- Smart meter leak detection technology to be rolled out across the Southern Downs part of the Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline project
- $8.5 million locked in as part of the Palaszczuk Government's Big Build for around 9000 water meters
- Project complements $19.34 million Southern Downs Drought Resilience Package
New smart meters were on show today as Southern Downs Regional Council officers demonstrated the water saving capabilities of meters already installed in Stanthorpe.
Around 9000 meters will be installed throughout Warwick, Allora, Yangan, Killarney, Dalveen, Leyburn, Wallangara and Pratten which will provide real-time data on water volumes used and pipe flow rates, to help council pinpoint leaks and save water.
The meters and monitoring system will provide data that can identify suburbs, streets or single properties where unusually high water is being used. This will help council identify where water is being lost and enable actions to be taken to save every drop where possible.
The rollout is part of the Palaszczuk Government's more than $300 million investment in the Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline project and water security in the Southern Downs.
The technology also complements the Palaszczuk Government's $19.34 million Southern Downs Drought Resilience Package which includes pump upgrades at Leslie Dam, commissioning of groundwater bores around Warwick and Allora, and upgrades to water treatment systems.
These activities assist Council to reduce operating costs for the pipeline and build water supply resilience for the Southern Downs.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Water, Glenn Butcher:
"The Palaszczuk Government's $8.5 million investment in smart meter technology highlights our commitment to water security right across the Southern Downs.
"The smart meter technology will help save water and improve future drought resilience. It also ensures that we minimise water lost through leaks.
"I'm pleased to see more and more Councils like the Southern Downs Regional Council committing to water monitoring and water saving technologies."
Quotes attributable to Southern Downs Mayor, Vic Pennisi:
"We have seen how well these meters work in Stanthorpe and we are looking forward to the rollout in Warwick.
"We know how important it is to save every drop. While our dams are currently full, we are one day closer to the next drought so water security is crucial."
Quotes attributable to Southern Downs Councillor, Stephen Tancred:
"The data that we gather is enormously helpful and really takes water and management to the next level.
"Underground water pipes go largely unnoticed unless one breaks. But smart meters will pick up the small and hidden leaks that occur 24/7 that can potentially recover significant lost treated water which never gets delivered to a property or runs out of a tap.
"This 'ghost water' is what these cutting-edge meters are going to help our water team track down.
"Water has been reticulated to houses since Roman times, but it's only now we can affordably combine water pipes with satellite technology and get a water saving result. Everyone should be excited!"
Further Information:
Additionally, work was completed in December last year for upgrades to Leslie Dam's pumps, as part of the Southern Downs Drought Resilience Package.
This $7.19 million package of works increased Leslie Dam's usable water capacity by 1700 ML (or about 680 Olympic swimming pools).
