Water meter

Meter details

Barwon Water's water and sewerage charges are based on a user-pays system, which requires the amount of water customers use to be measured by a water meter, unless otherwise agreed.

Meter Access

The water meter servicing a property must be readily accessible for reading, replacement or maintenance purposes without exception. Barwon Water has the power to access your meter and charge you for the cost of making it readily accessible for reading, replacement or maintenance purposes.

Barwon Water needs to read your water meter on a regular basis to ensure you receive an accurate account for the services we deliver.

In the event that a meter reading cannot be obtained, Barwon Water issues your account based on estimated water usage. This account is due and payable by the due date thereon. Please note NO alterations or adjustments will be made to the account until the next actual reading is obtained by an authorised Barwon Water officer, for which the earliest date will be the next scheduled cycle reading.

Please call the Metering Services on 5226 9296 to discuss options, for ensuring access to your meter for reading, This may require installing a remote read type meter at your cost.

Barwon Water also carries out programs to replace water meters that no longer meet "performance criteria" and also those which have stopped working altogether.

If you install a concrete "mower strip" around your water meter, the concrete should only surround the vertical risers of the meter assembly where they enter the ground (do NOT bury the meter in the concrete)  - see diagram below.

Diagram of typical domestic installation

The horizontal pipes and body of the meter must be left clear of concrete at all times.Placing plastic or UPVC sleeves around the vertical rises before the concrete is poured will enable the meter to be exchanged without the need to remove the concrete. If you require further information call the Metering Services on 5226 9296.

Damaged meters

The occupier or owner of any property upon which any Barwon Water meter is installed is responsible for the safe custody of the meter. If the meter is stolen, damaged or is not readily accessible for reading, the owner or the occupier is responsible for the cost of replacement, repair or proper installation of the meter.

Meters which are no longer required

No person shall remove a meter or alter its position unless the permission has been obtained from Barwon Water.

When a water service is to be terminated the licensed plumber responsible for the work shall cap the water service off at the main and return the meter to Barwon Water.

How to read your water meter

Here is a step-by-step guide to work out how much water you use.

• Take a meter reading first thing in the morning.

• Take a meter reading at the same time the next morning (this will determine your daily usage).

• Deduct the first reading from the second reading – this will give tell you how much water you have used in the past 24 hours.

For example:

                                                           Figure1. Typical meter used in Barwon Water region. Your meter may be different.

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