DOUGLAS Shire Council will be reviewing the condition of existing water meters in coming weeks as it prepares for the planned Smart Water Meter Program.
Councillors this week awarded a $670,000 contract to Taggle Systems Pty Ltd to complete stage one of the program, which includes rolling out the hardware to about half of water meters and receivers at properties in Douglas Shire.
A smart water meter is a digital device that measures, in real time, the amount of water in use, then via a low frequency radio transmitter securely sends data to Council for processing.
The ability to analyse and monitor the information collected on every household, business and public space will be a powerful tool.
Council expects the smart water program will reduce water loss, improve accuracy of water rates billing and increase participation in water saving practices with an ability to provide real-time water usage data to the community.
Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr has asked residents to make sure their water meters are accessible and not overgrown with plants.
“The Smart Water Meter Program is a really exciting innovation for our community and is a key tool in our water security strategy,” he said.
“We are asking residents to check their water meters over the next few days and make sure they aren’t overgrown or otherwise obstructed.”
“That way you can make it easier for our staff to check on the condition of the water meter.”
ABOVE: An example of an existing water meter in Douglas Shire.
Stage One of the Smart Water Meter Program has been funded from the Queensland Government’s 2021-24 Works for Queensland Program.
The remaining funding has been earmarked for Council’s 2022/23 Capital Works budget.
Stay updated at the Smart Water Meter Program project page here.
For more information about Council’s Water and Wastewater department, please visit here.
Council approves improvements to water quality
The Mossman Water Treatment Plant will also be receiving 52 new ultrafiltration cartridges to filter raw water into the plant after Councillors approved the $250,000 purchase today.
Acting Manager of Water & Wastewater, Peter White, said a current rack of cartridges at the treatment plant required replacing.
“Council operates three water filtration plants that were designed and built specifically to use Koch UF membrane technology, ‘he said.
“These cartridges basically contain hollow straws which filter out any pathogens, e-coli and remaining turbidity that may have got past the pre-filters, ensuring clean and safe drinking water for you when you turn the tap on.”
