MidCoast Council is undertaking its first-ever digital water meter trial in July 2021, helping Stroud Road residents track and monitor their water usage with instantaneous data on water consumption.
Council’s Director of Infrastructure and Engineering Services, Rob Scott, said the Stroud Road trial would run for at least three months and would allow Council to assess the effectiveness of the technology.
“We’ll be installing smart meters at all residential and commercial properties in Stroud Road and using the trial to evaluate current data analysis models, identify risks and barriers, and gauge community acceptance,” Cr Scott said.
“This will give us the information we need to develop a business case together with a cost analysis to help us decide on the roll out of the technology across the region.
“It will also help us better understand how our customers use water and allow us to flag any leaks or abnormal usage with them directly. They’ll be able to find and repair leaks quickly, helping them avoid large bills and cut down on water wastage.”
Following the trial, the smart meters will remain in place and residents will be able to track their water use via a smartphone app and website login.
Cr Scott said this would give customers greater control over their water use and their home budgets.
“Having access to up-to-date data is going to allow our customers to understand how they’re using water, where potential savings can be made, and what to expect when they receive their quarterly bills so there are no nasty shocks,” Cr Scott said.
Smart meters were identified as an effective tool for reducing water use in the Council’s most recent Integrated Water Cycle Management Strategy, Our Water, Our Future.
It has been estimated that the use of a smart meter can reduce water consumption inside the home by up to five per cent.
