Smart water meter roll out boosts sustainability

In 2024, Rous successfully completed the Smart Water Meter Project improving water management and sustainability across Lismore, Ballina, Byron, and Richmond Valley communities. The project saw the installation of over 2,100 digital smart water meters, empowering customers with real-time insights into their daily water usage through the new “My Rous” app.

Previously reliant on quarterly manual readings, Rous customers now receive daily updates, instant leak alerts, and detailed usage reports, helping them save money and conserve water. The project, completed between February and August 2024, directly addresses water sustainability challenges and promoted smarter water use across the region.

Key partnerships were crucial to the projects success. Rous partnered with Nucleus3 to install the smart water meters and GreenBe to develop the My Rous app. With strong leadership, innovation, and a clear focus on sustainability, the Smart Water Meter Project sets a benchmark for how local governments can leverage technology to secure a smarter, more sustainable water future.

What are smart water meters

Smart water meters are a modern, digital way to record the use of water. Unlike traditional water meters that are read manually on a quarterly basis, smart meters use wireless technology to remotely record water usage in real time. Smart meters enable Rous customers to better understand their water use by providing more detailed and timely information. They also provide for more accurate billing and help with the early detection of leaks, saving customers money and conserving precious water.

The MyRous app

The MyRous app empowers Rous customers to better understand their water use and detect leaks quickly.Direct customers with smart meters can now download the MyRous app and keep up to date with:

daily, weekly, monthly water use
how your household usage compares with others
service interruptions
water saving tips
Rous news and updates

If you have any difficulty signing up to the MyRous app, please contact us on (02) 6623 3800.

Smart meter FAQs

Rous is responsible for the repair and maintenance of all pipes and fittings from the water supply pipeline up to and including the water meter. The property owner is responsible for the repair and maintenance of all pipes and fittings beyond the meter.

Rous has typically swapped meters once every ten years for all customers. As the meter ages, it becomes less accurate, so if your meter is nearing the end of its life, some customers may notice a change in the recording of their overall usage when the new meter is installed. The new smart meters have been certified against Australian Standards in the same way the existing style of water meter has previously been certified. Please note, you will continue to receive your bill in the same way, either by post or email.

The ‘smart’ part of the smart water meter provides a connection to a digital communication network, similar to a mobile phone network, which takes regular readings from the water meter that can analyse trends in water use at a property. This runs below the typical frequency of a mobile network.

You can benefit from keeping track of your daily water usage through the MyRous app. This app will help you to self-manage your water consumption. You can download the app by clicking on this link. With access to this information, you will be able to monitor your water use, develop ways to reduce your use, and identify any unusual activity that might indicate a leak.

Back flow device FAQs

This is a device that is installed next to a water meter that prevents water from your property entering the main network. This protects the integrity of the water supply and ensures the health and safety of all water customers.

There is a charge of $196 per annum ($0.53 per day) for the annual inspections and the eventual end-of-life device replacement.

If you experience changes to your water pressure, please contact the Rous Customer Service Team on 6623 3800, or email your enquiry to council@rous.nsw.gov.au and we will work with you on this matter.