If you live in a unit you might not have your own meter, only a shared meter at the front of your complex. If you'd rather have your own water meter, talk to your body corporate. They'll be responsible for the costs. To find out more, read our Multi-level individual metering guide.
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About your meter
It's how we measure the water you use
Most properties have at least one water meter for drinking water. If you use recycled water, you'll also have a recycled water meter. Your water meter accurately measures the water you use each quarter so we can calculate the usage charges on your bill. If your water usage charges are unexpectedly high, it's worth checking for a leak before paying for a water meter test.
What different meters look like
We use different suppliers to provide reliable, high-quality Sydney Water meters to our customers. That's why they don't all look the same. We provide a wide range of meter types and designs across our network, including mechanical meters, recycled water meters, remotely read meters and smart meters.
Mechanical meters
Mechanical meters are the most common water meters on properties throughout Greater Sydney. We install mechanical meters for free. Meter design has changed a lot over the years, so your mechanical water meter may be one of a number of different types and different ages.
Elster and Itron are 2 of the brands we currently install.
Elster brand meters have 4 black numbers and 4 white numbers.
Itron brand meters have 8 numbers and one clock-faced dial.
Recycled water meters
If your property gets recycled water, you'll have a second meter for your recycled water. Your recycled water meter will be purple, so it's easy to tell apart from your drinking water meter.
Recycled water meters can be mechanical meters, remotely read meters or smart meters. We provide regular recycled water meters for free.
All recycled water meters are purple.
Remotely read meters
Remotely read meters measure drinking or recycled water usage like mechanical meters, but we don't have to go onto your property to read them.
You may prefer a remotely read meter if your mechanical Sydney Water meter is hard to access. You can request a remotely read meter for a one-off fee.
We can take your water meter reading from outside your property.
Smart meters
We're rolling out smart meters around Greater Sydney. Like other meters, smart meters have a display so you can read your water use in kilolitres.
They work like mechanical water meters, with one key difference: they send us hourly meter readings, automatically.
Smart water meter readings are sent to us automatically, hourly.
Where your meter is located
Meters are usually just inside the property's front boundary or fence. If you can't find your meter, call us on 13 20 92 8am–5:30pm Monday to Friday (except public holidays). We can tell you where to look or confirm that you don't have one.
Why you might not have a meter
Sometimes, older homes or semi-detached houses share pipes with other properties. If you'd like your own meter, apply for a new water connection at Sydney Water Tap in®. Make sure you discuss this with all the other property owners first.
Galvanised iron pipes can break when we install a meter. If you'd like a meter, contact a licensed plumber. They can replace some iron pipes with copper pipes. You'll be responsible for any plumbing costs.
How to get a meter
If you have an existing property, we can install a meter if there's meter space on your water service and on your property. Find out more in our water meter installation guide.
Apply for a water meter installation at Sydney Water Tap in®. Call us on 13 20 92 8am–5:30pm Monday to Friday (except public holidays) if you can't complete the form.
When you apply, you can either:
- Ask us to install the meter. Once we approve your application, we’ll install your meter for free within 10 working days.
- Tell us your plumber will install the meter. Your plumber must apply for a connection approval letter at Sydney Water Tap in. Once we approve their application, your plumber can collect the meter from Skilltech. You're responsible for plumbing costs.
For a new property, apply for a water meter installation at Sydney Water Tap in and ask us to install the meter. Call us on 13 20 92 8am–5:30pm Monday to Friday (except public holidays) if you can't complete the form.
Who's responsible for the meter
Sydney Water is responsible for the meter, but you are responsible for all the other pipes and fittings that connect to our water network. Find out more about your responsibilities in our water meter policy. Find out how to look after the meter in our water meter maintenance guide.
You'll find more information about who's responsible for what and who to contact for support at general plumbing information.