Unitywater has begun replacing water meters in Burpengary as part of a broader network renewal program across South East Queensland.
Background and Scope
Water meter upgrades are currently being rolled out in Burpengary, alongside similar works in Morayfield and Kallangur. This activity forms part of a five-year capital works initiative totalling $400 million, aimed at renewing and maintaining water and wastewater infrastructure throughout the region.
More than 9,000 water meters have already been replaced across the Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast and Noosa areas since June 2024. The ongoing program is designed to identify and replace meters that are nearing the end of their expected lifespan, generally between ten and fifteen years.
Program Details and Execution
More than 11,000 meters are planned for replacement during the 2024–25 financial year. The current round of installations in Burpengary is intended to maintain accurate measurement of water use and ensure billing reflects real-time consumption.
Replacing each unit typically takes between 30 minutes and one hour. Unitywater has indicated that interruptions to service are minimal and should not significantly impact residents.
Households affected by the works receive a notice card at least 48 hours in advance. After installation, crews leave behind a card showing the final consumption reading from the old meter. This allows customers to cross-check it against their next bill for reference and transparency.
Purpose and Reasoning
Unitywater reports that most meters are being replaced due to age or significant use. Meters that have processed high volumes of water or reached the end of their functional lifespan may lose accuracy over time. The upgrade program is intended to address this risk and maintain service reliability as local infrastructure continues to support population growth.
What’s Next
The meter replacement program will continue in targeted suburbs throughout the financial year. Unitywater encourages all residents receiving a new meter to retain the old reading and monitor their upcoming bills for consistency.
Further information about the ongoing works is available on Unitywater’s official maintenance programs page.
Published 10-May-2025
Photo Credit: Supplied
