Australian telco TPG Telecom will roll out the nation’s largest IoT smart meter project for a water utility after winning a contract to replace mechanical meters for Victoria’s government-owned corporation South East Water.

The ten-year deal will see one million narrowband internet-connected digital meters deployed across South East Water’s 27,000km water pipe network.

The end-to-end IoT solution combines NB-IoT connectivity, and SIM and device management and will enable near-real time leak detection and help customers track and manage water consumption via daily updated information.

The digital meters will help South East Water and its customers identify leaking taps and appliances, faulty irrigation systems, and highlight behavioural change opportunities to reduce water use, TPG Telecom says.

It’s estimated to save five billion litres of water annually and reduce bills for South East Water’s 1.7 million customers from Port Melbourne to Portsea and Gippsland.

General Manager Digital Utility, Mark Elvins, says South East Water was are excited about the deal, which would also help the water retailer build climate resilience.

“As we look to the future, we need to build resilience into Australia’s water network to continue to respond to the challenges of water scarcity, a changing climate and growing population,’ he said.

TPG Telecom General Manager Enterprise & Government Customer Sales & Solutions Chris Russo said the rollout represents a major advancement in water resource management.

“TPG Telecom is proud to be at the forefront of NB-IoT deployments,” he said in a statement.

“This significant rollout demonstrates our commitment to innovation and … will provide South East Water with the insights and capability it needs to better manage water use for its customers and the environment.”