UPPER Hunter Shire Council is reminding residents that they can always seek a review of their water account if they believe their recorded usage is unusually high or that they have been charged incorrectly.
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Council is waiving the $175 fee normally charged for a water meter test for this financial year until June 30, 2018.
Mayor Wayne Bedggood said the council had made the decision to make it easier for ratepayers who believe they are being charged for water they have not used, to confirm that meters are working properly.
“We are seeing a lot of claims on social media about water usage, but not very many people coming in and requesting a review of their account,” Cr Bedggood said.
Where an account history shows usage has risen inexplicably, there has always been the option of testing the water meter.
Council’s usual system is to charge a fee to conduct an accuracy test.
If the old meter is found to be outside 4 per cent accuracy, the fee is refunded and their account is reviewed in light of the results.
Where the meter is found to be working within a 4 per cent accuracy, the fee was not refunded.
Council is waiving the $175 fee for review requests received by June 30 and will now conduct a field accuracy test on the water meter at the property and residents are welcome to be there to see the testing.
If the old meter is found to be outside 4 per cent accuracy, their account is reviewed in light of the results.
If a replacement meter is required, residents will not be charged for the new meter.
“Ratepayers who have their water meter tested will obviously be told the results,” Cr Bedggood said.
“At the end of this round of meter testing, we will release the overall results.
“Council is confident that in the vast majority of cases, the water meters and therefore the water accounts accurately reflect the amount of water people are using.
“Council is happy to share the results of water meter testing so ratepayers can share that confidence.”
Faulty or older meters usually under-read water usage, so we ask people who are concerned about excessive consumption to take a few simple steps to check they do not have water pipe leaks on their property before contacting council.
How to get your water account reviewed
A water account showing unexplained high usage could be for a number of reasons including that you may have a leak.
Leaks are not always easy to detect, they can drain into sewer, storm water drains, natural water courses or be under a building.
We recommend that you read your meter weekly to gauge consumption.
Overnight test for a leaking water pipe
A simple test which does not cost anything is an overnight test for a leaking water pipe.
• Read ALL digits on the water meter last thing at night.
• Do not use any water, including toilet flush that night. If there is any water used at all then the test is invalid.
• Read ALL digits on the water meter first thing in the morning before anyone uses any water.
• If the meter has registered usage then there is a leak on the property.
The customer should find the leak or get a registered plumber to find and fix the leak.
Council does not accept responsibility for any of the cost of repairing any water leak on private property.
If after taking these measures, you believe your water account is still unusually high, contact council on 6540 1100 and ask for a review of your account.
