Readers 'skip' 30 properties a day

Two suburbs in the Moreton Bay region are in the top three where Unitywater meters cannot be read and bills are issued with estimated readings.

The utility has released figures showing about 30 properties every day cannot have their meter read due to Unitywater's meter readers being unable to access them.

Executive Manager Customer Experience, Katherine Gee, said each of the 320,665 Unitywater meters are read quarterly, with readers doing about 6400 each day.

“There are a number of reasons meters can’t be read, known as ‘skip reads’,” Ms Gee said.

“Our meter readers can be faced with unrestrained dogs, locked premises or instances where gardens or dirt obstruct the water meter,” she said.

Ms Gee said Maroochydore had the highest rate of skips across Moreton Bay, Noosa and the Sunshine Coast, followed by Caboolture, Morayfield, Coolum Beach and Buderim.

“Where meters can’t be read, we bill based on an estimated reading,” she said. 

“We always aim to get a correct reading so we can bill customers accurately and on time, but this is not always possible.

“The estimate is based on the property’s previous water usage pattern and when we can get an actual reading in the next billing period, we’ll adjust the account so the customer is only charged for the water they’ve used.”

Ms Gee said the utility also recommended customers check for leaks every two weeks.

“Identifying hidden leaks early helps to avoid bill shock and the expense that comes with them,” she said.

“Unusually spinning numbers on your water meter when you aren't using any water inside your property could indicate a potential hidden leak.

“A unit owner had a concealed leak underneath a concrete driveway which was not visible above ground.

“Plumbing repairs cost $1300 and their Unitywater bill increased from about $250 to $8800.”

For easy steps on how to check for leaks, visit www.unitywater.com/leaks