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 (1.4MB).
-
-
Search
-
Contact us
-
Log in
About your meter
It's how we measure the water you use
Most homes will have a water meter. It's how we measure the water you use each quarter and calculate the usage charges you see on your bill. But not every water meter looks the same, and if you use recycled water you'll have a second meter especially for that.
What your meter looks like
There's a range of meter types and designs across our network.
Remotely read meters
Remotely read meters measure your water use just like regular meters, but we can read them without going onto your property.
If your meter is hard to access or you don’t want us on your property, consider a remotely read meter. We install remotely read meters for a one-off fee.
Regular meters
Meter design has changed a lot over the years, so your water meter may be any one of a number of different types and different ages.
Here are just 3 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 you have recycled water, you'll have 2 meters: one for your drinking water and one for recycled water. All meters for recycled water are purple.
Digital meters
We're progressively rolling out digital meters in selected areas around Greater Sydney. Like a traditional meter, there's a display on your digital meter so you can read your water use in kilolitres.
Where my meter is located
Meters are usually just inside your front boundary or fence. If you can’t find your meter, call us on 13 20 92. We can tell you where to look or confirm that you don't have one.
Why you mightn't 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 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 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 responibilities in our water meter policy (138KB). Find out how to look after the meter in our water meter maintenance guide (496KB).
You'll find a lot more information about who's responsible for what, and who to contact for support, at general plumbing information.