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Your Water Meter

Shoalhaven Water own and maintain all water meters located within the Shoalhaven. Although there are several styles of water meters installed throughout the Shoalhaven, basically they all operate the same. 

Meter Reading

Your water meter records the amount of water your household consumes, and this is used to calculate your bill. When we read the meter, we read the black numbers only and then calculate a charge based on the kilolitres used.

To assist with correct reading of the water meter it is important to ensure that it is always accessible. Shrubs, landscaping and barriers should never hide or obstruct access to the meter.

The water meter’s we install all meet the applicable Australian Standard meeting the National Framework for Urban Water Metering and the Metering Code of Practice. 

What happens if my meter cannot be accessed?

If your meter cannot be accessed for reading, we will leave a calling card requesting you to provide your own meter reading. If a reading is not provided, you will be charged water usage based on an estimate of previous readings.  

How do I read my meter?

Reading your meter is simple and although there are different kinds of meters, they all basically read the same. The below diagram is a guide to how the face of the meter looks. Shoalhaven Water only read the black digits and we charge based on the kilolitres used.

meter reading


The water meter is generally located at the front of the property. By reading your water meter regularly you can identify any sudden change in the water use. Identifying a problem early will reduce the impact on the water use component of the account.

Shoalhaven Water recommends that if customers are away or not regularly at their property that the water meter be turned off to prevent water flow to the property. An undetected water leak be costly and can even attract termites.

How do I identify a leak at my property?

To help identify if you have a leak on your property, we have created a simple three-step test:

  • Find the water meter and record the reading. A simple way to do this is to use your phone camera (if you have one) and take a photo. Make sure not to use any water afterwards for a few hours.  

  • Read the meter again a few hours later making sure no water has been used during the test period.

  • Compare the two sets of numbers. If they are the same there are no leaks. If they are different, subtract the first reading from the second and the difference will tell you how bad the leak is if water cannot be accounted for.

What do I do if I notice my water meter is leaking?

If you notice your water meter is leaking call us and we will send someone out to repair your meter. This will be of no cost to you.

What to do if a water leak has been detected?

If it is discovered that a leak on the property may be present, call a licensed plumber to find or fix the leak as soon as possible. Any water that passes through the meter (including water lost through leaks) will be charged to the property owner.

If a leak is repaired by a licensed plumber eligibility for a rebate might be possible.

For further information on how we may be able to help, follow this link to our Undetected Water Leak Assistance  

What is the water pressure at my property?

The water pressure supplied by Shoalhaven Water is provided to the boundary of a property generally between 15 metres and 90 metres head of water and may vary between properties. The pressure will depend on the property’s distance from the nearest pump station or gravity point.

For properties located in an area of higher water pressure range, the use of a pressure limiting valve to vary the degree of supply downstream from the water meter is recommended where reduced pressure is preferred. A pressure limiting device can generally be purchased from plumbing supplies or hardware outlets and privately installed downstream of the meter.

Can I relocate my meter?

If you think your water meter is in an unsuitable position you can request the meter be relocated.  For further information on how to apply for a meter relocation, follow this link  to our Residential Meter Connections page.