Unitywater is expanding digital water metering across Moreton Bay, the Sunshine Coast and Noosa. For North Lakes, Mango Hill and Griffin homeowners, it is a useful reason to understand how your water use is monitored and what to do if something looks wrong.
The practical benefit is an earlier opportunity to investigate unusual usage, before a hidden plumbing problem becomes obvious around the house.
What changes with a digital water meter?
According to Unitywater’s rollout announcement, the technology sends daily usage information to the utility, helping it identify possible leaks and notify customers sooner. Installation follows water-network areas, with older infrastructure prioritised.
A usage pattern is a starting point for investigation. It does not show a plumber exactly which pipe, toilet or connection needs attention. The next step is to connect that information with what is happening at the property.
What should you expect at changeover?
Unitywater’s programme guidance says:
- You will be notified when your property is scheduled.
- The scheduled upgrade has no additional fee; an early opt-in may cost extra.
- You do not need to be home, but the meter must be accessible.
- If replacement is needed, water may be interrupted for up to an hour.
The installation may involve a replacement meter or a logger added to a compatible existing meter. Bills remain quarterly.
Keep the installation notice handy and plan around any advised interruption. If the meter is behind a gate or difficult to access, contact Unitywater before the appointment window. An upgrade elsewhere in your suburb does not establish your property’s installation date.
What to do if a possible leak is flagged
Start by noting the dates involved and anything that could explain the usage, such as irrigation, visitors or topping up a pool. Then inspect accessible areas for dripping fittings, a toilet that refills between flushes, cupboard dampness or ground that stays wet.
If you can safely access your meter, Unitywater’s leak-check guide recommends comparing readings over at least one hour with no water use. Account for automatic appliances and irrigation; leave the meter supply tap open during the check. Follow the reading instructions for your meter type.
Unexplained movement needs investigating. Photograph the readings and any visible symptoms. Do not wait for another bill if water is actively damaging the home.
Keep monitoring after the upgrade
A meter changeover is a good time to create a simple record: the installation date, relevant notices and recent water-use figures. Keep screenshots of any unusual pattern so you can explain what changed.
Compare daily consumption as well as the total bill. Different billing periods and changes in household habits can make a larger bill difficult to interpret on its own. A lack of notifications is not a reason to ignore persistent dampness or repeated toilet refilling.
Who should you contact?
Direct installation, meter and account questions to Unitywater. For suspected leaks in your home’s plumbing, contact RJT Plumbing & Gas with your suburb, the symptoms and any usage information or photos.
Our leak detection service helps investigate the cause and determine suitable next steps. Explaining what you have already checked helps focus that conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will my North Lakes home receive a digital meter?
Unitywater will notify you when your property is scheduled. Check your notice or contact Unitywater for property-specific timing.
Does a digital meter tell me where a leak is?
Usage information can indicate that something needs checking, but locating the fault requires investigation at the property.
What should I send RJT after a possible leak alert?
Send your suburb, the alert, relevant usage information and photos of any dampness or affected fittings. Explain what you have already checked.
