WaterIQ app privacy statement
The WaterIQ application (app) is provided by the Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers (the department) for water users.
The app streamlines the way meter readings are captured by scanning a QR code (a special type of barcode) displayed on an asset tag linked to a meter. This information confirms the location, time and date of the meter read with the capture of the meter reading via the device camera for future reference and proof of compliance. The app also provides information on water usage and availability.
About this privacy statement
This privacy statement sets out how the department collects, stores, manages, processes, holds, uses and discloses personal information of people who download, access and use the app.
By using or accessing the app you are agreeing that the department may collect, store, manage, process, hold, use and disclose your personal information as set out in this statement.
The department may update this statement in the future.
The department will collect, store, manage, process, hold, use and disclose personal information entered into the app in accordance with this privacy statement, the Information Privacy Act 2009 and the department's privacy policy. The department's privacy policy contains general information about your personal information and privacy.
If you use your Queensland Government Digital Identity (QGov identity) to log in to the app, then you should ensure that you familiarise yourself with the Queensland Government's terms and conditions of use, and the privacy statement for that service.
How the app works
The app requires your personal information to function and will allow you to:
- login with your QGov login
- view contact details
- report missing or incorrect information related to contact details, authorisations, meter/s information, a faulty meter or asset tag
- view authorisations
- view meter/s, meter details, meter readings, usage and customise meter names, display relevant status or work in progress if a meter has been reported faulty, store photos of meter reads for future reference and proof of compliance
- scan and submit meter reads using the meter asset tag, capture meter readings using the camera on the device and store image with the option to submit meter reads when connectivity is poor or unavailable at a later stage when connectivity is restored
- provide optional offline and manual meter reads
- receive department notifications.
You can use the app when you are in a remote location or have limited mobile signal reception. The app uses cached information and simplified mapping information as part of its offline functionality. However, you will need to ensure you start and end your meter reading submission in areas with data connectivity.
Collection of information
The department will collect information associated with your use of the app, including your:
- full name
- email address
- phone number
- street address.
Please note, as part of collecting your personal information to enable the above functions (for the period the function is activated), the app will need to access:
- your GPS location, where GPS is used for to confirm your location
- your device camera to capture a meter reading and store the image on the device.
If you do not provide your personal information, then you will not be able to access and use the app.
Storage of information
The department manages the storage of your information in encrypted form using Microsoft Azure Cloud Services. Microsoft is subject to both Australian and overseas laws that may require the disclosure of your information (in limited circumstances) to government authorities here and overseas. Microsoft’s privacy statement includes additional information.
The department assures you that:
- your information will be encrypted both in transit and when stored on Microsoft Azure Cloud Services to make it safer from external attack. Encryption is designed to make data unreadable – and to make it readable again only with the right encryption key. The encryption keys are held by the department.
- Microsoft does not have access to, nor does it use, your information for any purpose other than providing the services required for the operation of the app, and to maintain their own services
- the department requests all of its service providers (including Microsoft) to agree to use personal information only for the purpose of providing and maintaining their services.
All personal information collected by the app is stored in Microsoft's data centre in Sydney, New South Wales.
Use and disclosure of information
All information, including personal information, collected by the department may be used:
- to process your meter reading
- to contact you to provide you with information
- to contact you to request that you complete a voluntary survey of your satisfaction with the app
- to contact you under the Water Act 2000
- to administer the app, including verification of users and security
- to manage and improve the app and its functions
- to respond to enquiries or complaints you lodge.
Your information will be disclosed to the following individuals or organisations for the above purposes:
- the service providers engaged by the department to provide and support the app, including Microsoft and Apple publisher, and Information and Technology Partners (ITP).
Your personal information may be transferred outside of Australia or disclosed to overseas recipients in the following circumstances:
- where you or another user access the app from overseas
- where a service provider engaged by the department to provide and support the app, including its third-party service providers, has servers located overseas.
Whilst every effort has been taken to ensure your personal information remains in Australia, there remains a risk that your personal information collected by the app may be stored in another country through your device's cloud backup service. (i.e., iCloud backup). The department cannot guarantee the sovereignty of your personal information if you use backup services that physically store data in other countries. It is recommended that you review your device backup process and conduct your own due diligence on where and how your personal information is stored by your backup service provider.
The department will only use and disclose your collected information for the above purposes. It will otherwise not be used or disclosed unless authorised or required by law. The information may be searchable, disclosed to and used by the public as allowed, authorised or required by law. Your personal information will be handled in accordance with the Information Privacy Act 2009.
Please be advised to not upload any information into the app that is not related or relevant to the purpose of the app. You are also advised not to upload the personal information of any other person without their consent.
Contact the department
For all enquiries about the app, including complaints, email waterhub@dlgwv.qld.gov.au.