Reading your water meter
Knowing how to read your water meter can help you check how much water you are using and detect a leak.
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Received a meter reading card?
If we can’t gain access to your property we’ll leave a card in your letterbox asking you to read the water meter yourself and tell us the results. Find out how to read your meter below.
Locating your water meter
You’ll usually find your water meter close to the front of your property. You might need to carefully remove dirt to uncover it from any garden or dirt.
Your stop tap sits with the water meter. Use the stop tap to turn off the water supply to your house in an emergency such as a burst pipe or if you need to change a washer.
If you’re connected to recycled water, you’ll usually find your purple recycled water meter next to your normal water meter.
For units and apartments, a check meter may be located in the service cupboard or near the main meter of the building. If you're not sure where your meter is, contact your building management or your owner's corporation.
Have a digital meter? You can see how to read it here.
How to read the different types of meters
There are three types of analogue water meters. See the instructions below on how to read them:
Meter 1
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The black numbers measure kilolitres and the red measure litres. If you want to make sure the read on your bill is correct you can double check this. You only need to refer to the black numbers on the meter. Don’t forget to record the date of your reading. To check for leaks turn off all taps and appliances except the stop tap next to the water meter. Write down the numbers on your water meter including the red ones. Wait for 10 minutes and check your meter. If the numbers have changed you may have a leak.
Meter 2
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If you want to make sure the read on your bill is correct you only need to refer to the black numbers from left to right on the meter. To check for leaks turn off all taps and appliances except the stop tap next to the water meter. Take a picture of the small clocks and if they move while no water is being used at the property, there may be a leak.
Meter 3
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The black numbers measure kilolitres and the red measure litres. If you want to make sure the read on your bill is correct you can double check this. You only need to refer to the black numbers on the meter. Don’t forget to record the date of your reading. To check for leaks turn off all taps and appliances except the stop tap next to the water meter. Write down the numbers on your water meter including the red ones. Wait for 10 minutes and check your meter. If the numbers have changed you may have a leak.
Remember to keep the area around your water meter clear so we can access it easily and ensure accurate readings.
Send your meter reading to us
You can either:
SMS your reading to 0429 883 489.
Call 1800 802 677.
- Go to the Enquiries page in mySouthEastWater and select Submit meter read.
- Send your reply-paid meter reading card in the mail.
Related information
If this isn’t what you were looking for, see the following links for more information: