Changes to water connections for new unit developments

The ACT Government is introducing individual water metering for new unit developments in Canberra.  

The dates for introducing individual unit metering are: 

  • Class B units commence the transition period from 1 January 2025, where developers can opt-in, with mandatory individual unit metering to commence on 1 July 2025;  
     

  • Class A units commence the transition period from 1 July 2027 where developers can opt-in, with mandatory individual metering to commence on 1 July 2028; and 
     

  • The requirement for mandatory individual water meters for the cold-water supply will apply if a new development application is lodged for multi-unit development on or after the above dates. 

 

These dates are prescribed in the Water and Sewerage Technical Code.
 

What is changing?  

We expect there will be several changes to how Icon Water manages customer connections in new unit developments. This will involve updates to our design and construction standards, introduction of new technology, and changes to our customer billing, quality assurance and meter-reading practices.  

High-level implementation plan

Below is our high-level implementation plan for individual unit metering. Throughout this process, we will keep industry informed of what is changing and where to find more information.  

Class B  
Sept 2024  Icon Water to publish updated design and construction standards 
and guidelines to outline our requirements for individual 
unit metering in new Class B developments. Industry consultation 
on the draft Standards for Class B occurred in 2023. 
Jan 2025 Development applications for new Class B developments 
submitted from this date can opt-in to individual unit metering. 
Jul 2025 Development applications for new Class B developments 
submitted from this date must include individual unit metering. 
Class A
TBC 2026  Icon Water to publish updated design and construction 
standards and guidelines to outline our requirements 
for individual unit metering in new Class A developments. 
Jul 2027  Development applications for new Class A developments 
submitted from this date can opt-in to individual unit metering. 
Jul 2028  Development applications for new Class A developments 
submitted from this date must include individual unit metering. 

 

There is a longer implementation timeframe for Class A unit developments, as in many cases Class A units will require digital meters, meter cabinets with specific plumbing controls and remote reading technology.

We currently offer optional individual unit metering using mechanical meters for Class B units and a subset of Class A units where certain access conditions can be met. Developments that meet these conditions can continue to request individual unit metering, prior to the opt in date.