We continue to receive information from a growing number of property owners and managers across South East Queensland who are experiencing unexplained increases in Urban Utilities water bills following the installation of ultrasonic water meters.
Importantly, this issue is not limited to townhouse complexes. We have now been advised that commercial properties are also being affected, including properties owned or managed by large entities – even Brisbane City Council!
As with residential sites, many commercial customers have engaged licensed plumbers and consultants to investigate potential leaks or plumbing faults. In numerous cases, these investigations have found no leaks, no non-compliant plumbing, and no change in operational water use. The only consistent change has been the replacement of the water meter itself.
Meters appear to have been installed outside manufacturer installation recommendations, including requirements relating to straight pipe lengths and hydraulic conditions. Where these conditions are not met, ultrasonic meters may be susceptible to hydraulic instability and transient flow behaviour, which can result in inaccurate readings being recorded and billed.
Despite the absence of confirmed leaks or plumbing defects, affected customers are incurring significant costs in repeated investigations while continuing to receive elevated water bills.
The fact that similar issues are now being reported across both residential and commercial properties raises serious concerns about whether current metering and billing practices are accurately reflecting water actually supplied.
If you manage or own a property and have experienced unexplained increases following a meter replacement, you are not alone. We encourage others to come forward and share their experience confidentially.