Moama West sees the first meter installed
20 December 2011
The first water meter has been installed in Moama West as part of the Murray Pilot Metering Scheme - funded by the Australian Government’s Water for the Future initiative.
The pilot, an Australian first, aims to improve water management through the installation of state-of-the-art water meters and telemetry to transmit water usage information extracted from groundwater, regulated and unregulated water sources.
The pilot involves installing approximately 800 new metering and telemetry technology to ensure a more precise and efficient system, improving fairness and equity for users.
“The Murray Pilot is an exciting project for State Water and NSW Office of Water as it means improved water security and customer service, including greater flexibility for future data and control systems” State Water CEO Brett Tucker said.
“The pilot is an important initiative that gives licensed water users in the region help to secure the long-term sustainability and health of the iconic Murray River.”
“The installation of the meters will be rolled out in packages throughout the valley and managed by highly-experienced firm Comdain Infrastructure. Over the past months Comdain has been visting identified landholders,informing them of what’s taking place.
“The project also enables both water users and State Water to carefully manage licensed extraction to ensure sufficient water reserves are maintained within the river system to sustain riverine health,” Mr Tucker said.
The pilot coincides with the National Water Initiative’s requirement that all water licence holders install meters that meet national standards by 2016. Licence holders will not be required to pay for the new meters or upgrading of existing meters and installation of telementry equipment, although there will be an annual meter service charge to cover ongoing maintaince and service costs, that has been determined by IPART.
For further information on the Murray Pilot Metering Scheme, visit www.statewater.com.au, or call the State Water Customer Information Centre on 1300 662 077.
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