Excessive water consumption
Just received your water bill and noticed that your water consumption seems high?
Before you call us
Below is a list of things you should check before you call us.
Check the meter read
Verify your current meter reading against the meter reading on the back page of your water account. These figures should be roughly the same. The meter will read a little higher than on the account due to ongoing water usage.
When we read the meter, we read the black numbers only and charge per kilolitre (1,000 litres) of water that has gone through the meter.
Follow this link for more information on how to read a meter.
If you discover the meter read on your account is inaccurate, call us today and we will conduct a re-read of the meter.
Conduct a leak test
Find your water meter and record the meter reading. Recording this number can be as simple as taking a photo on your smartphone.
While you are conducting this test, do not use any water at the property for at least 5 hours.
Compare the meter reading against your original reading. If this has changed, you have a leak. Call a plumber immediately. Any water that passes through the meter will be charged to the property owner.
Follow this link for more information on how to identify a leak.
Conduct a bucket test
When you conduct a bucket test, make sure no water is being used in your home. This means all taps, toilets, and appliances like washing machines or dishwashers are off.
Read the meter: Take a photo or make a note of the water meter reading.
Fill a bucket with water: Use a standard 9L bucket. Fill the bucket with water from a tap, ensuring you measure exactly 9L, do this 5 times. You may like to re-use this water on the garden.
Record the meter reading again: After filling the bucket 5 times, go back to the meter and take a second photo or note the new reading.
Calculate the difference: Subtract the initial meter reading from the new reading. The difference should be equal to the amount of water you used (45L).
If the difference matches the amount of water used, your meter is accurate. If not, there may be an issue with the meter. Follow the steps below to request an official inline water meter test.
Inline water meter testing
After performing the bucket test and if the meter accuracy is found to be in question, you can request an inline water meter test. This procedure will involve:
Installation of test equipment: A calibrated test meter will be installed in line with the existing water meter. This test meter will provide a reference measurement to compare against the water meter being tested.
Flow measurement: Allow water to flow through both the test meter and the water meter being tested. Both meter readings will be recorded over a specific period or volume of water.
Comparison: The difference between the two readings will indicate the accuracy of the water meter. If the readings are within an acceptable range, the water meter is considered accurate.
Documentation: This will include the test results, photos of the readings from both meters, and the test setup. All documentation will be provided to customer for reference.
If the test confirms the meter is overstating the reading, Shoalhaven Water will bear the cost of the test. If the test results do not show a problem, the customer will be charged.
Forensic testing
Should meter accuracy still be disputed, the meter can be sent for forensic testing. A quote for the service will be provided to the customer before forensic testing is undertaken.
If the test confirms the meter is overstating the reading, Shoalhaven Water will bear the cost of the test.