In late 2022, we conducted a 12-month digital meter trial to explore sustainable water use in Marengo to find and fix otherwise undetectable leaks.

We installed around 300 digital meters to help us find and fix leaks in the network, saving drinking water and providing customers with more information about their individual water use.

Undetected network leaks are a historic problem that all water authorities face. While large or obvious leaks are often identifiable. Smaller or hidden leaks that could be deep underground are often impossible to find without specialised technology.

Apollo Bay’s unique geography and terrain makes the task even more difficult and can be compounded when leaks occur on customer properties. If not detected early, leaks can waste large volumes of water and lead to increased water bills.

Digital meter technology allows us to identify leaks in the network by detecting disruptions in the flow and usage of water on Barwon Water’s side of water meters. They also allow us to notify customers if we suspect a leak has occurred on their property as they happen.

Historically, there has been no way for Barwon Water to identify a customer leak until customers receive a higher than usual quarterly water bill.

Thanks to the successful trial of digital meters, where we discovered 3 network leaks and 23 customer leaks, we estimate that we can avoid losing around 70 million litres of water annually across the Apollo Bay system.

We’re now expanding the rollout, with digital meters planned for Apollo Bay and Lorne in late 2025 with other regions to follow.