Nominations for the 2027 Liverpool Plains Australia Day Awards are now open, closing 14 December 2026.
Liverpool Plains Shire Council is investing in enhanced water sustainability across our shire with the installation of new smart (automatic) water meters, due to be progressed and completed in the 2026/27 financial year. This project reflects Council's commitment to improving water efficiency, reducing losses across the network, and providing better information and service to our community.
Smart water meters automatically record water use and securely transmit data to Council, replacing the need for manual meter reads. This allows quicker insights into how water is being used across the network and helps both Council and customers manage water more effectively.
Once smart meters are installed, customers' water usage data will be recorded automatically and Council will be better placed to alert customers to potential leaks. Bills will continue as normal, with improved accuracy.
Smart water meters are digital devices that uses sensors to measure water flow and communication technology to transmit water use data to Council. The data can then be analysed to monitor usage patterns, detect leaks, and optimise water distribution.
Council is introducing smart water meters to improve its water management capabilities. Smart meters can enable early leak detection and improve water conservation through real-time monitoring, reduce operational costs, and enable proactive management of water infrastructure.
Council currently uses mechanical water meters, which rely on manual reading of the meter to capture consumption data. This approach is outdated, manually intensive and relatively inefficient.
No, the smart water meter rollout is funded by Council and being delivered through our Capital Works Program. Customers will not be charged for the installation of a new smart water meter.
Council staff will require adequate access to water meters. This includes ensuring that Council staff do not encounter aggressive household pets while visiting premises. In instances where meters are not easily accessible to Council staff, contact with the property owner will be initiated to resolve any issues.
Prior to installation, the Council worker will confirm that water isn’t flowing through your meter. If water is flowing, the worker will knock on your door and discuss the prospects of changing the meter then or arranging a time suitable for all parties.
The process of replacing water meters is relatively quick, usually taking around 15 minutes.
If vegetation is restricting access to your water meter, Council may prune it, as necessary. Water to your property will be shut off while the meter is being replaced. The old water meter will then be removed by Council staff.
After the smart meter has been installed, there may be a build-up of air in your water pipes. This will result in a spluttering effect when you first turn on your taps but should cease after 60 seconds. You may also observe some initial discoloration in your water from rust or dirt built up in the pipes. This will subside after running your taps for 60 seconds.
No, the water rates structure will remain the same following the rollout of smart water meters.
Data from smart water meters will be transmitted to Council every hour. Access to this data will be restricted to authorised Council personnel. In time, residents will have access their household water consumption data through an online portal.