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Every new or existing property that uses our water services must have a water meter. We can install one for you free of charge, or you can choose to use your own licensed plumber. Meters in multi-level buildings follow different guidelines. If you're using water at different locations, you may need a metered standpipe.
Only a plumber licensed through Building Commission NSW can install a meter. They can install any meter we issue except for a 20 mm meter going onto a locked and tagged service like the one in the photo. We need to install those meters.
If you prefer, we can install a 20 mm to 50 mm light duty meter free of charge.
To learn more, read our Water meter policy or our Water meter installation guide.
Multi-level buildings
Note that we don't install meters inside multi-level properties. However, we will install the main meter. Find out more about meters in multi-level buildings.
Locked and tagged services are typically in new areas.
Please apply for a meter 3 weeks before you need water on site. You must have a meter on the site before you start building. Simply call us on 13 20 92 8am–5:30pm Monday to Friday (except public holidays) if you need to use water straight away.
To get a meter, simply apply for a water meter installation at Sydney Water Tap in.
When you apply, you have 2 choices:
If you have a water service like the one in the photo above (locked and tagged service), simply apply for a water meter installation at Sydney Water Tap in. When you apply, you must ask us to install the meter.
If you don't have one of these services, please call us on 13 20 92.
We only supply or install the main meter on these properties. To get a main meter, simply apply for a water meter installation at Sydney Water Tap in.
If you need meters for the units or extra meters for the common areas, you can get them from our accredited supplier.
Find out more about meters in multi-level buildings.
It doesn't cost anything to apply for a meter. When you ask us to install a 20 mm to 50 mm light duty meter, we'll do it free of charge.
If you'd like to know more about installing meters, read our Water meter installation guide.
You can collect a meter if you're either a licensed plumber or the plumber's authorised representative. Authorisation must be in writing, on the plumber's letterhead, and include the licence number and the specific property details. You can collect the meter from:
Skilltech
Unit S/10–16 South Street
Rydalmere
Skilltech is open 8:30am–4pm Monday to Friday (except public holidays). You must show the connection approval letter from Sydney Water Tap in. We don't supply meters for inside multi-level buildings, only the main meter.
After you've collected the meter, it must be installed within 2 days.
We need you to install the meter:
If you're installing meters close together, we need 300 mm between them.
Please don't install the meter:
Doing this might stop us reading or replacing the meter.
Your water meter needs to be easy for us to get to.
When you're installing a water service, you need to allow the right space for the meter. If the property needs a separate backflow containment device, you'll need to allow enough space for that too.
Find out how to measure the distance between the pipes for the meter.
If you can't install the meter where we need it, email metermaintenance@sydneywater.com.au and tell us where you propose to install it. We need you to:
We'll let you know within 7 days if your proposal is suitable.
To find out more, read our Water meter installation guide.
You can only disconnect a meter if you have our approval to disconnect the water service. You might do this because:
You must apply for our approval to disconnect at Sydney Water Tap in. You must leave the meter connected to the old water service if you still need to use water at the property, including during construction works.
Before you buy a standpipe, you must apply for a standpipe permit. We'll send you a list of accredited suppliers if we approve your permit.
You may need to access water through our hydrants when a normal connection isn't available. This may be when you need water:
You must have an ABN or ACN, and may only use a standpipe for business purposes. You must not use a standpipe for agriculture or as an alternative water supply.
We only allow you to draw water:
Using a standpipe illegally is water theft and fines of $2,200 may apply. This includes using a standpipe when:
It doesn't cost anything to apply for a permit. If we approve your application, you'll pay a quarterly service charge and water use charge for each standpipe.
| Charge | Maximum quarterly charge July–September 2025 |
|---|---|
Water service charge for a 25 mm standpipe |
$26.47 a quarter |
Water service charge for a 32 mm standpipe |
$43.37 a quarter |
Water usage |
$2.67^ |
^ If dam levels for Greater Sydney drop below 60%, the water usage charge will increase to $3.61 a kilolitre until dam levels are back over 70%.
Each quarter, we'll send you a letter asking for a meter reading from your standpipe. This is to calculate your water usage charge.
You're responsible for buying the standpipe. We don't contribute to this cost.
If we approve your application, we'll send you:
When you buy the standpipe, your accredited supplier will tell us its meter serial number, generally 4 letters and 4 numbers. This number is unique to your standpipe.
