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A recent demonstration by Southern Downs Regional Council officers saw new smart meters showcased, highlighting their water-saving capabilities. These smart meters have already been installed in Stanthorpe and are part of a wider initiative to deploy around 9000 meters throughout various areas, including Warwick, Allora, Yangan, Killarney, Dalveen, Leyburn, Wallangara, and Pratten.
The main goal of these smart meters is to provide real-time data on water volumes used and pipe flow rates, enabling the council to pinpoint leaks and effectively conserve water. By analysing the data provided by the meters and monitoring system, the council can identify areas, be it suburbs, streets, or individual properties, where unusually high water consumption is occurring. This identification helps the council target specific locations where water is being lost, thus enabling prompt action to save every drop of water wherever possible.
The introduction of this advanced technology is a significant part of the Queensland Government’s investment of over AU$ 300 million in the Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline project, emphasising the government’s commitment to water security in the Southern Downs region.
Moreover, the smart meter technology aligns with the Queensland Government’s AU$ 19.34 million Southern Downs Drought Resilience Package, which includes additional initiatives such as pump upgrades at Leslie Dam, commissioning of groundwater bores around Warwick and Allora, and upgrades to water treatment systems.
Queensland’s Minister for Water expressed his satisfaction with the Government’s AU$ 8.5 million investment in this cutting-edge technology, emphasising its potential to enhance water security throughout the Southern Downs. The implementation of smart meter technology is seen as a crucial step towards water conservation, improved drought resilience, and the reduction of operating costs for the pipeline, ultimately contributing to the region’s long-term water supply sustainability. The Southern Downs Regional Council was also commended for its commitment to adopting water monitoring and saving technologies, aligning with the government’s vision for a more sustainable and resilient water future.
The Mayor of Southern Downs expressed enthusiasm about the effectiveness of the smart meters during their successful implementation in Stanthorpe and conveyed anticipation for their upcoming rollout in Warwick. He emphasised the significance of water conservation, recognising the importance of preserving every drop of water. Despite the current full state of the dams, he highlighted the constant need to remain vigilant about water security, considering the inevitability of future droughts.
Meanwhile, the Southern Downs Councillor praised the valuable insights gained from the data collected by the smart meters, highlighting their transformative impact on water management.
According to the Councillor, conventional underground water pipes often go unnoticed until a major break occurs. However, the implementation of smart meters enables the detection of small and hidden leaks that persist 24/7. By identifying and addressing these leaks, the council can recover significant amounts of treated water that might otherwise be lost, preventing its delivery to properties or wastage from taps.
He referred to this unaccounted-for water as “ghost water,” and emphasised how these cutting-edge smart meters play a crucial role in tracking down and managing it effectively.
The Councillor noted that while water distribution to houses dates back to Roman times, the integration of water pipes with affordable satellite technology is a recent advancement. This combination of technology allows for efficient water-saving results, and he expressed his excitement about the positive impact it would have on the region’s water management efforts.
In December 2023, significant progress was achieved in the improvement of Leslie Dam’s infrastructure as part of the Southern Downs Drought Resilience Package. The completion of upgrades to Leslie Dam’s pumps was a key component of this initiative.
The investment of AU$ 7.19 million in these upgrades resulted in a substantial increase in Leslie Dam’s usable water capacity. Specifically, the dam’s capacity was augmented by 1700 megalitres (ML), which is equivalent to approximately 680 Olympic-sized swimming pools. This enhancement is expected to bolster the region’s water storage capabilities and contribute significantly to the overall drought resilience strategy for the Southern Downs area.
