Hilltops Council has announced the rollout of a new Digital Water Meter Project from August, which is slated to be installed on more than 7,000 properties across the region despite local pushback.
The project entails installing small digital transmitter devices on existing water meters, which monitor your water usage automatically, and can then be accessed by customers via an online portal.
Hilltops said approximately 20 trial digital water meters have already been installed in Young as part of network testing and preparation works for the wider rollout.
Hilltops said the technology will give customers greater visibility of their water usage and help identify potential leaks earlier, reducing the risk of unexpected water bills and unnecessary water loss.
While the project will apparently also help Council manage the local water network more efficiently by improving the detection of leaks and other inefficiencies across the water infrastructure network, many are upset that this is not an optional choice.
In most cases, existing water meters will remain in place, with only the transmitter device being installed. However, Hilltops did state that some older or incompatible meters may need to be replaced as part of the rollout.
For most properties, installation will be completed without interrupting the water supply. Where a meter replacement is required, any interruption to water services is expected to last approximately 10 to 20 minutes.
Residents are encouraged to ensure water meters are easily accessible ahead of installation works. If installers are unable to access a meter, Council staff will contact the property owner to arrange access.
The Digital Water Meter Project was to begin in July and was proposed to be delivered in stages across the Hilltops Local Government Area, starting in Boorowa before progressing to other towns and communities.
A digital water meter is a traditional mechanical water meter fitted with a small transmitter device that records water usage and sends the data to Council.
Unlike traditional meters that require manual readings, digital meters allow readings to be collected automatically. This technology promises to provide more timely information about water consumption and help identify potential issues sooner.
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 in five steps:
Step One – Water Meter Records Usage: Your existing mechanical water meter continues to measure the amount of water used at the property.
Step Two – Transmitter Collects the Data: A small transmitter device attached to the meter records the meter readings.
Step Three – Data Is Sent Securely: The transmitter sends the meter data using a low-powered radio signal to Council’s digital metering system.
Step Four – Council Receives the Data: Council receives the water usage information and uses it to manage the water network and respond to customer enquiries.
Step Five – Customers Can Monitor Their Usage: Customers will be able to view their water consumption through a secure online customer portal.
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.
The planned rollout stages suggest starting in Boorowa, then moving to Harden-Murrumburrah before finally finishing in Young.
Council said they will provide updates as the project progresses and notify residents before installations begin in their area.
Council staff will install the transmitter devices. Residents will be notified once the installation at their property has been completed.
Residents are asked to ensure the water meter area is clear and accessible on installation day so installers can safely complete the work.
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.
As part of the digital water meter system, customers will have access to an online portal that provides data on 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.
Hilltops said 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.
Council says 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 apparently 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.
It begs the question as to how Council can alert consumers if there is an issue spotted, if no personal data is sent.
The transmitter device is powered by an internal battery, so it does not use electricity from your property, with an expected battery life of approximately 10 years.
The system automatically alerts Council when a battery needs to be replaced.
Hilltops said both the water meter and transmitter device remain Council assets, and customers are asked not to tamper with or damage the equipment installed on their property.
Jack Murray
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