Published 14/09/2021
Greytown residents working smarter, not harder
Greytown residents will have the chance to work smarter, not harder, for a more resilient and efficient water network.
The Wairarapa town will become the first in South Wairarapa to trial smart water meters, known as Advanced Metering Infrastructure, next month.
While water meters are currently read once a year, the smart meters will record real-time water use and detect higher than normal water flow, allowing leaks to be identified and repaired more quickly.
The smart meters will be installed for free at 250 properties around Greytown and the cost of supplying water will not change. Participants will have access to real-time data through an online customer portal.
South Wairarapa District Council Chief Executive, Harry Wilson, said the trial was about looking at the best and most cost-effective way to manage the region’s most valuable resource.
“It is important that our communities have the resilient, long-lasting and reliable water network they deserve,” he said.
“Around 40 percent of South Wairarapa water is lost through leaking pipes. This smart technology will help to detect leaks so repairs can be made faster, preventing more outages due to bursts, and helping to conserve more of our region’s water.”
Properties suitable for the smart metre trial have been identified by Wellington Water and residents will be asked if they’d like to take part in the coming weeks.
Participants can also sign up to receive regular water use updates and tips on ways to reduce their household water use.
Wellington Water’s Chief Advisor Drinking Water, Laurence Edwards, said findings from the trial will be shared with other councils.
“This is the first trial of its kind in South Wairarapa. The meters going into Greytown enable us to provide water consumption information back to customers through user portals, as well as provide information to Wellington Water to help find leaks.
“So, what we learn in Greytown about smart meters will be useful to other communities looking at how they can conserve water,” he said.
“We also hope these meters get the community more engaged and interested in their water use, and in water conservation.”