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Understand your water meter

Understand your water meter

All you need to know about your water meter.

Your water meter measures how much water you use. At most properties, the water meter is located right at the front.

Our staff and authorised contractors will enter your property to read and service the meter. The meter should be accessible so it can be read regularly.

If we cannot read your meter, your account will be based on an estimate of your water consumption for the billing period.

Who is responsible for the water meter?

North East Water is responsible for the meter and pipes from the street to the meter. There are exceptions to this. Please call 1300 361 622 for more detail.

What to do if my meter is damaged or stolen?

If your water meter is damaged or stolen, it’s important that you get in touch with us. Please call us on 1300 361 622 at any time.

Can I get my water meter tested?

If you think your meter is reading too high, we can arrange a test. A fee will be charged, but if the meter is found to be faulty, we will adjust your account and waive the testing fee. Call us on 1300 361 622 to arrange a meter test.

Meter Tampering

It is an offence for anyone to tamper with a water meter. Only authorised North East Water staff or contractors are is permitted to remove, repair or replace a water meter.

Use your meter to check water usage

You can check your water usage by reading your water meter and recording the amounts. This can help identify which appliances and activities use the most water.

  • read the numbers from left to right – the black numbers represent kilolitres (1000 litres) and the red numbers represent litres
  • read your meter at approximately the same time each day
  • calculate your water use by subtracting your previous meter reading from the current reading
  • compare your daily water use and note water use activities

Frost and water meters

Water meters that sit above the ground are vulnerable to freezing when temperatures are below zero.

Learn more here

Please call us on 1300 361 644 to report a water meter service fault.