The installation of smart water meters begins in Stanthorpe next week and Southern Downs Regional Council is encouraging the local community to contact the equipment installer Data Right as soon as possible if they anticipate access issues to their property.
More than 2700 smart meters will replace the existing mechanical meters to help identify and eliminate water loss from leaks, improve accuracy of water bills, inform better water use decisions and enhance customer service by providing access to real-time water consumption data.
Southern Downs councillor Stephen Tancred said stage one of the State and Federal Government-funded project was a positive step forward in preparing the region for the inevitability of future droughts .
“The smart water meter project is a game changing initiative in shoring up long-term water security and improving drought resilience,” Councillor Tancred said.
“With real-time access to water use data being transmitted by radio to an on-line customer portal, residents will have greater ability to monitor and change water consumption behaviours.
“The new water meters remotely monitor for leaks in the water network so Council’s water team will be able to identify leaks more quickly and minimise water losses.
“To help ensure the project is rolled out seamlessly and with minimal disruption, Council encourages residents to contact Data Right on 4968 3173 to arrange a suitable time for installation if they anticipate that either locked gates or dogs could prevent property access.”
The project will begin on Tuesday 25 October 2022 and is expected to be completed towards mid-December.
Contractors will work seven days a week from 7am to 6pm, weather permitting.
“With a huge demand for contractors right across South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales, we are lucky that the project can get a start before Christmas, and I’m sure Stanthorpe residents will be offering a friendly wave or a horn toot to the team whilst they are in town,” Councillor Tancred said.
Following installation, residents may notice some slight water discolouration and air in water lines but this is harmless and will dissipate once water has run through the pipes for a short time.
Once the meter installation roll out is complete, residents will be able to register to access information via the internet and set up personalised alerts to notify of potential leaks or spikes in their water use via an online portal.
The smart water meter project aligns with Council’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy 2021-2031 in the priority area of valuing water.
This project is jointly funded by the State and Federal Government via the Local Economy Recovery funding program and co-contribution from Council.
