Unitywater has announced the next Moreton Bay and Sunshine Coast suburbs set to receive digital water meters in April.
Installations will prioritise older parts of the network where improved monitoring can deliver the greatest operational benefit.
The rollout will upgrade existing mechanical meters with digital devices that securely transmit daily water-use data to Unitywater. The technology enables faster identification of leaks, earlier intervention, clearer billing and a more comprehensive understanding of water use across the entire distribution network.
From this month, installations will begin in Alexandra Headland, Buderim, Burnside, Highworth, Image Flat, Kallangur, Kuluin, Mango Hill, Maroochydore, Mooloolaba and Nambour. Additional suburbs in Noosa are scheduled to receive digital meters over the next six months as the program expands.
Unitywater Executive Manager Customer Experience, Katherine Gee, said the rollout would be delivered in ‘network blocks’, defined by the layout of the water supply infrastructure rather than street-by-street.
This approach allows the utility to monitor sections of the network more effectively and pinpoint potential leaks or anomalies beyond the household level.
“Our data tells us which areas should receive this digital technology first to help customers identify concealed leaks early and notify them that there could be an issue on their property,” Gee said.
“With traditional mechanical meters being read every three months, our customers may not realise they have a leak until they receive their bill from us.”
Gee said a digital metering pilot program demonstrated the broader value of the technology for both customers and the utility.
“Our pilot program installed digital technology in 10,000 properties and has delivered more than 800 million litres of water savings, more than $5 million in customer savings, and early leak identification support for more than 3000 households,” she said.
Customers in suburbs scheduled for installation will receive a letter from Unitywater followed by a notice approximately five to ten days before their installation window.
“Customers do not need to be home for the upgrade, and once we let you know we are coming to upgrade your meter there is no additional fee for this service,” Gee said.
“The upgrade will take between five minutes to one hour and if we need to turn off your water we will notify you beforehand.”
