GWMWater

Rural meter and RTU renewals

About the project

We’re renewing ageing water meters and communication devices across our rural network, covering the Grampians, Wimmera and Mallee regions.

From July 2026, our contractor New Plumbing Solutions, with subcontractor Laser Plumbing and Electrical, will start replacing about 11,000 water meters and 12,000 Remote Telemetry Units (RTUs), with works planned to finish by mid 2027.

These upgrades help ensure we can reliably deliver quality stock and domestic water services to our rural customers.

What's being replaced

Not all meters and RTUs across the Rural Network will be replaced — only those that are nearing the end of their working life. This means:

  • Some water services will receive a water meter and RTU replacement.

  • Some water services will receive an RTU replacement only.

  • Some water services with low or very low recorded usage over an extended period may have been identified for removal as part of a consolidation program.

Customers affected by this replacement program will be notified by letter.

Staying informed

We’ll send text message updates to affected rural customers once more detailed work schedules for each area are confirmed.

We're here to help

If you have any questions about this project, please get in touch with us on 1300 659 961 during business hours.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my water meter or RTU being replaced?

Some of GWMWater’s rural water meters and Remote Telemetry Units (RTUs) are reaching the end of their working life.

Across our rural network, about 11,000 water meters and 12,000 RTUs are being replaced to keep meter readings accurate and ensure reliable service for our rural customers.

There are two types of upgrades under this program:

  • Water meter and RTU replacement, including fittings.

  • RTU replacement only, where the water meter has not yet reached replacement age.

Where needed, we may also:

  • Replace faulty stop taps.

  • Replace worn or damaged meter fittings or pipework on GWMWater’s side of the meter.

  • Raise meter assemblies that are buried.

  • Replace RTU mounting posts or pickets.

Are all of the meters / RTUs being replaced on my property?

GWMWater are also working on a meter consolidation program. Some meters which have recorded no or very low usage over an extended period have been identified for decommissioning. If a meter or RTU does not get replaced, it may have been identified for removal instead of replacement. These works will be happening at a later date and we will contact you separately about this process.

What is an RTU?

‘RTU’ stands for Remote Telemetry Unit. This is a device that connects to your water meter to remotely send water usage information back to GWMWater.

Who will be completing the works?

Our contractor, New Plumbing Solutions will be completing the works with support from sub-contractor, Laser Plumbing and Electrical.

Before works begin in your area, we’ll send a text message with details of the appointed contractor and a clearer timeframe.

When will works take place?

The project is planned to start in July 2026 and finish by May 2027.

We’ll contact affected landholders by text message closer to the time with specific details once schedules for your area are confirmed.

How long will my water be interrupted?

  • For a standard meter replacement, water will usually be off for around 5 minutes.

  • If worn or damaged fittings or pipework on GWMWater’s side of the meter also need replacing, the interruption may be up to 60 minutes.

Water will be restored as soon as works are completed, however this should not impact your access to water if you have your required three-day supply tanks in place.

Stop taps on meters will be left off or on, depending on the position they are found.

Will the new meter affect my water usage?

In some cases, older meters may record usage at a lower rate, after your meter is replaced you may notice:

  • Higher usage shown on your bill, because the new meter is recording water use more accurately.

You will not be charged for any previous under-recorded usage from a previous meter.

I have more than one rural water service. How do I know which ones are affected?

If you’d like to check which of your rural water services are included in the upgrades, please get in touch with us on 1300 659 961 during business hours.

Will the contractor need to access my property?

In most cases, meters are located within the road reserve at the property boundary, and our contractor won’t need to enter your property.

In some situations, access may be required to safely reach the meter.

If you have any questions or concerns about property access, please contact us on 1300 659 961 during business hours.

I use the GWMWater Customer Portal. Will it be affected?

The Customer Portal may show a brief pause in your usage data on the day(s) around your meter and RTU replacement works. Once the new meter and or RTU is configured in our system (following the replacement works), this data will continue to flow as normal.