As part of its commitment to maintaining infrastructure and providing a reliable, continuous and safe water supply, Unitywater has identified that more than 11,300 water meters due for replacement over the coming months.
Properties in the following areas will this month have their water meters replaced:
Warana, Bokarina, Wurtulla, Currimundi, Caloundra West, Little Mountain, Caloundra, Dicky Beach, Moffat Beach and Pomona.
Unitywater Manager Asset Creation Andrew Schoenmaker said the local program was part of the organisation’s annual $2.09 million infrastructure maintenance project to replace old water meters in the Moreton Bay and Sunshine Coast regions.
“We routinely replace water meters when they are nearing the end of their life cycle, at no cost to our customers,” Mr Schoenmaker said.
“Water meters are mechanical devices that wear with age and usage and we will be replacing these meters as part of our general maintenance program through until June 2012,” he said.
The meter replacement work is undertaken by licensed plumbing contractors who are authorised by Unitywater to deliver this work, and they are identified by ID cards and vehicle signage.
Mr Schoenmaker said residents would receive a notification card in their letterbox at least 48 hours in advance of any works.
If residents are home on the day of the works, the plumber will make contact with them, prior to replacing the meter.
“While we work hard to ensure there is minimal disruption and inconvenience to our customers, it is necessary to temporarily interrupt water supply to replace the meters.
In most cases the water will be interrupted for less than one hour, unless we encounter unforeseen circumstances during the replacement,” he said.
Following meter replacement, the plumber will leave a Works Completed card in the customer’s letterbox which records the consumption of the old meter.
Customers are advised to keep this reading for reference and to cross check when they receive their next Water Supply and Sewerage Account.
Disturbance of soil and pipes during water meter replacement may cause temporary discolouration of water for a short period.
If this occurs, turn on the tap nearest to ground level (usually an outside tap) and let it run for up to five minutes until water runs clear.
This costs less than 25 cents and on average uses less than 125 litres of water. If water remains discoloured, please contact us on 1300 0 UNITY (1300 086 489).
“We appreciate the community’s support and understanding as we carry out this important community service,” Mr Schoenmaker said.
