Non-urban metering rules are in effect across the state and the NSW Government is inviting licensed water-users to learn more about what they need to do to be compliant.
NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water is ramping up an education campaign and launching a series of online information sessions to help water-users understand obligations and how to meet them, ask questions and chat directly with department staff.
Recent reforms have made the rules clearer and provided water-users with more flexible options and access to expert support.
To be compliant, water-users must know their obligations and take important actions.
Metering requirements depend on a water-user’s volume of entitlement, and the size and number of their works.
Requirements include:
Surface water pumps of 500mm diameter or more and works in inland water sources with total entitlement of 100 ML or more must already have an AS4747 meter, LID, and telemetry, installed and validated by a duly qualified person (DQP);
Works in coastal water sources with total entitlement of 100 ML or greater must have an AS4747 meter, LID, and telemetry, installed and validated by a DQP by 1 December 2026 (unless a pre-existing metering condition applies);
All works with total entitlement of more than 15 ML and less than 100 ML must have a pattern-approved meter installed by 1 December 2027 or their next works approval renewal date (whichever is the later); and
Works with total entitlement of less than 15 ML do not require a meter unless they are utilized for trading entitlement.
It’s important to note all licensed water-users must meet mandatory recording and reporting obligations, regardless of their metering requirement.
In limited circumstances, exemptions from the metering requirements may apply.
For more information about non-urban metering, including the full list of metering requirements, visit What Water-Users Need to Know.
All licensed water-users are urged to Register for an Information Session HERE.
NSW DCCEEW director of metering and licensing, Dan Connor, said a more efficient metering roll-out will deliver benefits for all of New South Wales.
“We want to make sure all water-users understand their obligations and how to meet them,” Mr Connor said.
“We know keeping up with the rules can be overwhelming and some water-users might have specific questions related to their unique circumstances.
“I invite anyone who needs to become, or stay, compliant to join one of our upcoming information sessions, learn more about the requirements, understand the deadlines, ask questions and talk directly to our experts, who are here to support you.
“We want to deliver an easier system to navigate, save costs for water-users and prioritise high-volume users to make sure every drop counts and people are only taking what they’re entitled to.
“This work is part of our firm commitment to fair and sustainable water resource management, ensuring NSW is a leader in sustainable water use – now and in the future,” he said.
Webinars will be held on:
Wednesday 28 May, 1–2pm;
Wednesday 4 June, 5.30–6.30pm; and
Wednesday 18 June, 9.30–10.30am.
All licensed water-users are urged to Register for an Information Session HERE.
