4 March 2021
A Goulburn Valley Water (GVW) program to exchange mechanical water meters for intelligent meters at no additional cost to customers is underway in Mansfield as of this week.
The new digital metering technology is being installed in several towns to help reduce water wastage and detect leaks early as part of a multi-million dollar project being rolled out by GVW.
The project will create a number of benefits for customers and GVW, including real-time water usage information, more accurate meter reads, the ability to identify cost savings and network efficiencies, and quicker leak detection.
Installation began in Wandong and Heathcote Junction last week, with the first of around 11,700 mechanical meters upgraded as part of a staged rollout, and contractors have now moved into Mansfield to undertake the installation over the next four weeks. Results from this trial will determine GVW’s future commitment to installing meters across the rest of its service area.
GVW Managing Director Steve Capewell said sub-contractor New Plumbing Solutions (NPS) will be undertaking the installation, and that customers can expect to see NPS representatives in the area in coming weeks.
“Customers receiving the meters will be contacted by GVW several weeks prior, via a letter – and if we have their mobile number we will also text them in the lead up to NPS attending their property.”
“NPS representatives will also be door knocking in a COVID-safe way to advise customers that they are onsite, and if the customer is not at home a notification will be left in their mail box to let them know that the exchange has occurred,” Dr Capewell said.
“We are so pleased to get this installation phase underway and look forward to the day we can activate the data portal for customers to have access to their water use data. This will enable them to analyse and track their water use in real time, one of the many benefits this technology provides.”
Digital meters do not pose a health risk to customers or the community and customers will not be charged for the new meters.
Data is transmitted through low level radio frequency waves, which are well within Australian safety standards. The meter trial is voluntary in that customers will be offered an opportunity to opt out of the project and retain their current meter if they prefer.
Customers will be kept informed about the project roll out through social media updates, letters, SMS messages, and a dedicated project webpage.
Customers who wish to make enquiries, discuss opt-out arrangements, provide feedback or alert GVW to a technical or service related issue are invited to call 1800 45 45 00.