Sub Metering

Sub meters are individual water meters that measure water use downstream of a master meter. In some strata schemes (where each lot is not individually connected to a TasWater water main), a master meter is installed at the connection point to measure the total volume of water supplied to the scheme, while sub-meters measure the water supplied to each individual lot.  

 

While TasWater (and its predecessors) previously installed sub-meters for new strata schemes, TasWater will no longer install, maintain and read sub-meters for new strata schemes.  

Our approach to water metering and billing for existing and new multi-unit properties and strata schemes during the Price and Service Plan (PSP4) period is summarised below and is further explained in our Sub-metering policy within the PSP4 document. The policy has been approved by the Tasmanian Economic Regulator as part of its 2022 Price Determination.   

Sub metering in multi-unit (not strata titled) properties 

Existing multi-unit properties 

All existing multi-unit properties will have a master meter installed at the connection point. We will use the master meter to determine our charges for the property. The owner of a multi-unit property has the option of installing sub-meters for each unit, should they wish. Third parties can install and read these meters on behalf of the owner. 

New multi-unit properties 

For new multi-unit properties, our default position is to have a master meter installed at the connection point. We may, at our discretion, approve each unit being individually and directly connected to our water reticulation main. 
The owner of a multi-unit property will be billed for fixed and variable charges for the property. The fixed and variable charges are based on the size of the master meter and the volume of water supplied through the master meter respectively.  Sub-meters, where installed, are not used for calculating our charges.   
For new multi-unit properties where we have approved each unit being directly connected to our water reticulation main, the owner of the property will be billed a fixed charge based on the meter sizes and a variable charge based on water used for each property.   

Meter Reader Photos-18

Sub-metering in Strata Schemes 

Metering and billing arrangements for fixed and variable charges in strata schemes may vary, depending on whether the strata scheme is a new scheme or an existing scheme.  

New strata schemes  

New strata schemes will be metered in one of the following ways: 
Single master meter only; or 
Lots individually connected to our water main, or via a water meter manifold. 

Where there is a single master meter only, our fixed and variable charges for each lot will be based on the general or special unit entitlement of each lot if provided or available to TasWater, or will be billed to the strata scheme’s body corporate.

Where we have approved each lot being individually connected to our water main, each lot owner will be billed a fixed charge based on the size of each lot’s individual water connection and a variable charge based on the volume of water supplied to each lot as measured by the lot’s individual water meter.   

Existing strata schemes 

Metering arrangements in existing strata schemes may vary due to legacy plumbing arrangements and are explained in our Sub-metering policy in the Price and Service Plan (PSP4).  These arrangements may include the use of sub-meters previously installed by us (or our predecessor(s)).  

Where sub-meters are already installed, we will continue to maintain and read the sub-meters, which will remain our property.  Each lot owner will be billed a fixed charge, based on the size of the sub-meter, and a variable charge, based on the volume of water supplied to each lot as measured by the sub-meter. If applicable, each lot owner’s bill may include an amount for common property water usage. 

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