Smart water meter rollouts aim to improve leak detection and utility efficiency

Utilities are expanding the use of digital and wireless smart water meters to modernize infrastructure and improve leak detection.

Barwon Water is rolling out digital meters across Geelong, Jan Juc, and Torquay. The utility reported that early results from residential leak alerts allowed 22 customers to identify and repair hidden leaks, preventing over half a million litres of water loss and saving customers an average of nearly $100 on bills. Previous trials in Birregurra and Marengo saved a combined 45 million litres of water. These digital meters identify anomalies by monitoring variations in water pressure, consumption, and vibrations.

In the Village of Wellington, a new Water Meter Replacement Program is underway to replace residential meters with wireless smart technology. The 12-to-18-month initiative aims to improve billing accuracy and eliminate the need for manual meter readings. The program, supported by contractor Envocore, is intended to enhance customer service and reduce carbon emissions by decreasing vehicle usage associated with manual collections.