Goulburn-Murray Water (G-MW) has recently completed a field meter verification program utilising a portable flow rig developed in conjunction with Thiess Services. This trailer mounted mobile metering rig tested the field accuracy of 12 Dethridge meters, seven Flumegates and seven Magnetic Flow meters.
Chief Executive Russell Cooper stated, ‘It has become very important that G-MW knows what level of accuracy can actually be obtained from various meters being used for water delivery. The new National Metering Standards currently being developed by the Federal Government will require a field accuracy standard of + or - 5%. These new Standards which are scheduled for completion this year, are being developed to ensure national uniformity is achieved that will allow fair trade throughout the country.’
The results of the field meter verification program have been reviewed by an independent consultant Hydro Environmental Pty. Ltd. who has checked the testing procedure used by Thiess Services as well as making recommendations on future metering options for G-MW in light of the National Metering Standards.
Mr Cooper stated that ‘Hydro Environmental’s findings in regard to the Dethridge meter were that it under recorded by an average of 10%, although the range of under-recording runs from 1% to 24%. This means that the Dethridge meter does not comply with the proposed National Metering Standards. Therefore, the consultant has recommended that G-MW should not pursue the long term use of the Dethridge Meter’ The consultant who also utilised other relevant reports on metering performance in reaching this recommendation, has contacted other rural water authorities to ascertain their strategies for meter replacement. In all cases they have either made the decision or are considering other options to replace the Dethridge meter as their main customer billing meter.
Other metering options being trialled by G-MW include the Electromagnetic Flow Meter and Flumegate both of which performed well in the meter verification program achieving accuracy results well within the ±5% accuracy range.
At this time replacing Dethridge meters within G-MW with more accurate meters will only occur for new service points or where an existing meter becomes inoperable. Further information in terms of a compliance period is yet to be clarified nder the new National Metering Standard.
Opportunities for funding meter upgrades may also become available under modernisation projects being developed as part of Reconfiguration planning.
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Media Contact: Russell Cooper
Position: Chief Executive
Telephone: (03) 5833 5511