With the significant easing of national COVID-19 restrictions, the Smart Water Meter rollout has recommenced in Dubbo with the support of local contractors – Inland Plumbing and Gas.
Dubbo Regional Council (DRC) engaged Taggle Systems for the supply and installation of smart meter technology to approximately 17,700 residential water meters and 2,300 non-residential meters.
The rollout was divided into five zones, progressing in numerical order. Beginning in July 2020, workers got through installations in zone 1 and most of zone 2, before the COVID-19 pandemic forced the program to a halt.
With the easing of COVID-19 restrictions and borders reopening, Taggle has recommenced the rollout this month on zone 2, and commenced on zone 3 this week. Workers will break for the festive season, returning 11 January 2021.
Contractors from CHS Group, a sub-contractor of Taggle Systems, have been able to procure and train local contractors, Inland Plumbing and Gas.
“The inductions and training commenced on 25 November 2020 and CHS found that the local firm will be a great resource for the delivery of this project. CHS anticipates that Inland Plumbing will deliver over 50 per cent of the remaining scope left in the project,” said CHS Group Director Ash Hopper. “I’m looking forward to a healthy working relationship with Inland Plumbing and Gas.”
Customers with a Smart Water Meter will be able to monitor and manage their water consumption through the ‘My DRC Water’ online customer portal, which is expected to be launched in February 2021.
The rollout is currently on track to be completed by June 2021.
“The benefit of having locally trained workers to help continue the rollout and respond to any unforeseen issues will be of huge benefit to the community, and assist in keeping us on track for the set timeline,” said DRC Director Infrastructure, Julian Geddes.
Residents can track the installation progress online, at – https://www.dubbo.nsw.gov.au/our-region-and-environment/water-sewerage-and-drainage/smartmeters
Meanwhile, residents are being reminded to be ‘wise with our water’, and that Level 1 water restrictions remain in place.
This means households can water outside each day during daylight saving, between the hours of 6pm and 9am.
More information can be found on the DRC website, or by contacting Council’s Customer Experience team on (02) 6801 4000.
