Overview

The discovery stage lays the foundation for everything that follows. It’s about understanding the scale of the challenge, the opportunities for improvement [and innovation?], and the viability of metering as part of a wider water resource-management strategy.  The key tasks in this stage are:

The Strategic Case 

Develop the initial case for change. Define the drivers, benefits, and investment logic for metering within the broader water resource management strategy. This provides the mandate and direction for further investigation.

Readiness Assessment

Assess how well council policies, systems, people, and community are prepared for universal metering. It This identifies gaps in policy, engagement, process, and capability to ensure a smooth and well-supported transition to metering and subsequent volumetric charging.

Connection Survey

Collect real-world data on service connection configurations, and potential installation challenges. This survey helps to verify assumptions,  characterise installation complexity, risks, and refine budget costings.

Market Sounding

Engage early with potential suppliers and technology providers to understand capability, innovation, and realistic delivery options. Market feedback at this stage helps to shape procurement and delivery strategies later in the process.

Together, these activities turn intent into evidence, building the clarity and confidence needed to move from exploration to structured planning.

Useful resources for this stage

Where to next?