Real Time Metering
Mackay Regional Council is currently trialling remote network metering, a technology that allows your water meter to be read in real time through a radio frequency network. The trial is being undertaken with Taggle Systems Pty Ltd.
How does it work?
The technology is able to interface with the water meter and relay consumption data to a central database, which can then be made available via your computer or phone.
What does the trial involve?
The trial involves fitting a device to a number of selected water meters around the region to test the capability of the radio frequency network.
What are the benefits?
Cost-effective meter reading and billing
- As the trial progresses you will eventually be able to view your water consumption data online in real time (daily) via your computer or mobile phone
- Be alerted of leaks via SMS as soon as they are detected (this feature will also be available as the trial progresses)
- Monitor and manage your water consumption before the bill arrives
- Option for more frequent billing in the future, making payments easier to manage
- Improved monitoring of the network - council will have the ability to identify and fix leaks in the system as they happen
- Reduced capital expenditure resulting from reduced water consumption by the region
What will happen after the trial?
Once complete the trial will be assessed to identify the areas of success and the areas requiring improvement.
The trial will likely be expanded to a larger area before a decision on a full roll-out is made. The device will remain on your water meter and you will be able to view your consumption data online as this feature becomes available.
What are the costs?
There is no direct cost to the property owner for the installation of the device. The new technology will result in improved costs efficiencies once implemented as the technology minimises the need for physical reading of the meters.
Device care and maintenance
The device is an attachment to your existing water meter (pictured below). If you notice any tampering or breakage to Council's Customer Service Centre on 1300 MACKAY (622 529).