Leaks and consumption tests
If you believe that the reading on your Water Notice is excessive, you should conduct a leak and consumption test at home to determine if you have an internal leak that may be the cause of the high usage.
How to conduct a leak test
- Turn off all taps on the property
- Take a reading of the water meter (all eight digits)
- Do not use any water for a period of four or five hours
- Take another reading of the water meter after four or five hours.
If the meter reading has changed and shows consumption then this would indicate there is a leak within the internal system. An internal leak is the responsibility of the property owner as it occurs within their property boundaries. A plumber should be called to fix an internal leak.
How to conduct a consumption check
- Turn off all taps on the property
- Take a reading of the water meter (all eight digits)
- Fill a container with water of a known capacity (eg. 20 litre bucket)
- Take another reading of the water meter
- Subtract the first reading from the second reading.
The difference between the two readings should equal the capacity of the bucket or container that was filled. If the difference is more than it should be then you may have an issue with your meter. In this instance, it is important to contact Fitzroy River Water.
Handy tip: Generally on a water meter, a black number represents kilolitres and a red number represents litres. 1 kilolitre = 1000 litres.