Council’s Water Meter Readers are pleading with the community to prune prickly plants around their water meters.
Water Meter Reader Graeme Heterick pictured after a close encounter with a particularly spiky prickly plant
“We understand that people probably don’t give a great deal of thought to the water meters on their properties, but our Meter Readers are out and about every day and find many of them are very difficult to access because of fences, hedges, landscaping and the dreaded prickly plants,” said Mark Griffioen, Council’s Group Leader Financial Services and Logistics.
“We‘re hoping that by bringing it to people’s attention, we can all help our Meter Readers do their jobs even more efficiently.
“Plus residents should also remember that to do any plumbing maintenance on their property they need to access their water meter to turn off the water before the work is done – so it’s also in their own interests.”
Council is asking the community to consider:
- Removing or trimming spiky plants around water meters.
- Trim around water meters in or beneath hedges.
- Consider raising meters that are below ground level due to landscaping or building work after the meter was installed. You can speak to Council about how to do this by calling 6648 4000.
- Consider installing an alcove around the meter or providing other access in a completely fenced yard.
“Property-owners are obliged to provide safe and reasonable access to their water meter and any action people can take to make our Meter Readers’ lives easier would be very much appreciated,” added Mr Griffioen.
If you have any questions about water meters or water meter readings, please contact Council on 6648 4000.
A water meter almost hidden by prickly vegetation
