It is because such devices have helped with huge savings on water bills in dozens of properties in Midcoast Council, a local government area near Sydney, Australia† The breakthrough saved major water users up to A$50,000 (£28,390) over the course of a year, according to Smart Energy International. About 40 major users installed smart water meters on their properties to closely monitor their water use, as part of a joint initiative with the city’s water resistance officials.
The easy-to-install digital devices provide real-time updates on a home’s water usage, making it a highly effective tool for identifying leaks and other forms of water wastage.
The measure was applied in Midcoast Council, an area in the New South Wales region, to also address drought, a common and devastating phenomenon in Australia.
Between 2007 and 2009, the southeastern state of New South Wales experienced a disastrous three-year drought, with devastating effects on agriculture.
And the results have been impressive, as the initiative has helped to save 169 million liters of water, which, according to the Council, is equivalent to more than eight days of water supply for the entire region.
Schools, dairy farms, holiday parks and other commercial enterprises, among other things, were equipped with the smart water meters.
The Council said it now plans to extend the use of smart meters to residential customers and is currently trialling the technology in homes and businesses.
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The Council’s director of Infrastructure and Engineering Services, Rob Scott, said the technology had been “invaluable” in helping large users conserve water.
In a statement, Mr Scott said: “What has been fantastic has been the relationships that have developed between our water resistance officers and these major users.
“Our officers have been there to support them in their travels, help them understand the data and identify opportunities to save water and money.
“As a result, these users have truly embraced the environmental and financial benefits of water conservation and have become advocates for others in the community to do the same.”
In the UK, Thames Water is installing mandatory smart meters in its London network, which already has more than half a million devices.
In a 2021 announcement, the company said it plans to begin rolling out smart meters in the Thames Valley by 2025.
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