The Quiet Tech Helping Australian Utilities Save Water

Digital water meters are giving Australian utilities clearer data to detect leaks earlier, with a NSW pilot showing promising results

23 Jan 2026

Australia’s water sector is quietly reinventing itself, starting with an object most people barely notice. The humble water meter, once checked occasionally for billing, is becoming a powerful source of insight for utilities under pressure to do more with less.

In New South Wales, Hunter Water is testing what this shift could mean in practice. Its Digital Metering Program, due to start around January 2025 and run for up to two years, will install about 500 digital meters at selected homes and businesses. Some commercial sites will also trial digital data loggers, allowing the utility to compare different setups and performance in real world conditions.

Unlike traditional meters, which offer only periodic snapshots, digital meters can record water use every 30 minutes. That steady stream of data paints a much clearer picture of how water moves through the system. Intellihub is supplying the technology and helping integrate the data into Hunter Water’s existing platforms, turning raw readings into actionable intelligence.

The biggest prize is leak detection. Small, constant leaks often stay hidden for weeks, quietly wasting water and inflating bills. With frequent data, utilities can flag unusual patterns such as continuous overnight use and step in earlier. Industry observers see pilots like this as a test of whether digital metering can significantly sharpen network awareness and reduce losses.

Beyond leaks, the shift reflects a broader change in how utilities think about data. Better information supports smarter planning, quicker responses to faults, and more transparent conversations with customers. For households and businesses, that can translate into earlier alerts, fewer bill surprises, and less disruption from emergency repairs.

There are still hurdles to clear, including data security, system integration, and the risk of false alarms. But if programs like Hunter Water’s deliver clear benefits, digital water meters may soon become a standard tool in building more resilient and responsive water networks across Australia.