Digital Water Meter Project
Hilltops Council will soon begin rolling out digital water meter technology across the local government area.
As part of this project, existing mechanical water meters will be fitted with a small transmitter device that automatically records and sends water usage data to Council. This will provide both Council and customers with improved access to water consumption information and help detect potential leaks earlier.
The Digital Water Meter Project will begin in July 2026 and will be delivered in stages across the Hilltops Local Government Area, starting in Boorowa before progressing to other towns and communities.
This project will help improve water management, reduce water loss across the network, and give residents and businesses better information about how they use water.
What is a Digital Water Meter?
A digital water meter is a traditional mechanical water meter fitted with a small transmitter device that records water usage and securely sends the data to Council.
Unlike traditional meters that require manual readings, digital meters allow readings to be collected automatically. This technology provides more timely information about water consumption and helps identify potential issues sooner.
For most properties, the existing meter will remain in place, and only the transmitter device will be installed.
If a meter is found to be incompatible or has reached the end of its service life, it will be replaced as part of the installation.
Benefits for Customers
Digital water meters will provide several benefits for residents and businesses.
Monitor Water Usage
Customers will be able to access their water consumption information through an online portal, making it easier to track daily or weekly usage patterns.
Early Leak Detection
The system can identify unusual water usage that may indicate a leak, allowing customers to investigate sooner and reduce the risk of property damage or high water bills.
Better Water Efficiency
Access to usage information helps households and businesses understand how much water they are using and identify opportunities to reduce consumption.
Benefits for the Community
The project will also help Council manage the broader water network more efficiently.
Improved monitoring and data will allow Council to:
- Detect leaks within water infrastructure earlier
- Reduce water loss across the system
- Improve long-term planning of water infrastructure
- Support water conservation and drought resilience
How the System Works
The digital water meter system uses a combination of existing water meters, transmitter devices, and secure data systems to collect and manage water usage information.
Step 1 – Water Meter Records Usage
Your existing mechanical water meter continues to measure the amount of water used at the property.
Step 2 – Transmitter Collects the Data
A small transmitter device attached to the meter records the meter readings.
Step 3 – Data Is Sent Securely
The transmitter sends the meter data using a low-powered radio signal to Council’s digital metering system.
Step 4 – Council Receives the Data
Council receives the water usage information and uses it to manage the water network and respond to customer enquiries.
Step 5 – Customers Can Monitor Their Usage
Customers will be able to view their water consumption through a secure online customer portal.
Project Rollout and Timeline
The Digital Water Meter Project will be delivered in stages across the Hilltops Local Government Area.
Installations are expected to begin in August 2026, starting in Boorowa before progressing to other towns and communities.
Planned Rollout Stages
Stage 1 – Boorowa
Installations will begin in Boorowa.
Stage 2 – Harden–Murrumburrah
Installations will then move to Harden–Murrumburrah and surrounding areas.
Stage 3 – Young
Installation will continue in Young.
Council will provide updates as the project progresses and notify residents before installations begin in their area.
Installation Process and What to Expect
Council staff will install the transmitter devices.
Transmitter Installation
For most properties, installation involves attaching the transmitter to the existing meter and does not interrupt the water supply.
Meter Replacement
If a meter needs to be replaced, installation will take approximately 10–20 minutes, during which the water supply will be temporarily turned off.
Access to Meters
Most water meters are located near the property boundary. If installers cannot access a meter, Council will contact the property owner to arrange access.
Completion Notification
Residents will be notified once the installation at their property has been completed.
What to Expect on Installation Day
Before Installation
Residents are asked to ensure the water meter area is clear and accessible so installers can safely complete the work.
During Installation
For most properties, the transmitter device will be attached to the existing meter. This usually takes only a few minutes.
If the meter needs to be replaced, the water supply may be temporarily turned off for approximately 10–20 minutes.
After Installation
Once installation is complete, residents will be notified that the work at their property has finished.
Rural Properties
Some rural properties may require transmitter devices to be installed at an elevated position to ensure reliable signal coverage.
If required, Council staff will carry out these installations as part of the project.
Customer Portal
As part of the digital water meter system, customers will have access to a secure online portal that provides greater visibility of water consumption.
Through the portal, customers will be able to:
- View their water usage information
- Track daily or weekly consumption patterns
- Identify unusual water usage that may indicate leaks
- Better understand how and when water is being used
Further information about accessing the customer portal will be provided once the system becomes available.
Privacy and Data Security
Protecting customer information is an important part of the Digital Water Meter Project.
The system collects water consumption data only and does not collect personal or household activity information.
Water usage data is securely transmitted using a low-powered radio signal and stored within Council’s systems in accordance with relevant privacy and data protection requirements.
The information collected will only be used for purposes related to water service delivery, including:
- Monitoring water consumption
- Identifying potential leaks
- Managing the water network
- Responding to customer enquiries
Council will continue to manage customer information in accordance with applicable privacy legislation and Council policies.
Power and Maintenance
The transmitter device:
- Is powered by an internal battery
- Does not use electricity from your property
- Has an expected battery life of approximately 10 years
The system automatically alerts Council when a battery needs to be replaced.
Both the water meter and transmitter device remain Council assets, and customers are asked not to tamper with or damage the equipment.
