Sub-meters are individual water meters attached to units or lots in a multi unit development. The term differentiates sub-meters from master meters, which measure the supply of water to a complex as a whole.

A sub-metering system provides opportunities for units to track and pay for the water they use individually. This is in contrast to the majority of multi unit developments which have one master meter with the overall bill divided between the respective units or lots, usually according to lot entitlement.

Sub-metering in new multi-unit developments

Sub-metering is compulsory for all new residential multi-unit developments and some non-residential premises. This change came into effect on 1 January 2008. Sub-metering allows for equity of water charges for residents in multi-unit developments. It also encourages efficient use of water by increasing individual accountability for water consumption.

Types of developments affected

The Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code prescribes the type of buildings that require a sub-metering system, which include:

Your local council’s plumbing and drainage assessment team reviews the development’s hydraulic plans and carries out inspections of the sub-meter installation, making sure the sub-meters are correctly installed. When completed, information such as the unit number and details of the sub-meters are to be provided to Allconnex Water.

For further information

 Sub-meter assessment checklist (117kb)

 Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) Commissioning Checklist (82kb)