Water Meter Installations – Consumer Information (Victoria)
The process for installing or upgrading a water meter varies depending on the class of building, meter size, and the intended use of water on the property. Different buildings are assigned different risk and hazard ratings based on the plumbing fixtures and activities carried out on site.
For example, factories, medical centres, and surgical clinics are classified as higher hazard installations than standard domestic dwellings, which can affect meter sizing, backflow protection requirements, and approval processes. Your licensed plumber can assist in determining the appropriate classification and requirements for your property.
Standard Domestic Water Meters
For a typical residential property, the process is more straightforward. If you are requesting a new water meter or a meter upgrade, you must contact the relevant water authority servicing your area, such as South East Water, Yarra Valley Water, or City West Water.
If you are unsure which authority applies, contacting any water authority will direct you to the correct provider.
There are two common types of residential water meters:
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Check meters
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Remote (telemetry) meters
An application for a check meter or remote water meter reading equipment must be submitted where required. This is mandatory for existing multi-unit and dual-occupancy properties, and remote meters are typically required where the meter location is:
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Behind locked gates or fences
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Within secured or restricted areas
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Otherwise inaccessible for manual meter reading
Properties Without an Existing Water Connection
If a property does not have an existing water connection point, a street tapping (property service connection) must be arranged through the relevant water authority.
Street (Wet) Tappings – Important Responsibilities
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The water authority (water business) is solely responsible for carrying out the tapping into the water main.
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Connection of pipework from the water main to the water meter may only be carried out by water authority–approved or accredited contractors. This requirement varies between water authorities, and licensed plumbers are not permitted to undertake this work unless specifically authorised by the relevant water authority.
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The selection of the water main used for the connection is at the discretion of the water authority, as not all mains are suitable for property service connections.
Prior to any works being undertaken:
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A fully completed Plumbing Application must be submitted to the relevant water authority
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All applicable fees must be paid
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Written consent must be issued by the authority
No works may commence until approval has been granted.
Water Meter Supply and Installation
For 20mm and 25mm residential connections, the water authority will typically supply the water meter on the day of the scheduled tapping.
For 32mm and larger meters, the water authority may provide the meter to the licensed plumber prior to or on the day of tapping. Delivery may be made to the property site or another nominated location within the authority’s service boundary.
Larger meters may require extended lead times, and customers should allow a minimum of 10 business days when planning works.
The water meter assembly, including any required containment backflow prevention device, must be installed in accordance with the water authority’s guidelines and approved plans before the final connection to the water main is completed.
Water Meter Location Requirements
Water meters must generally be:
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Installed above ground
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Positioned at right angles to the water main
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Located within two metres of the property boundary that fronts the water main
The maximum permitted length of a property service pipe is typically 30 metres. Where a longer connection is required, an extension of the water reticulation network may be necessary, subject to approval by the water authority.
The property service pipe must be installed at right angles to the property boundary, unless otherwise approved by the water authority.
Dry Tappings for Drinking Water Supply (Residential Only)
For residential dry tapping connections, the water meter assembly for 20 mm diameter services is installed by the relevant water authority or its accredited contractor. Licensed plumbers are not permitted to install or connect the water meter assembly unless specifically authorised by the applicable water authority.
Prior to any works being undertaken, a fully completed Plumbing Application must be submitted to the relevant water authority, all applicable fees paid, and written consent issued. No works may commence until this approval has been granted.
Once the water meter assembly has been installed, a connection point on the outlet side of the meter is provided for the licensed plumber to connect the internal water service pipework servicing the property.
The approved location of the dry tapping and water meter assembly must be obtained from the relevant water authority. Fees may apply for this information or for any related site assessment.
If the required location of the water meter assembly differs by more than 600 mm in any direction from the approved tapping point, the existing tapping must be decommissioned at the water main and a new dry tapping provided. This work is carried out by the water authority or its accredited contractor, and additional fees will apply.
Water Meter Location Requirements
Water meter assemblies must generally be:
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Installed above ground
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Positioned at right angles to the water main
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Located within two metres of the property title boundary that abuts the water main
All installations must comply with the relevant water authority’s connection guidelines and approval conditions.
