Tamworth Regional Council has now installed over 23,000 automatic water meters across the Local Government Area. Residents with an automatic water meter can now monitor their water consumption anytime, anywhere, and all for free through the MyTRC Water Portal. This online and easy to use services gives residents the tools to save water and money with access to the portal being FREE.
Sign up today to track your daily water usage it is quick and easy and all you will need is a copy of a recent Water Account in front of you to obtain some details for the online application.
As part of the MyTRC Water Portal you can also choose your own water consumption targets and set up alerts to warn you if these targets have been or are likely to be exceeded.
Register now at MyTRC Water Portal
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Automatic Water Meter?
Automatic water meters measure water usage and are fitted with radio transmitters to provide accurate real-time water usage readings, improving the accuracy of water bills, detect possible leaks, promote better water management and improve customer service.
How do I read my Automatic Water Meter?
The best way to track your water usage is through the MyTRC Water Portal, which shows your water usage accurate to within 24 hours. You can still manually read your meter too.
Water consumption is charged per kilolitre.
Top line displays kilolitres. Reading shown is 187m3 which is equivalent to 187 kilolitres (or 187,000 litres).
Bottom line displays litres. Reading shown is 866.04 litres. This number goes back to zero once 1000litres is reached, and 1kilolitre is then added to the top line.
This reader is showing a total consumption of 187,866.04litres (187 kilolitres on the top row (which is equivalent to 187,000 litres), and 866.04 litres is showing on bottom line).
You can check your property for potential leaks by ensuring no water is being used within your property. Check your meter and if the bottom numbers are increasing, you may have a leak.
How do Automatic Water Meters work?
The device detects the water meter dial rotating and transmits the current water meter reading as a small radio signal. The information is then stored in a secure database managed by Tamworth Regional Council.
How strong is the radio signal?
The radio signal transmitted by the meter is very small – it is about 30 times weaker than the signal transmitted by a mobile phone.
How does the device get power?
The device is powered by a small battery. All the power used by the device comes from the battery.
Will this affect my billing?
With the introduction of the MyTRC Water Portal, the issuing of water notices will become much more efficient. You will continue to receive quarterly notices, however the billing schedule will be changing slightly.
The new billing schedule is as follows:
| Reading Quarter |
Account Issued |
Account Due |
| July to September |
October |
November |
| October to December |
January |
February |
| January to March |
April |
May |
| April to June |
July |
August |
What will my water data be used for?
Initially, your water meter data will be used by Council to identify any hidden leaks, and you will be notified if any are found. On average 10% of homes and businesses have concealed leaks they are not aware of despite best efforts to save water.
Council will use the water usage data for water billing purposes, the data can also be used to identify properties that breach water restrictions and if necessary, fines can be issued from this data.
Will automatic water meters be used to fine property owners for water restriction breaches?
Automatic water meters provide an expansive number of water demand opportunities in the future. Water restrictions as we have known in the past are likely to look very different in the future thanks to the options available to us through automatic metering. It should be noted that automatic meters will provide time-stamped data usage that if required, could be used for regulatory purposes.
Who is responsible for the maintenance of the device?
If you notice that your meter or device is damaged or in need of maintenance, please contact Council’s customer service team on 6767 5555.
How can I monitor my data?
All property owners/property managers and tenants* who have an automatic water meter installed can now monitor their water consumption anytime, anywhere, and be notified in the case of any potential leaks via the MyTRC Water Portal with access to those details being completely free.
This online and easy to use service gives residents the tools to save water and money. You can also choose your own water consumption targets and set up alerts to warn you if these targets have been or are likely to be exceeded.
Whilst this is not mandatory, Council highly recommends you register for this free service for any property that you may own in the Tamworth Local Government Area to better manage/monitor water usage – MyTRC Water Portal. Registration for the MyTRC Water Portal is quick and you will just need a Water Account in front of you for the property you are registering to obtain some details off that Notice.
* access to the Portal for tenants can only be approved by the Property Owner or Property Manager via application through the MyTRC Water Portal.
How do I know if I have a leak?
Once you have registered on the water portal you will be able to set alerts for high water usage and leaks. From the home page menu select “Alerts” then select “Manage Alerts”. You will see a list of options which you can customise to monitor your own water usage.
When the water consumption or leak reaches the threshold you have chosen, you will receive either an SMS or Email.
What should I do if I have a leak?
If you have been alerted of a leak at your property through the water portal, you should try to locate the leak as soon as possible. Some common leaks could be taps, showers, toilets, evaporative air conditioning, irrigation systems and rainwater tanks that are connected to town water.
You may be able to repair the leak yourself or if you cannot find or fix the leak yourself, you may need to engage a plumber.
If you have a significant leak you are able to turn off the water supply to your property by turning off the tap at your water meter which is usually at the front of your property. This will assist in reducing wasted water or any potential damage to your property until the leak can be repaired.
What do I do if my water meter device is damaged?
Generally, the device will automatically send an alert to Council if a defect is detected.
If you notice that your meter or device is damaged or in need of maintenance, please contact Council’s Customer Service on 6767 5555.