Water meters
Water meters are essential tools for monitoring water usage in homes, businesses, and public infrastructure. Whether you're curious about the difference between mechanical and digital water meters, how they measure flow and pressure, or why older meters may lose accuracy over time, we're here to help you make sense of it all.
Learn how to read your water meter, uncover the challenges of leak detection, and discover how digital meters technology is transforming water management.
How do the different meters work?
Mechanical meters
Depending on the age of the water meter and where it was installed, the water meter on your property may look different to the meters you see throughout our region. However, all mechanical water meters work in much the same way.
As water flows water through the meter, it rotates a small propeller or turbine. The rotation of the propeller is directly proportional to the volume of water, which rotates the dial on the meter creating a readable measurement.
Newer more advanced mechanical meters can measure low flow rates, making them much more accurate at capturing even small, slow movements of water. This means some customers notice a change in their water consumption after the meter on their property is replaced.
Mechanical meters are more likely to suffer wear and tear. Over time this can mean that some slow-moving water may be under-registered by the meter or completely unmeasured.
Also, mechanical meters lack any ability to measure water pressure. Due to the way they function, they measure the amount of water passing through the device, not the force with which it is passing through. This limits the options available to answer customer questions about water pressure.
For more information on how to check for leaks with a mechanical meter visit Check for leaks with a mechanical water meter.
Digital meters
The newer digital meters in use throughout the region measure water flow without the need for a spinning turbine that can wear out over time.
Digital meters send sound waves through the water and calculate the time it takes for the waves to travel. Like the upgrade from mechanical watches to digital watches, this approach is more accurate and means meters aren’t as likely to wear out.
Digital meters let Barwon Water see water pressure, flow and vibration readings sent via low-power radio waves to our secure data centre. We analyse and validate that data against historic and broader community patterns to identify and locate potential leaks or disruptions in the network.
Upgrades to digital water meters are planned for Lorne and Apollo Bay in 2026. For more information visit www.yoursay.barwonwater.vic.gov.au/digital-meters
For more information on how to check for leaks with a digital meter visit Check for leaks with a digital water meter.
Meter reading
Mechanical meter reads
Barwon Water works with commercial partners to ensure that meters are read often and accurately. We try to ensure that all meters are read every billing cycle or at least once every 12 months.
At a customer’s request, we can determine outstanding charges outside of the normal billing cycle within the period. We calculate the outstanding charges by arranging for a special meter reading at a reasonable charge payable by you; or where permitted by the Water Act 1989, providing an estimated bill at no cost.
For more information read our Customer Charter (PDF 579.1 KB)
For more information on how to read a mechanical meter, visit How to read your meter.
Remote meter reads
A water meter can be fitted with a remote reading device. The remote reading device, called a 'logger', electronically records the volume of water flowing through the meter and transmits the reading by radio or similar technology when activated by the water meter reader.
The benefit of remote reading is that employees do not need to enter customer properties to record the water meter. This is particularly useful when meters are installed in difficult-to-reach areas.
Estimated Meter Reads
Where we are unable to gain access to your meter, an estimated meter read will be provided. An estimated read is calculated by Barwon Water and is based on the history of your water consumption at the property.
If you have received a bill based on an estimated reading, you can submit a self-read of your meter. To do this, contact us and provide a clear photograph of your meter showing the readings. There will be no charge for submitting a self-read.
You can request an adjusted bill if your bill was based on an estimated reading, along with any changes to your payment obligations if you request an adjusted bill.
If you request an adjusted bill, we will provide it promptly and at no extra charge, based on the self-read you submitted.
For more information read our Customer Charter (PDF 579.1 KB)
Meter reading cards
Every attempt is made to read your meter, however, there are circumstances where this is not possible, such as locked gates, obstructions to the meter or unattended pets.
When we are unable to perform a meter read, we will leave a customer meter read card in your letterbox, telling you what the issue is and how you can provide a customer meter read directly to us.
If you have any questions, contact us on on 1300 656 007.