Southern Rural Water has started replacing more than 1,000 old-style water meters across southern Victoria with new pattern approved meters that better measure and manage rural water.
Meter replacements are taking place in several areas across southern Victoria that have been identified as priorities based on water usage.
Surface water meters with an average annual consumption of 10 megalitres and above, and groundwater metres 20 megalitres and above, will be replaced as part of the upgrade.
Southern Rural Water General Manager Service Delivery Simon Wilkinson said the upgrade will deliver value for customers and improve water use monitoring.
“The new meters will greatly improve the accuracy of reads and allow our customers to better track their water use against their water entitlement,” he said.
“Water is a critical resource that needs to be managed fairly for all users and these new meters are a vital part of doing this and ensuring everyone remains compliant,” he said.
Southern Rural Water’s upgrade delivers on meeting Victoria’s Non-urban Water Metering Policy and national metering standards under the National Water Initiative Agreement (NWI), to which all State and Territory governments are signatories.
Mr Wilkinson says they’re working closely with their customers and appointed contractors to ensure an efficient and smooth installation process.
“Relevant customers have been informed, and I can assure them we will install new meters at a convenient time that has minimal impacts on their day-to-day life,” he said.
“Customers who have meters replaced as part of this upgrade do not have to pay,” he said.
Southern Rural Water aims to complete this water meter upgrade program by the end of 2026.