Applying for separate metering - strata and community title

We provide residents of Strata and Community Title properties with the option to have separate metering.

This means, each owner will pay for the water they actually use rather than a percentage apportionment of the total usage based on unit entitlement.

What you need to know first

Multi level developments are not eligible

At this time multi-level unit developments are excluded as we do not yet have a technical solution such as Automated Meter Reading (AMR) available to overcome the access issues.

Your property should be fully completed

Applications can only be submitted to us once the Community Title or Strata Title development is completely developed.

s

Meter frames must be accessible

The location of meters is in an unfettered and unencumbered location, this means they must be visible and accessible at all times so they can be read and maintained.

What you need to do

  1. Know our requirements

    Read the Individual Metering Guideline to ensure you understand the requirements prior to submitting an application for either a Strata or Community Title scheme. It's important that meter frames are made accessible as part of the design and development process.
  2. Incorporate Hunter Water By-Laws

    Incorporate our Hunter Water By-Laws for separate metering and register with NSW Land Registry Services. If your property has been registered without our by-laws, you will need to consolidate with existing by-laws. Our separate metering by-laws can be found in the Individual Metering Guideline from page 10-12.
  3. Submit application

    Complete our Separate Metering Application - Strata and Community Title online. Read frequently asked questions below for more information on what you need to include with your application.

Are you an existing Community Title or Strata Title property?

To make it easy to apply for separate metering for an existing Community Title or Strata property, please read our helpful information below before you submit your application and read our Strata Title or Community Title fact sheets.

Frequently asked questions

  • What items do I need to include with my application?

    Below is a list of all the items that you need to include with your application:

    • Copy of the plan which outlines the water service layout and meter assembly locations which complies with the design layout.
    • Copy of General Meeting minutes with endorsement from each resident or authorised representative.
    • Copy of the Owners Corporation roll with ownership and mailing address details for each lot.
    • A copy of the registered Strata or Community Title plan.
    • Copy of Hunter Water By-Laws if registered (if not they will have to be registered prior to approval with a copy provided to us).
    • Application fee.
  • What happens if my meter is not accessible?

    One of the key considerations for approval will be the location of the meters. Meters are to be in a location that is fully accessible so that they be accessed, maintained and read at all times.

    Any property with a meter located behind a fence, inside a backyard or in any position that could have access restricted will be considered non-compliant, and applications will not be accepted and may incur a non-compliance fee.

  • Can a resident apply on behalf of a Community Title or Strata property?

    No. It is important that applications are submitted by an authorised representative. This can be from managing agents of the property or members of the Strata or Community Association executive committees for the applying property.

    This is because each resident needs to approve and enter a Strata or Community Title legal agreement for individual sub meters with Hunter Water regarding maintaining access to their water meters.

  • What are the Hunter Water By-Laws?

    The Hunter Water By-Laws must be registered with NSW Land Registry Services either at the same time the strata plan is registered or it can be done after the strata plan is registered.

    Our by-laws can be found in the Guideline from page 10-12.

  • Do all Strata and Community Title properties need to apply for separate metering?

    No. Residents have the following other options:

    1. Strata Titles can remain with charges based on unit entitlements, or alternatively, private meters can be placed on the units. Where this is elected, please forward an email through from all owners or an authorised representative to Property and Accounts for follow up with customer.
    2. For Community Title, all usage is billed to the master account.
  • Are multi-level unit developments eligible?

    No.

    At this time multi-level unit developments are excluded as Hunter Water does not yet have a technical solution such as Automated Meter Reading (AMR) available to overcome the access issues.

  • Advice for developers, architects, hydraulic consultants and plumbers

    Our Requirements Guide provides information to assist hydraulic engineers, architects, developers and plumbers to prepare the development for cold water metering of individual units or lots within Community Title or Strata schemes.

Thirsty for more advice?

If you need more advice on water meters and sub metering, get your questions answered by contacting our team.