Frequently Asked Questions

We are introducing smart meters to automate the process, improve our water management, upgrade our infrastructure, improve our response times to service requests, effectively use our resources to fulfil our capital works program and, by 1 July 2020, harmonise our rates. 

There is no direct cost to you associated with the installation of the meter at properties, as the meter replacement program is being funded through Council’s Capital Works Program. 

If you weren’t previously charged for raw water on a usage basis, this will appear as a new water usage charge on your bill, instead of a single flat rate charge. This new usage charge will not come into effect until the 2021/22 financial year.

For information, it is anticipated that the average user should expect to pay a similar price for raw water usage as they do currently due to a reduction to the annual access fee. Large water users could potentially see a larger bill. 

In the meantime, once your new raw water meter is installed, you have the opportunity to monitor your raw water usage prior to any usage charges coming into effect by reading your new raw water meter.

Once the installation program is complete you will then be able to monitor your own usage in real-time via an online customer portal. 

YES – through the MiWater customer portal. Once the installation program is complete, you will receive information on MiWater availability, information and access. 

Councils and water authorities have installed smart meters successfully over the past 20 years. Feedback suggests customers have welcomed access to the MiWater portal to monitor water usage and detect leaks beyond the meter at a much earlier stage saving money.

The installation will require approved Council contractors - Data Right/Taggle - to have access to water meters.  

As many meters are located within fence boundaries, it is requested that acceptable access to properties be given to persons undertaking the work. Should a meter be inaccessible, you will be notified and council will follow this up with you to resolve the matter. 

Meter change 

The contractors will firstly check if any water is running through your meter. If there is no water running through the meter and there is no evidence that anyone is home or that water is being used, they will change out the meter. In most cases this can be quite a quick process (approximately 15 minutes). If water is running through the meter they will knock on your door and discuss the ability to change the meter now or arrange a time suitable for all parties. The water will only be shut off during this stage of replacement. If there is any vegetation restricting access to the meter, this may be tended to by the contractor if necessary.   

The installation 

The contractor will change the water meter and leave the old meter next to the new meter. During this time, you will have running water. Residents are requested to leave their old water meter where it has been left, this is Council property and should not be moved. If your old water meter is left on the ground for more than 24 hours, you should contact Ian Joblin of Data Right on 0407 257 142 to arrange collection.   

Post meter change 

There will be a build-up of air in your water pipes. When you first run a tap, this will be pushed out and results in a popping and spluttering effect in the tap. This is perfectly normal and will pass within 30-60 seconds. This can be expected from all taps in and outside the house. You may also experience some discolouration in your water when you turn the tap on for the first time. This is rust or dirt that has built up in the pipes and falls away in the absence of constant water pressure, or the environment that exists in and around the exchanged meter. This will pass if the tap is run for 30-60 seconds.