What is this project all about?
TasWater has nearly 219,000 metered connections across Tasmania, with 93 percent being a standard 20mm residential service. Around 40 percent of these meters are now digital.
To keep our meter fleet reliable, we are delivering a continuous renewal program, replacing about 14,000 meters each year. With an average lifespan of 15 years, this rolling approach helps ensure accurate water measurement and long-term performance.
Upgrading meters also helps reduce estimated meter reads, which can often lead to unexpected bill shock for some customers when the meter is finally read.
By using meters that can be read manually or via drive-by technology, we can improve accuracy and service reliability for our customers.
What is the process?
Property owners will receive a notification advising that their water meter is scheduled for replacement in the coming weeks. We ask that contact is made if you require a specific day/time or if there are access issues at the property (locked gate etc).
In most cases, the meter replacement takes about 15 minutes, with only a interruption to your water supply. If we also need to upgrade the stop tap to TasWater standards, the water may be off for up to one hour.
As part of this program, we also check that customers have a working isolation valve — an important safety feature that allows water to be turned off in case of an emergency.
Once complete, our contractor will leave a card advising that the water meter at the property has been replaced.
If contractors are unable to access the meter due to a locked gate or pets on the premises, a calling card will be left requesting contact to arrange a suitable time.
Meters will be replaced from 7.30am until 4.00pm on weekdays only.
Which areas are scheduled for meter renewals this financial year?
The areas being renewed this year include:
- Meander Valley
- Derwent Valley
- West Tamar
- Kingborough
- Sorell
- Clarence
- Central Coast
About iPERL meters
Our current meter is an iPERL remote-read meter, which transmits readings using the 433MHz frequency. This is the same frequency used by common remote keyless entry systems, such as car remotes and roller doors.
The meters have two displays which show the total accumulated flow and the instantaneous flow, which allows customers to see the actual usage.
Key benefits of the new meters are:
- improved efficiencies through remote reading technology
- the ability to detect lower flow rates, which can improve leak detection.
