliage, which means that when it rains the wet foliage can block the signal from getting out – particularly for those on the fringe of coverage areas.
“To address this, we can install an add on tag that we elevate above the foliage or a high-power tag, which will improve the connectivity,” Mr Zisis said.
Taggle also found one meter beneath a steel drum surrounded by an electric fence, while this is sometimes done to protect the plumbing from cattle is also posed a safety risk for installation teams. Another meter was buried in a deep concrete pit, and one was covered in dirt. Identifying these issues ahead of time allowed the Council to notify residents and prepare contractors, avoiding delays.
Results and benefits
Despite these obstacles, the Capella pilot achieved 100 per cent network coverage, with all 514 meters transmitting hourly data reliably. This enabled CHRC to accurately calculate the town’s water usage and detect leaks rapidly.
Since the installation in May 2024, a number of properties have been identified as having potential internal leaks and approximately 50 residents have signed up to the customer portal. Council is contacting residents with the largest leaks first.
This real-time data improves water management and enhances customer service by enabling quick resolution of issues.
Taggle’s rigorous planning and pre-installation testing were pivotal to the project’s success. By addressing connectivity challenges early and accommodating unique site conditions, CHRC transitioned to digital water metering with minimal disruption, unlocking significant operational, financial and water security benefits.
