WATER METERS

In reply to the Hon. J.A. DARLEY (11 November 2008).

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Minister for Small Business): The Minister for Water Security has provided the following information:

1. The reading of SA Water water meters was contracted to AMRS Pty Ltd in October 1998. The cost of the contract is based on the number of meter readings undertaken.

2. For 2008-09 the cost is $1.5 million based on 2,400,000 meter readings.

3. Incorrect reading can occur due to faults in the meter, e.g. if the meter is stuck or poor visibility due to condensation within meters. In 2007-08, 2,548 letters advising of incorrect readings were sent to customers. This represents a misread rate of 0.2 per cent of total meters read (meters read 6 monthly).

Under the contract AMRS need to achieve a meter reading accuracy rate of 99.75 per cent.

4. Checks currently in place to detect misreads include:

on site—meter reader alarmed (via hand held device) if entering a reading which is outside of normal usage parameters;

office checks—checks are undertaken on readings outside of normal usage parameter. Site visits to re read meters can be generated by this check;

extreme high water use scenarios followed up by SA Water.

SA Water has a process in place to amend water use if readings are queried by customers.