Policy Development

Overview

The right policies will enable clarity and a smoother rollout process. An assessment of a provider’s policies and associated bylaws and planning documents will identify their policy readiness for water metering[JF1] , any gaps and what work is needed to resolve them. Listed below are key policies that should be implemented to support the universal water metering rollout.

• •  Metering Policy — What properties are metered and how, including meter sizing and selection, locations and where primary/master and check/[JF2] shared meters are used. Meter and service connection ownership and responsibilities.

  • Backflow Policy - requirements and responsibilities relating to the installation of backflow. [JF3] [MC4] Access rights for installation, maintenance and reading and management of fire protection systems.

  • Asset Management Policy – Approved materials and standards. [JF5] [MC6] Installation requirements and specifications. Inspection, testing and renewals approach and programme.

  • Customer Service and Engagement Policy – Connection and meter application processes, leak notification and repair obligations, water leak credits, dispute resolution process, meter testing and cost recovery, hardship grants/allowances, meter access obligations

  • Billing and Reading Policy – Meter reading frequency and responsibilities, actual vs estimated reads, special readings and billing accuracy errors and adjustments.

  • Smart Metering and Data Management Policy - Data management, security and privacy, remote reading validation, error correction, customer data access. Communications infrastructure, intellectual property, and access agreements.

  • Compliance and Enforcement Policy - Seal application and inspection. Tampering and damage penalties and verification and testing by approved laboratories.

  • Water pricing policy???

 By preparing and updating policies and associated bylaws and documentation in advance, councils can ensure all parties understand their responsibilities. Metering software can be set to flag discrepancies between the total flow into the ROW and the sum of the individual meter reads, helping detect leaks or unmetered use early. This allows prompt joint action, reduces disputes, and protects against both water and revenue loss.

Hot tip

 Unusual shared-ROW or interconnected private pipework arrangements can separate the point of supply from the point of metering, avoid future disputes by clearly defining who pays, who fixes, and who gets access.