Ipswich City Council water supply infrastructure capacity high water usage and water meter accuracy

摘要

[Abstract]: South East Queensland is currently in one of the worst droughts on record with dam levels at historical lows. The introduction of Water Restrictions campaign signifies the severity of the water crisis. One way in which Ipswich water losses may be decreased is by identifying properties that use a seemingly excessive amount of water and then investigating these properties.ududIpswich City Council (ICC) have installed and maintain over 54 000 water meters throughout the Ipswich region ensuring that residential, commercial and industrialudcustomers pay only for the water they have consumed; making water meters the vital tool for monitoring and understanding water usage.ududThis project aims to research into the accuracy of water meters and then develop a practical audit system that identifies the high water consumers by analysing consumption data from all the standard 13−20mm water meters within Ipswich.ududData analysis of ICC water consumption readings, from the standard 13−20 mm water meters, between years 2003−2007, determined that properties over a recommended adopted water consumption volume per day value can be deemed a high water consumer and further investigation is required (for example due to leakage, wear and tear on meter, excessive water usage or inappropriate meter sizing).ududWater is a precious resource and it is necessary that all water utilities take responsibility for the water consumptions and try to determine ways which they can limit water loss in their community.