Balranald Shire Council is rolling out digital water meters across the region to improve water management, customer service and long-term sustainability of our water supply.
This initiative will replace aging mechanical meters with modern digital technology, helping ensure a safe, reliable and cost-effective drinking water supply for all residents and businesses.
Council is upgrading its current water meter fleet as many existing meters are reaching the end of their service life. The new digital meters will automate meter readings and provide more accurate and timely water usage data. The rollout will occur in stages across the region, starting in Euston, with installation scheduled to begin from 1 July 2026. Only Council-owned meters are included in this program.
Sub-meters are not part of the upgrade.
Digital water meters provide significant benefits to both customers and Council, including:
Digital water meters that records water usage and securely transmits data to Council at regular intervals. This allows Council to monitor water usage trends, detect potential leaks and improve overall system efficiency.
Most existing meters will be replaced with new digital meters. Where meters are still
serviceable, a small device may be fitted instead.
Installation typically:
Installers will:
If no one is home:
After your new meter is installed, you may notice:
If this occurs, run taps for about 30 seconds until water clears.
To safely complete the installation, installers require access to the meter.
If your property has:
Council will follow up to arrange a suitable time for access.
Once fully implemented, digital water meters will allow:
A customer portal will also be introduced to allow you to view your water usage and set alerts.
For updates and further information, visit:
https://balranald.nsw.gov.au/infrastructure/digitalwatermeters
Or contact: Manager Technical and Project Services
A digital water meter records water usage and transmits readings to Council automatically. It helps identify leaks early and provides more accurate data than traditional meters.
Many existing meters are aging and inefficient. Upgrading to digital meters improves accuracy, reduces manual work and supports better water network management.
No. The upgrade is funded through Council’s water meter replacement program, and no direct cost is passed on to ratepayers.
If your meter was under-reading due to age, your bill may increase slightly because the new meter is more accurate not because it is digital.
No. The digital meters used by Council do not have the ability to remotely restrict or disconnect your water supply.
Yes. The signal used is very low power much weaker than a mobile phone and complies with Australian safety standards.
The rollout begins in July 2026 and will occur in stages across the region, starting in Euston.
Most installations take around 10 to 20 minutes.
Yes, but only briefly (typically 10–20 minutes).
Installers may proceed if no water is being used. Otherwise, they will leave a card and return later.
Council will contact you to arrange access if the meter cannot be safely reached.
Water usage data will be used to:
Council may contact you if a leak is detected. In future, you will also be able to receive alerts through the customer portal.
Council is responsible for maintaining the meter. If you notice damage, contact Council.
An online platform where you can,
Yes. Once available, you’ll be able to create an account and link your property to access your data.
If you have questions about the Digital Water Meter project, please contact Council on 03 5020 1300.