Council has approved the Automatic Water Meter Replacement Project for the cost of $1.25 million funded.

This project will be funded from budgeted funds for the current financial year of $600,000 and a further $650,000 of additional money from council's water fund restriction.

Much of the shire's water meters are ageing, which is why council has decided to proceed with the project, selecting Taggle Systems as the preferred supplier.

As a result, council is scheduled to replace 2789 water meters of the 4400-meter fleet due to these being aged 10 years or older.

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Council's director of environment and engineering Peter Keane said these meters had reached the "end of their useful life" and provided an inaccurate measurement of actual water use.

"Council intends to replace these meters with fully integrated meters inclusive of automatic meter reading components," he said.

"It is also intended the remaining 1436 meters will also be retrofitted with these same components.

"This project will provide both council and the property owner with the ability to monitor and manage the effective use of our valuable water resources."

The upgrade will include the ability to accurately measure the various segments of the water network and provide the ability to measure and monitor for unmetered water use or system leaks.

"This provides council with the long-term ability to locate and repair areas of system leaks, therefore potentially relieving pressure on the overall water supply network," Mr Keane said.

Councillors were unanimous in their support of introducing a more accurate and robust system, but wanted to be sure ratepayers are protected from potential "bill shock" as a result.

A "customer education program" will be rolled out before and during the roll out to ensure residents are aware of the project.

Water use and costs to customers will be reviewed and reported back to council after the first six and 12 months from the commissioning of the new meters.

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