Intelligent meter installation is now underway in Broadford, with Goulburn Valley Water (GVW) exchanging mechanical water meters for intelligent meters at no additional cost to customers.
The new digital metering technology is being installed in Broadford to help reduce water wastage and detect leaks early as part of a multimillion-dollar project being rolled out by GVW.
The project will create a number of benefits for customers and GVW, including real-time water usage information, more accurate meter reads, the ability to identify cost savings and network efficiencies, and quicker leak detection.
Installation began in Wandong and Heathcote Junction in March, with the first of around 11,700 mechanical meters upgraded as part of a staged rollout.
Contractors then moved into Mansfield and now the installation will be occurring across Broadford. Results from this trial will determine GVW’s future commitment to installing meters across the rest of its service area.
GVW Managing Director, Steve Capewell, said the project is being delivered by project partner Suez Water, with sub contractor New Plumbing Solutions (NPS) undertaking the installation, and that customers can expect to see NPS representatives in the area in coming weeks.
“Customers receiving the meters may already have been contacted by GVW via a letter – and if we have their mobile number we will also text them in the lead up to NPS attending their property,” Dr Capewell said.
“NPS representatives will also be door knocking in a COVID-safe way to advise customers that they are onsite, and if the customer is not at home a notification will be left in their mail box to let them know that the exchange has occurred.
“We are so pleased to have this installation phase underway and look forward to the day we can activate the data portal for customers to have access to their water use data. This will enable them to analyse and track their water use in real time, one of the many benefits this technology provides.”
Digital meters do not pose a health risk to customers or the community, and customers will not be charged for the new meters.
Data is transmitted through low level radio frequency waves, which are well within Australian safety standards. The meter trial is voluntary in that customers will be offered an opportunity to opt out of the project and retain their current meter if they prefer.
GVW Customers will be kept informed about the project rollout through social media updates, letters, SMS messages and a dedicated project webpage.
So far, several Broadford and Waterford Park customers have made contact to advise GVW of information regarding access to their meter, to ask questions or to enquire about eligibility regarding opting-out of the trial – these details have all been logged in the system to be actioned.
GVW said it appreciates the contact made in these instances, and has passed information onto NPS regarding that installation information.
