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Theft of water meters has been a problem on some Perth housing sites. Some sources suggests that the number of thefts has more than doubled in recent years to around 700 incidents per annum. At $200 per meter, this adds up to $140,000 per annum.

Whether these meters are stolen for scrap metal or other reasons such as “ghosting” (substitution of meters to save on water bills) is unknown. Whatever the reason, the problem is growing and the Water Corporation’s current policy of simply charging the builder the additional cost of a replacement meter does nothing to address the underlying causes and how the problem might be reduced or eliminated.

Under most standard building contracts the builder pays all statutory fees associated with water connection. In addition the Metropolitan Water Supply, Sewerage and Draining By-laws clearly state that the builder shall be responsible for the protection and maintenance of the water meter until practical completion occurs.

It may be the case that builders include water meters and Water Corporation charges as a provisional sum item in your building contract. This is a legitimate course of action which entitles a builder to seek reimbursement of the cost of a water meter, and any subsequent replacement, from a client.

4 responses to “Water Meter Theft”

  1. mbawa says:
    January 30, 2014 at 3:08 pm

    Hi Ricky,

    We have received your inquiry in our website and unfortunately we are not in a position to provide advice to non-members on individual cases. You should contact the Building Commission for further assistance via their website http://www.buildingcommission.wa.gov.au or on 1300 489 099.

    Kind regards,
    Master Builders Association of WA

  2. Sue says:
    April 21, 2015 at 8:17 am

    Regarding the statement “In addition the Metropolitan Water Supply, Sewerage and Draining By-laws clearly state that the builder shall be responsible for the protection and maintenance of the water meter until practical completion occurs’, could you please provide the reference to the section in the bylaws.
    Many thanks

  3. jen says:
    November 14, 2015 at 2:49 pm

    What is the actual fines or consequences of ghosting? I know someone who is planning on doing this for his swimming pool at his newly built house. Who do I report this to?