Water Metering Code 2024

Power and Water has published the updated Water Metering Code 2024, Version 1.6.

The consultation period closed on Monday 13 May 2024.

The Water Metering Code 2024 (the Code) establishes the rights and obligations of customers and Power and Water Corporation (Power and Water) in relation to water metering in the Northern Territory.

The Code sets out how Power and Water will manage its owned customer water meters. The Code is a legislative requirement set out in the Water Supply and Sewerage Services Act 2000 (WSSS Act) and is approved by the Utilities Commission.

Amendments

A summary of the material amendments to the Water Metering Code 2006 and the anticipated customer impacts is provided below.

Foreword

2006 Water Metering Code (current): Amended “Forward” title to Foreword in proposed Code.

2024 Water Metering Code (proposed): Amended spelling error.

Impact to customer:

Updated spelling error from Forward to Foreword.

This section provides the customer a summary of the Code and how this sets out the rights and responsibility of the customer and Power and Water.

Explanation for amendment:

The ‘forward’ in the 2006 Water Metering Code (the Code) had a brief summary stating the Code sets out the rights and responsibilities of the customer and Power and Water Corporation (Power and Water) and has no mention of the Water Supply and Sewerage Services Act (WSSS Act).

Foreword in the proposed 2024 Code focuses on the WSSS Act and scoping out primarily where in the Code Section 72(1) of the WSSS Act will be addressed. These sections are:

Section 4 – Meter compliance
Section 5 – Meter assembly requirements
Section 6 – Meter testing and verifying
Section 7 – Meter replacement

Section 73(2) and Section 74(1) are also mentioned in the Foreword as they are also prevalent for the code. However, Power and Water must abide by the entirety of WSSS Act.

Definitions

2006 Water Metering Code (current): Not present

2024 Water Metering Code (proposed): Inclusion of Definitions.

Impact to customer:

Allows the customer the opportunity to have access to a list of commonly used phrases and acronyms referenced in the document.

Explanation for amendment:

Definitions were included in the proposed 2024 Code as defining a word or phrase can simplify the context to which it appears in the document while being consistent and providing clarity throughout the Code.

Introduction

2006 Water Metering Code (current): “2. Legal basis” is now under section 2.4, under Introduction.

2024 Water Metering Code (proposed): 2. Introduction now incorporates section "2.4 Legal basis" in addition to:

2.1 Background.
2.2 Application.
2.3 Purpose.

Impact to customer:

This section has been updated to ensure the customer is aware of the purpose and objectives of the Code.

Information provides clarity for the customer to identify what meters the proposed Code applies to and who owns the meters.

The Legal basis describes the requirement for Power and Water as the Licensee, to develop and publish the Code to set out the arrangements and conditions for installing, testing, verifying and replacing meters owned by Power and Water.

Explanation for amendment:

The current Code’s Introduction section stated the purpose of the Code only and makes no reference to the WSSS Act. This has been expanded upon to include the following:

2.1 Background

Inclusion of the following:

A summary of the 19 urban and 72 remote communities Power and Water provides water and sewerage services to.
Inclusion of the objectives of the WSSS Act. which are:
- Promote the safe and efficient provision of water supply and sewerage services.
- Establish and enforce standards of service in water supply and sewerage services.
- Facilitate the provision of financially viable water supply and sewerage services.
- Protect the interest of customers.

Inclusion of Division 11 and Section 71 of the WSSS Act

2.2 Application

What meters the Code applies to (all meters owned by Power and Water where potable water, non-potable water and/or wastewater reuse is metered for billing purposes)

2.3 Purpose

To set out the arrangements and conditions for installing, testing verifying and replacing meters. As per Section 72(1) of the WSSS Act

2.4 Legal basis

Makes reference to Section 72 of the Act.

Scope

2006 Water Metering Code (current): Renamed “3. Scope of document” to “3. Scope”

2024 Water Metering Code (proposed):

The scope has been expanded to include Power and Water’s:

Approach.
Relevant standards and codes of practice.
Objectives.

Impact to customer:

With the adoption of in-service water meter compliance testing rather than replacing meters on a scheduled period (based on age or throughput) in the current Code, the customer may experience their meter being replaced more or less frequently dependent on the in-service compliance testing result s in the proposed 2024 Code..

In return testing data and results will be available to provide confidence to customers that the meters in service are measuring and reading accurately.

Explanation for amendment:

The proposed Code’s Scope has the inclusion of the approach under section 3.1 which is to align to national standards and industry codes of practices for water meters. The proposed 2024 Code also lists the relevant standards and codes of practice in section 3.2. These are:

NMI R 49-2 Pattern approval and initial verification.
AS 3565.4 – Meters for water supply – In-service compliance testing.
AS/NZS 3500.1 – Plumbing and drainage Water services
WSA 11 – Compliance Testing of In-Service Water Meters Version 1.1.

The proposed 2024 Code also listed the objectives under section 3.3 of the Code, which are:

Set out the arrangements and conditions for installing, testing, verifying and replacing meters.
Adopt consistent metering practices.
Specify minimum technical, design, and operational requirements for potable water, non-potable water and wastewater re-use metering.
Provide a sound metering foundation for billing purposes.

This change was made to clearly show the reader the industry best practices Power and Water aims to adopt in order to address the requirements under the WSSS Act.

This is a significant change in the proposed Code particularly in Section 6 discussed in more detail later in the document, which pertains to in-service water meter compliance testing.

The current Code had a scheduled rate for DN20 and DN25 meters set out in Attachment A (i.e. 10 years or 7,000kL/12,000kL respectively). With the adoption of in-service water meter compliance testing Power and Water will gain a better understanding of the meter fleet accuracy and replace meters as per the standards and codes of practice.

The end result is that Power and Water should have a more accurate water meter fleet.

Meter compliance

2006 Water Metering Code (current): “4. Compliance with the metering code and 6. Metrological requirements for water meters” has now been replaced under section 4 in the proposed code.

2024 Water Metering Code (proposed):

4. Meter compliance addresses the compliance requirements for the water meter only. These include:

Meter standards
Meter function
In-service meter performance
Portable water meters

Impact to customer:

Customers will have confidence that the volume of water they are being billed for is accurate, as the meters will be managed and maintained to national standards and industry guidelines.

Explanation for amendment:

The proposed 2024 Code separates the water meter from the water meter assembly (Figure 1 in the Code illustrates this). This change was made to provide clarity and readability.

Section 4 Meter compliance in the proposed Code strictly discusses compliance in regards to the water meter only. The additions in the proposed Code include:

4. Meter compliance

Notes how water can only be taken from Power and Water’s infrastructure if it has an appropriate meter or at designated network connection points.

4.1 Meter standards

States that meters must comply with National Measurement Act 1960 and Power and Water shall only purchase and install meters approved by the National Measurement Institution (NMI) as per NMI R 49-2.

4.2 Meter function

Meters will be capable of displaying usage in kilolitres. The size will be appropriate for individual customers.

4.3 In-service meter performance

As per AS 3565.4 and WSA 11. Section 6 outlines the requirements for testing

4.4 Portable water meters

The issue and use of a portable water meter will be in compliance with Power and Water’s portable water meters procedure. Portable water meters follow the same requirements under the WSSS Act as other water meters in the 2024 Code which includes installing, testing, verifying and replacing.

Meter assembly requirements

2006 Water Metering Code (current): “5. Responsibility for metering installation, 7. Metering installation arrangements, 9. Requirements for meters for non-potable water, 10. Protection and security of metering installations and 11. Access to metering installations” is now covered in the proposed code under section 5.

2024 Water Metering Code (proposed):

5. Meter assembly requirements addresses the requirements for the meter assemblies. An illustration has been included to distinguish the difference between the meter and meter assembly.

Impact to customer:

The proposed 2024 Code has increased the time Power and Water has to make a non-compliant installation compliant from 28 days to 90 days. This is due to the logistics and complexities of certain tasks and allows a practical amount of time for Power and Water to liaise with the customer to undertake the remedial work with minimal impact on the customer.

In addition this section outlines the requirement of the meter assembly, focusing particularly around construction requirements to which Power and Water has had minimal changes in these areas.

Explanation for amendment:

The proposed Code discusses strictly the water meter assembly requirements in section 5. These requirements are primarily construction related and make reference to Power and Water’s Connection Code for Water Supply and Sewerage Services (Connection Code) and Power and Water’s standard drawings.

A key change from Section 4.2 of the current code that is now under Section 5 in the proposed Code is in regards to non-compliant installations. The proposed Code has increased Power and Water’s days to make a non-compliant installation compliant from 28 days to 90 days. This is due to the scale and complexities of certain tasks and Power and Water being unable to meet the 28 day requirement. Note this has no effect on the customer as their requirements remain the same.

Other additions in the proposed 2024 Code include:

5 Meter assembly requirements

Makes reference to parts found on meter assemblies (valves, strainers, backflow devices etc.) and also makes reference to the Connection Code as this documents requirements for new connections available on Power and Water’s website.

Section 5 then makes reference to Power and Water’s standard drawings, which identify Power and Water’s requirements to construct water meter assemblies. If assemblies are found to be non-compliant on Power and Water’s side, then assembly will be made compliant within 90 days by Power and Water. If a water meter assembly is found to be non-compliant on the customer side, the customer will be advised in writing and required to rectify the non-compliance within 90 days.

5.1 New assemblies

Outlines roles and responsibilities. Power and Water is responsible for supplying and installing the meter but customers/developers are responsible for supply and installation of new and upgraded meter assemblies. Inclusion of Figure 1 illustrates Power and Water’s and the customer’s responsibilities and shows both the water meter and water meter assembly.

5.2 Existing assemblies

Similar to the current 2006 code Section 5.2 Maintenance of existing installations, this section outlines Power and Water's responsibility for the supply side isolation valve and upstand. This section has been expanded to include existing assemblies that are installed prior to the Code shall be deemed compliant provided they fully comply with the requirements of the day. However, any new upgrades to an existing installation must be fully compliant to the Code.

5.3 Ancillary components

Ancillary components refers to components required for a meter assembly in addition to the meter. Ancillary components will vary depending on the size and type of installation. Components include isolation valves, backflow prevention devices, air valves etc.

5.4 Backflow prevention

Backflow prevention devices are valves incorporated in the meter or the meter assembly to prevent potentially harmful water from entering the water supply due to backflow. Power and Water’s Connection Code documents the requirements for backflow prevention devices.

5.5 Access to meter assembly

Customers must provide Power and Water with easy access to any meter on their property. Customers are required to maintain access to the water meter so they do not become buried.

5.6 Metered filling point assemblies

Power and Water has a number of card operated water filling stations for use by water truck operators and other users taking bulk water supplies from Power and Water’s reticulation systems.

Power and Water is responsible for the installation, testing, verifying and maintenance for all meters at filling points. Meters are subject to the same testing requirements as customer meters set out in the Code. Locations of water filling stations are available on Power and Water’s website.

5.7 Fire service meter assemblies

All fire services must be metered and appropriate backflow installed. The type and size of meter used is dependent on the type of fire service being installed and the Australian Standard design applicable to the installation. Responsibilities for a fire service meter assembly is as per section 5.1 and section 5.4. Power and Water is responsible for supplying and installing the meter/s.

Meter testing and verifying

2006 Water Metering Code (current): “8. Testing and replacement of meters” is now covered in the proposed code under section 6.

2024 Water Metering Code (proposed): 6. Meter testing and verifying now outlines relevant Australian Standards and codes of practice Power and Water will be implementing for meter testing and verifying.

Impact to customer:

As briefly mentioned in Section 3 and Section 4.3, the adoption of in-service water meter testing will have the most impact on customers . Water meters can slow with wear as throughput increases, hence when meters are replaced the customer may notice a change in recorded water use due to the improved accuracy of the new meter.

Customers should note this only applies to DN20 and DN25 meters. Larger customers are not affected and the testing regime is outlined in more detail in section 6.1.

Explanation for amendment:

The inclusion of meter testing and verifying is a significant change in the proposed 2024 Code. The current 2006 Code goes off a replacement schedule outlined in Attachment A in the Code. The proposed 2024 Code has meter testing for DN20 and DN25 meters, primarily for residential customers and potentially small commercial sites. The reason for this change is that meter testing follows relevant Australian Standards and codes of practices. In-service testing may result in a more accurate water meter fleet but should be noted it does not apply to all the meters, only the DN20 and DN25 meters.

Larger meters (for commercial customers) will have a replacement schedule in accordance with table 3 in the new metering code. The reason through put in table 3 is larger than the old replacement schedule is due to metering improvements since the current Code in 2006. These values are also subject to change due to meter improvements.

Other additional changes include:

6.1.1.1 Small mechanical meters

This section outlines the alignment to AS3565.4 and WSA 11. Table 1 and Table 2 shows the in-service compliance criteria that Power and Water will be working towards. This section also mentions a ‘six-flow’ testing method will be adopted over a ‘four-flow’ test due to increased meter accuracy. The increased accuracy in Power and Water’s meter fleet is the most significant change and affects customer the most when compared to the current code as a more accurate meter fleet may result in a higher water bill. Refer to impact on customer for more details.

6.1.1.2 Large mechanical meters

Similar to the current 2006 Code larger mechanical meters will run off a scheduled maintenance period based on through put reading (kL used). These values may be higher than Attachment A in current 2006 code due to metering improvements.

6.1.2 Solid state electronic meters

This section states that solid state electronic meters such as electromagnetic, remnant magnetic field and ultrasonic are different to mechanical meters as there are no moving parts. Thus, solid state electronic meters are not subject to measurement error decay due to the wear and tear of mechanical components of mechanical meters. The current in-service requirements of AS 3565.4 and WSA 11 are not applicable as they relate to mechanical meters.

6.1.2.1 Small solid state electronic meters (Q3 ≤ 16 kL/h)

Although solid state meters are currently not required to do in-service testing Power and Water outlines they will still conduct these tests within 8 years of installation to ensure meter accuracy is maintained. Meters achieving an error of less than or equal to ± 4% (relative weighted error) will allow for the DN20 and DN25 meter population to remain installed for the remainder of its expected battery life.

6.1.2.2 Large solid state electronic meters (Q3 >16 kL/h)

This section outlines routine maintenance detailed in Table 4. If anomalies are identified the meter is to be removed and tested with the ‘six-flow’ test as per WSA 11.

6.2 Customer requested meter tests

This section outlines the customer’s rights to request a meter test and Power and Water’s response rates.

6.2.1 on-site volumetric comparison testing

This is a test free-of-charge Power and Water will conduct for the customer with an in-line calibrated flow meter to compare the measured volume. The customer is advised to be onsite during the test and Power and Water will replace the meter if it is ±4% in error against the calibrated meter.

6.2.2 NATA accredited testing

Power and Water will arrange for the customer’s meter to be removed and replace with a new meter. The removed meter will then be sent to an independent NATA accredited laboratory for testing. The customer is responsible for paying for this test. The fee is refunded if the meter is proven to be over registering in excess of 4%. Under section 60(1) of the WSSS Act, the fees and charges for water meter tests are set out in the Minister’s current pricing order.

Section 7 Meter replacement

2006 Water Metering Code (current): N/A

2024 Water Metering Code (proposed): 7 Meter replacement clearly states the requirements for meter replacement

Impact to customer:

Identifies to the customer that only Power and Water staff or approved contractors will undertake the replacement of meters on their property and how the meters are selected for replacement.

Explanation for amendment:

The addition of section 7 Meter replacement was added to clearly identify that all meter replacements shall be undertaken by Power and Water or approved contractors only. Meter replacement schedules will be in accordance with in-service compliance testing outlined in section 6.1 along with meters replaced in response to service requests received from customers and meter replacement due to scheduled throughput (kL used) on an ongoing basis.

Customer complaints

2006 Water Metering Code (current): “12. Customer complaints” has been removed as it is not appropriate in the water metering code.

2024 Water Metering Code (proposed): N/A

Impact to customer:

Power and Water's customer complaints and resolutions website can be found in https://www.powerwater.com.au/complaints

Explanation for amendment: N/A

What these changes mean

These changes will apply to all water meters managed by Power and Water and will identifying impacts to our customers.

Our consultation plan

Engaging with our stakeholders is important and customer consultation is a key part of this process. In 2022 we sought stakeholder feedback on the changes, taking feedback on board while developing more detailed explanations about the proposed changes to the Code.

As part of this continuing consultation we will:

publish materials and gather feedback online at powerwater.com.au/your-say
communicate to customers and plumbers via email and on our website
present information online and address stakeholder questions about the proposed changes to the Water Metering Code

Feedback will be addressed before, approval of the updated Code is sought from by the Utilities Commission. The approved Water Metering Code is expected to be published on the Power and Water website in 2024.

Recently updated pages

Have your say

Water Metering Code 2024

See the updated Water Metering Code 2024

Amendments

Foreword

Contents

Definitions

Introduction

Scope

Meter compliance

Meter assembly requirements

Meter testing and verifying

Section 7 Meter replacement

Customer complaints

What these changes mean

Our consultation plan

22 April 2024

2 May 2024

19 May 2024

4 June 2024