Goulburn Murray Water has acknowledged issues with BladeMeters and Closed Conduit meters.
A GMW spokeswoman said Rubicon had replaced BladeMeters in the Central Goulburn and Rochester irrigation areas.
“GMW’s routine testing found under certain configurations – those with straight upstream pipes less than 1.3m - the BladeMeters are under-recording in the customer’s favour and just outside of GMW’s strict tolerance levels,” the spokeswoman said.
“GMW has a rigorous meter testing regime to ensure meters are meeting strict compliance rules.
“Rubicon Water’s new design ensures the BladeMeters continue to operate effectively and efficiently and provide the best possible service to customers.”
GMW admitted,nearly 12 months ago there was an issue of “fish creep,” and promised to fix the problem over a six month period.
“We have identified fish movement and other environmental conditions that cause ‘creep’ and recording of flow when the outlet in not in operation,” GMW told irrigators, in a statement on its website.
“Environmental issues including creep from fish movement have been a challenge for our design and engineering teams throughout our metering program, however we are confident in our updated designs and installation procedures implemented through learnings from Modernisation during the past five years.”
GMW was fitting a switch, which ensured the meter didn’t record flows when the valve was closed.
“Fitting is a simple process and does not require remodelling or redoing of existing civil works.”
The spokeswoman said GMW understood concerns had been raised about access to the buried meters and costs associated with their replacement.
“In this application, closed conduit outlets are effective and economical for our business and, in turn, our customers,” she said.
It was also acknowledged operational influences and environmental conditions could cause inaccuracies at any site and with any meter.
“This is why GMW has such a strict metering compliance program,” the spokeswoman said.
“ All our meters are subject to testing programs conducted by certified hydraulic engineers employing best practice methods.
“As with every meter type – when inaccuracies are found they are assessed, measured and corrected.”
Andrew Miller
I'm a general reporter with Stock & Land, with a special interest in irrigation issues. I completed my cadetship, with the Age, in 1980. Over my career, I've worked for ABC radio news (Mt Isa, Qld) and at provincial and suburban newspapers.
I'm a general reporter with Stock & Land, with a special interest in irrigation issues. I completed my cadetship, with the Age, in 1980. Over my career, I've worked for ABC radio news (Mt Isa, Qld) and at provincial and suburban newspapers.
