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We’re trialling digital meters with our customers in Briagolong. This trial was a commitment we made in our Price Submission 2023-28 to understand the technology and its benefits for us and our customers.
During the trial, we’ll be replacing all mechanical meters in Briagolong with new digital meters. There won’t be any additional cost for customers.
Digital meters measure the water volume and send regular water readings to us for analysis. The regular flow data means that we can identify leaks on your side of the meter and let you know, helping you save money.
Digital meters also measure pressure and vibration so we can check for leaks on our side of the meter and get an understanding of the overall water network health. Having this information can help us identify leaks early, minimising larger breaks and service interruptions.
We expect to start installing digital meters in Briagolong in November 2025. The trial will run for eight months after the final meters are installed.
Questions and answers
Why Briagolong?
Briagolong is a small town with a closed water system. It’s perfect for this trial as we can measure the water leaving the water treatment plant and account for all the water being used. The digital meters will be paired with vibration and pressure sensors across the system. This will allow us to find leaks in the network and evaluate the impacts of fixing them. It will also help us identify potential leaks on your side of the meter.
Are digital meters safe?
Yes. Digital meters are safe and certified against all relevant Australian standards.
How do digital meters work?
Digital meters take regular water volume readings and send the information back to us using low power radio frequency transmission – similar to a phone. The meters read the flow volumes using ultrasonic (sound) based methods which are more accurate than the traditional mechanical meters.
What data is the digital meter collecting and what do you do with it?
Digital meters measure pressure, temperature and flow through the meter and send regular readings to us for analysis.
Digital meters also measure pressure and vibration so we can check for leaks on our side of the meter and get an understanding of the overall water network health.
View our Digital Metering Data Policy to understand how we collect and manage data from digital meters.
Will I pay for the new digital meter on my next bill?
No. There is no additional cost for the trial of the digital meters.
This trial was included in our current Price Submission 2023-28 which sets our customer tariffs. Any future roll-out will be included in the associated Price Submission.
Why is my bill higher now that I’ve got a digital meter?
If your bill is higher after we install your digital meter, it could be due to a water leak or the meter measuring your water use accurately.
The accuracy of a mechanical water meter declines over its lifetime. The new digital meters will measure water usage more accurately and this may be reflected on your bill.
Can the digital meter turn off my water?
No. Digital meters can’t turn off your water.
Does the digital meter use my Wi-Fi?
No. Digital meters don’t use your Wi-Fi.
How does digital metering benefit customers?
Digital meters help us find leaks on your side of the meter. If we identify a potential leak, we’ll let you know so you can fix the leak and minimise its impact on your bill.
We’ll also be able to identify leaks on our side of the network. This will reduce potential water wastage and help reduce demand on our catchments and infrastructure.
When am I getting a digital meter?
Starting in November, we’re trialling digital meters in Briagolong.
If you’re customer in Briagolong, you’ll receive a notice two weeks before we install your digital meter.
The trial will finish in July 2026. We’ll evaluate what we found and decide how we might use digital meters in the future throughout our service area.
How do I read my digital meter?
If you would like to check your meter reading, flip up the protective cover and press the button to activate the display. You can then take your reading as normal with your usage displayed in metres cubed (m3) or kilolitres.
https://www.gippswater.com.au/your-water-meter
Want to know more?
You can submit an online enquiry below and one of our team members will get back to you or you can call us on 1800 050 500.