18 September 2019

Gunnedah Shire Council residents will soon receive their first water notices following the installation of new water meter devices.

Water notices were deferred while the meters, which accurately measure water use in each individual household, were installed in about 4500 households across the shire.

This means that water notices will cover a longer timeframe than usual - up to five months instead of the usual three.

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Manager Water Services Kevin Sheridan said the new “smart water meters” allowed more accurate water management in a much faster timeframe.

“The meters have already proven their worth in detecting a number of water leaks that were adding to bills of Gunnedah households and businesses,” Mr Sheridan said.

“In this time of severe drought, it is critical to not only manage our water resources, but to ensure ratepayers are not paying extra for water leaks.”

What to expect on your bill
Your bill covers a longer timeframe than usual, so will be higher than usual. The dry conditions may also mean that your household has used more water.

What if I have trouble paying my bill?
Due to the larger bill, we’re extending the due date. We also understand conditions are extremely tough at the moment and we’ve got a number of ways we can help including arranging payment plans, assist you in applying for hardship and refer you to agencies that can offer support. We know it can be daunting to ask for help – but please be assured that as always, your request will be treated with confidentiality and respect.

Where is my water meter and how do I read it?
The water meter is usually found close to the front boundary of your property. The digital display records the kilolitres (top) and litres (bottom) used by each household. The kilolitres shown on the top are used to calculate each bill. For the following bill, householders will pay the difference between the current reading and the previous reading.

Why were the meters installed?

• The new meters play a critical role in the conservation of water by tracking leaks, illegal water use and providing timely data on overall water use
• They allow householders to track their own water use and see first-hand the benefits of wise water use
• The system allows Council to better monitor peak demand and plan for water upgrades.

How the new meters have already helped:
The water meters offer close to real-time monitoring of water use. The data means unusual spikes in use – that may point to a leak - can be identified. Since the meters were installed, Council has already contacted a number of householders and businesses to let them know they may have a costly water leak. This information has saved some water customers hundreds of dollars. The new system can also identify if water is being used illegally and may help to prevent tampering with water meters.

How Gunnedah Shire uses water:
Households and Business in our Shire are heavy users of water in comparison to many other regional government areas, but our water costs remain in the lowest 20 per cent of councils. We are lucky to have our ready source of water, and it is critical to use it wisely. We all need to be mindful of conserving this important resource.

Are there tips for wiser water use?
There are many ways you can reduce your water use. Check Gunnedah Shire Council’s website www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au or visit www.smartwatermark.org 

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.