Frequently Asked Questions Digital utility feasibility project About South East Water’s digital utility feasibility project What is a digital utility and why is South East Water interested in becoming one? South East Water is always looking for new and innovative ways to identify cost savings and network efficiencies for our customers. We pride ourselves on innovation which underpins our performance and leadership within the water industry. As a digital utility, South East Water’s water and sewer networks, assets and infrastructure would be connected through digital technologies and telecommunications networks, providing real‐time information that will enable us to transform our business and provide more value to our customers. South East Water would also be able to remotely monitor other areas of our business, including pressure sewer pumps, trade waste meters and fire hydrants. What does the feasibility project involve? As part of its digital utility program, South East Water is gathering information and cost assessments to investigate the feasibility of a digital network. With this information, South East Water will consider whether or not its digital utility program is to proceed. About South East Water’s (previous and current) battery‐operated digital water meter and telecommunications trials Why did South East Water trial battery‐operated digital water meter technology and telecommunications equipment? South East Water is always looking for new and innovative ways to identify cost savings and network efficiencies for our customers. In our early tests of digital water meters, results indicated significant water savings can be achieved for our customers through detecting leaks with this technology, with 12 per cent of water supplied to a residential area in Belgrave South lost through leaks in customer properties, and 10 per cent at properties in our Seaford trial. Wireless telecommunications technology is a key part of retrieving water usage data in a timely manner, and our latest trials focused on testing four different types of telecommunications technology. Where did the trials take place? Our telecommunications trials took place with a small number of properties across Southbank, Sandringham, Upwey and Koo Wee Rup over a three month period in 2014–15. Our battery‐operated digital water meter trials took place during 2013–14 in Belgrave South, South Yarra and Seaford. What was the result of the trials? Our trials with battery‐operated digital water meters at customer properties in Belgrave South, South Yarra and Seaford identified that significant water savings can be achieved through detecting leaks with digital technology. In Seaford, close to 10 per cent of the water supplied to properties participating in the trials was lost in unidentified leaks. Our telecommunications trials have been successful in helping us test and quantify the coverage, strength and capability of four different telecommunications technologies which will work in unison with the battery‐operated digital water meter. What information did South East Water collect through the trials? The battery‐operated digital water meters recorded the number of litres of water used by each property every 30 minutes. Currently, we collect this information manually every quarter and measure the volume of water in kilolitres (1 Kilolitre = 1,000 litres). How do battery‐operated digital water meters work? A battery‐operated digital water meter reads the volume of water that enters your property in real‐
time and wirelessly sends this information back to a central location. This type of technology is advantageous in allowing identification of irregular water use patterns or continuous flow, which may be caused by a water leak at your property. What are the benefits of technology solutions like battery‐operated digital water meters? Battery‐operated digital water meters can provide a range of benefits: 
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Detecting water leaks: Early detection of water leaks in a property’s internal plumbing or a water appliance (e.g. a garden irrigation system or a toilet) will help save precious drinking water supplies and reduce our customer’s water bills. Plus, battery‐operated digital water meters may be able to pick up even the smallest of water leaks that are difficult to detect with the current quarterly manual meter reads. Meter reading accuracy: Currently, mechanical water meters are read every three months by our field operators. Sometimes we need to estimate a customer’s water usage due to locked gates, dangerous dogs or inaccessible meters – battery‐operated digital water meters will remove the need to do this. Water efficiency checks: In the long‐term, with this technology expanded throughout our network, customers may have the ability to check how efficient their water appliances are (e.g. washing machines and dishwashers) by tracking the volume of water they use over set periods of time. Reduce water bills: In the long‐term, battery‐operated digital water meters have the potential to create efficiencies in our network which could lead to reduced water bills by decreasing the costs associated with running our network and identifying water leakage in our network. Life span: battery‐operated digital water meters have a longer lifespan than mechanical water meters – as they do not have any moving parts that deteriorate over time. Mechanical water meters have a life span of seven – 10 years. Digital water meters are expected to have a life span of up to 15 years, based on battery life. Sustainability: A digital utility will enable us to actively manage water demand ensuring our precious resources are used efficiently with minimal impact on the environment.
Is the technology safe? Yes. Battery‐operated digital water meters use a low level of power – much lower than a baby monitor or mobile phone. The meters and associated technology we select will be approved to meet Australian Standards set by the Australian Communications and Media Authority and will comply with the electromagnetic exposure limits developed by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA). More information Who can I contact for more information? For more information visit southeastwater.com.au/digitalwatermeters or contact us via [email protected] or 1800 337 775.