Unitywater has replaced more than 4,800 water meters over the past six months as part of a broader $400 million program to renew and enhance its water and wastewater networks.
The targeted replacement program focuses on meters that are ageing or have recorded high water volumes over their operational life. Over time, mechanical wear can affect meter accuracy, making renewal a key component of maintaining reliable customer billing and system performance.
Unitywater Executive Manager, Sustainable Infrastructure Solutions, Mike Basterfield, said the work is part of a proactive approach to asset management.
“By proactively doing this work, we’re maintaining exceptional service for our customers, including ensuring water meter readings are correct, and bills remain as accurate as possible,” Basterfield said.
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Rolling program across the region
Meter replacements are continuing into 2026, with works scheduled in Bli Bli, Nambour, Dayboro and Kallangur from January. Unitywater has advised that each replacement typically takes between 30 minutes and one hour, minimising service interruptions for customers.
Residents scheduled for a meter replacement receive a notification card at least 48 hours before work begins. After installation, crews also provide a card recording the final reading from the old meter, allowing customers to cross-check consumption on their next bill.
“Our crews are always on the job for you, and after the work is complete, they’ll pop a card in your letterbox with a recording of the water consumption measured by the old meter,” Basterfield said.
Supporting customer confidence
Accurate water metering underpins customer confidence in billing and supports effective demand management across the network. Replacing meters before faults emerge reduces the risk of disputed bills and unplanned service issues, while also supporting long-term network monitoring.
Unitywater encourages customers to retain the final meter reading provided after replacement and compare it with their next bill to ensure continuity.
Meter renewal as part of wider network investment
The meter replacement program forms part of Unitywater’s broader investment in infrastructure renewal, aimed at maintaining service reliability as networks age and customer demand evolves.
For the water sector, proactive meter renewal highlights the importance of maintaining measurement integrity alongside larger capital works. While often less visible than major pipelines or treatment upgrades, accurate metering plays a critical role in customer trust, revenue assurance and sustainable water management.