My existing water meter
Access to water meters
It is the property owner/occupier’s responsibility to ensure safe and easy access is available for Southern Water representatives to read or maintain any water meter on a property. This ensures meters can be read efficiently by our staff.
Southern Water maintenance staff may also need to access the stop tap, usually located beside the water meter, for urgent repairs at any time, day or night. In these instances, a Southern Water representative will endeavour to contact the resident to advise that there will be urgent works on the property.
Reading Meters
Water meters are read by authorised Southern Water representatives at scheduled intervals throughout the year, usually between the hours of 7am and 5pm, Monday to Fridays. The readings are used to calculate how much water is used on each property.
Inaccessible meters
If a water meter cannot be accessed and a reading cannot be obtained, Southern Water will issue an account based on estimated water usage from previous usage data, or you can read your water meter and provide the data by phone to our metering administration team. Please note, no alterations or adjustments will be made to the estimated account until the next actual reading is obtained by a Southern Water representative.
You must phone your reading to Southern Water on 13 MYWATER (13 6992) within two working days of the scheduled read date. Late reads after this two day period cannot be accepted. Southern Water does not accept any responsibility for incorrect water meter readings supplied by the customer.
We can only accept two consecutive customer reads per financial year. A Southern Water representative must verify the water meter reading after two consecutive customer readings.
In the event that a water meter cannot be accessed, either for security reasons, or any other reason, an application can be made to Southern Water for the relocation of the water meter or the installation of a remote reading device. Either of these options would be at the property owner’s expense. This would require lodgement of a formal application to Southern Water and a payment of associated fees.
Special water meter readings
A special water meter reading is requested outside of the regular water meter reading schedule. These are usually requested in the event of property sales. Special readings may also be requested for changes in tenancy in rental properties.
Special readings will only be performed upon request. They are usually requested by legal firms, real estate agents or private landlords. Rates for these Special Water Meter Readings are set out in our fees and charges. Special readings can be requested by contacting Southern Water’s Customer Care Centre on 13 MYWATER (13 6992).
How to read your meter
Southern Water uses different types of water meters. Your water meter records the water entering your property and shows the measurement as a series of numbers. Water meters are usually located next to your stop tap. This is often underground, near your property boundary.
Most water meters have a flip top lid. When the lid is lifted you will see dials similar to the odometer in a car. The numbers can be read from left to right to show how many litres of water you have used. The black numbers represent kilolitres and the red ones represent litres.
If you have difficulty locating or opening your water meter please contact our customer service team on 13MYWATER (13 6992).
Using your meter to check for leaks
Water meters provide a useful way to test for leaks on your property.
The best time to check for a leak is when you won’t be using water, such as overnight. You shouldn't flush any toilets or use any automated devices such as dishwashers during the time you are testing.
To begin, read your meter and write down all the numbers. After a couple of hours of using no water, read the meter again. If the number has gone up when you haven’t used any water, you may have a leaking tap or pipe on your property.
If you think you may have a leak on your property you should contact a plumber to help locate and fix the problem.
Unread meters
Some properties in Southern Tasmania have a water meter which is not read or used. There are a range of reasons for this and Southern Water is currently assessing where the unread meters are located and whether they require an upgrade. If your meter is found to be in good order but is not in use, from 2011/12, Southern Water will begin reading your meter. If the meter is old or requires an upgrade, this will take place.
From 1 July 2012, when the new pricing approach takes effect for all customers, having a meter in good working order means that everyone’s water prices will be fairer and more equitable.
Old meters
Water meters have a typical life span of around 10 to 15 years, depending on use. As part of the Water Metering Tasmania project, existing meters will be assessed and some will be replaced. Property owners and residents will be informed of this as the time approaches to make the change.