NSW Metering Guidance Tool

About the metering guidance tool

The NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment has created this tool to help water users determine if NSW’s new non-urban metering rules apply to their water supply works and what they need to do to comply with the rules.  

 

It consists of a series of short questions about your water supply work and should take less than 10 minutes to complete.


Before you begin: 

  • Have your water supply work approval and access licence handy. You can obtain a copy of your work approval and access licence for free online on the NSW Water Register.
  • If you are exempt from requiring a water supply work approval, then refer to your water access licence. 
  • If an approval authorises more than one work, you should complete this tool for each work.

If you require information about NSW’s non-urban metering policy, please visit the department’s website or email the department at metering.reform@dpie.nsw.gov.au.


NOTE: A work does not take water under an access licence if:

  •  it is used solely to take water under a basic landholder right, or another situation where a water access licence is not required.
  •  it is not linked to your water access licence, for example, because it is only used to reticulate or distribute water that has already been taken from a water source.

The work is not required to meter

Based on the information provided, the non-urban metering rules do not apply to the work.


The non-urban metering rules do not apply to a work if it is:

  •       used only to take water under a basic landholder right or another situation where a water access licence is not required, or 

  •       not nominated by an access licence because the work is not taking water from a water source or a licence exemption applies. 

For more information about basic landholder rights, please go to:


WaterNSW's website



For more information about withdrawing the nomination of a work from your access licence, please contact WaterNSW at water.enquiries@waternsw.com.au or on 1300 662 077.

Is the work* used solely to take water under a stock and domestic water access licence?

*A work includes a pump, bore, or any other infrastructure that takes water from a water source, such as a river or an aquifer. 

To be eligible for an exemption the work must meet all of the following criteria:
  • a pump less than 100 mm in diameter or a bore less than 200 mm in diameter
  • solely takes water under a domestic and stock water access licence (other than for town water supply) and a basic landholder right
  • does not take water from an at-risk groundwater source
  • is not listed under the same authority or linked to the same access licence as another work that requires a meter
  • is not on the same landholding as another work that requires a meter and is held by the same person.

An exemption from the non-urban metering rules applies if the work used to take water under a stock and domestic water access licence meets the following criteria:

  • is a pump less than 100 mm in diameter or a bore less than 200 mm in diameter
  • solely takes water under a domestic and stock water access licence (other than for town water supply) and a basic landholder right
  • does not take water from an at-risk groundwater source (PDF)
  • is not listed under the same authority or linked to the same access licence as another work that requires a meter
  • is not on the same landholding as another work that requires a meter and is held by the same person.

Although you are not required to install a meter, you will need to record and report your water take if your work takes water from a water source. 

For more information about your recording and reporting requirements, please go to:


Does the work take water from a water source?

NOTE: A work does not take water from a water source if:

  •  the work has not been installed or constructed yet
  • the work is physically incapable of taking water, for example, because it has been disconnected, and has been marked as ‘inactive’ on the work approval, or
  • the work is used only for reticulation or distribution of water which has already been taken, such as conveying water from the point at which it has been taken to the point at which it is to be used
  • the work is used for storage (e.g. a dam).
TIP:  To inform your licensing authority that you haven't yet installed a work, to apply to have a work marked as inactive or delinked from an access licence, please contact WaterNSW at customer.helpdesk@waternsw.com.au or on 1300 662 077.

The work is not required to meter

Based on the information provided, the non-urban metering rules do not apply to the work.


This is because the non-urban metering rules do not apply to a work if it:

  • has not been constructed or installed yet (in this situation, you are encouraged to inform your licensing authority that the work hasn't been installed)
  • is physically incapable of taking water and has been marked as ‘inactive’ on the  work approval, or
  • is not linked to an access licence because it is used only for reticulation or distribution of water which has already been taken, such as conveying water from the point at which it has been taken to the point at which it is to be used
  • the work is used for storage (e.g. a dam).

-       

TIP: To advise your licensing authority that a work hasn't been installed yet, to apply to have a work marked as inactive,  or for more information about de-linking a work from an access licence, contact WaterNSW at customer.helpdesk@waternsw.com.au or 1300 662 077. 


Does the work already have a condition on its approval/licence that requires it to have a meter?


NOTE:

Some works are already legally required to have a meter installed as a condition of an approval or licence. These works will continue to need a meter under the new metering, unless they meet the criteria for the new domestic and stock exemption.  


If a work approval has a condition with one of the following reference numbers, then it has an existing metering condition.


MW3838-00001

MW2435-00001

MW7086-00001

MW0559-00001

MW3192-00001

MW7086-00002

MW7038-00001

MW7039-00001

MW7116-00001

MW7038-00002

MW7039-00002

 MW2452-00001 

Does the work have condition number MW2452-0001 on its work approval and is it in one of the following water sources? 


TIP: The condition number and water source will be indicated on the approval.

 

Example of a works approval with condition number MW2452-00001


Sample condition

If you do not have your approval handy you can look it up on the NSW Water Register or contact WaterNSW at customer.helpdesk@waternsw.com.au or  1300 662 077.

The work is required to meter.  The work is also required to have telemetry, unless it takes groundwater or is a surface water pump less than 200mm in diameter.

Based on the information you have provided, the new metering rules apply to the work.

 

This is because it has an existing condition that requires it to already have a meter.

 

Metering equipment:


The work must have the following metering equipment installed and validated by a duly qualified person:

  • a meter that is pattern approved, unless it is for an open channel work or was installed before 1 April 2019 and complies with the transitional arrangements (see Next Steps below), and
  • a local intelligence device (LID), and
  • if required, telemetry equipment, connected to the government’s data acquisition service, and
  • tamper-evident seals.

If your work is not required to have telemetry, you will need to record and report your water take.


For more information about your recording and reporting requirements, please go to:



Department’s website

        


Compliance dates:


The work must be fitted with compliant metering equipment by the earliest applicable date:

  • Northern Inland - 1 December 2021
  • Southern Inland - 1 December 2022
  • Coastal - 1 December 2023
  • when an existing meter is replaced


Compliant metering equipment accurately measures and records the flow of all water taken through the water supply work.


Please note, water sources covered by the following Water Sharing Plans are part of the Northern inland compliance date:

  • NSW Murray Darling Basin Fractured Rock Groundwater Sources 2020
  • NSW Murray Darling Basin Porous Rock Groundwater Sources 2020

Next steps
Use the guide below to learn about complying with the non-urban metering rules for your specific circumstances.  

If you are installing a new meter
  • Contact a DQP (Duly Qualified Person), such as a certified meter installer, to install and validate a pattern-approved meter 
  • The meter must be fitted with a data logger, tamper-evident seals and, if required, telemetry
  • The Duly Qualified Person must submit a certificate confirming that the work has been fitted with compliant metering equipment.
TIP: to locate a certified meter installer, go to the Irrigation Australia Limited website, click on 'find an irrigation specialist' and click on 'certified meter installer'.

If your existing meter is pattern approved

You must have a validation certificate completed by a DQP (Duly Qualified Person) within:
  • 12 months before your rollout date (for open channel meters), or 
  • 5 years before your rollout date (for all other metering equipment)

The meter must be fitted with a data logger, tamper-evident seals and, if required, telemetry.


Before your rollout date, you must submit the Non-urban water meter--report to rely on transitional arrangements to keep existing metering equipment, and accompanying documents.


If you have a meter manufacturer's certificate


You must have proof of the manufacturer's certificate, and a validation certificate completed by a DQP (Duly Qualified Person) within: 

  • 12 months before your rollout date (for open channel meters), or 

  • 5 years before your rollout date (for all other metering equipment) 

The meter must be fitted with a data logger, tamper-evident seals and, if required, telemetry. 

Before your rollout date, you must submit the Non-urban water meter report to rely on transitional arrangements to keep existing metering equipment, and accompanying documents. 


You, and/or your DQP, will need to complete forms and certificates, and submit them to WaterNSW via the DQP Portal to demonstrate compliance with the metering rules. Your DQP will be able to advise and complete most of this work on your behalf.

If you cannot obtain a meter manufacturer's certificate for your existing meter

  • Your meter must be tested in the field for accuracy by a DQP (Duly Qualified Person) and, the maximum error must not exceed ±5%

  • The meter must be fitted with a data logger, tamper-evident seals and if required, telemetry

Before your rollout date, you must submit:
  • Non-urban water meter -- certificate of accuracy for existing meter(not pattern-approved), and
  • Non-urban water meter -- report to rely on transitional arrangements to keep existing metering equipment, and any accompanying documents
Note: if you cannot meet the transitional requirements for existing meters you will need to install a new meter.

The work is required to meter. The work is required to have telemetry, unless it takes groundwater or is a surface water pump less than 200mm in diameter.

Based on the information you have provided, the new metering rules apply to the work. This is because it has an existing condition, MW2452-00001, that required it to have a meter installed by 1 December 2021.  

Metering equipment:

The work must have the following metering equipment installed and validated by a duly qualified person:

  • a meter that is pattern approved, unless it is for an open channel work or was installed before 1 April 2019 and complies with the transitional arrangements (see Next Steps below), and
  • a local intelligence device (LID), and
  • if required, telemetry equipment, connected to the government’s data acquisition service, and
  • tamper-evident seals.

If your work is not required to have telemetry, you will need to record and report your water take.


For more information about your recording and reporting requirements, please go to:



Department’s website

        


Compliance dates:

If the work does not already have a meter, it should have been fitted with compliant metering equipment before 1 December 2021.


If the work already has a meter, it must be fitted with compliant metering equipment by the earliest applicable date:

Compliant metering equipment accurately measures and records the flow of all water taken through the water supply work.

Please note, water sources covered by the following Water Sharing Plans are part of the Northern inland rollout: 
  • NSW Murray Darling Basin Fractured Rock Groundwater Sources 2020
  • NSW Murray Darling Basin Porous Rock Groundwater Sources 2020


TIP: for more information about metering requirements for works with an existing condition, MW2452 00001, go to  www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/water/nsw-non-urban-water-metering .


Financial support:

There is  a range of programs that water users can access to offset the financial impact of purchasing metering equipment.

  •  The NSW and Australian Government have committed $18 million for a telemetry rebate program for water users who install compliant telemetry equipment. The rebate will be applied as a $975 credit on a water user's bill when they connect to the NSW Government's telemetry system, and will be backdated to include water users who have already connected.
  •  Under the Australian Government’s instant asset write off scheme, farmers can deduct the full purchase price of assets up to $150,000 – such as metering equipment – from their taxable income.
  • The NSW Farm Innovation Fund provides loans to meet the costs of carrying out capital works, including metering, that benefit the long-term profitability of businesses.

Next steps
Use the guide below to learn about complying with the non-urban metering rules for your specific circumstances.  

If you are installing a new meter
  • Contact a DQP (Duly Qualified Person), such as a certified meter installer, to install and validate a pattern-approved meter 
  • The meter must be fitted with a data logger, tamper-evident seals and, if required, telemetry
  • The Duly Qualified Person must submit a certificate confirming that the work has been fitted with compliant metering equipment.
TIP: to locate a certified meter installer, go to the Irrigation Australia Limited website click on 'find an irrigation specialist' and click on 'certified meter installer'.

If your existing meter is pattern approved

You must have a validation certificate completed by a DQP (Duly Qualified Person) within:
  • 12 months before your rollout date (for open channel meters), or 
  • 5 years before your rollout date (for all other metering equipment)

The meter must be fitted with a data logger, tamper-evident seals and, if required, telemetry.


Before your rollout date, you must submit the Non-urban water meter--report to rely on transitional arrangements to keep existing metering equipment, and accompanying documents.


If you have a meter manufacturer's certificate


You must have proof of the manufacturer's certificate, and a validation certificate completed by a DQP (Duly Qualified Person) within: 

  • 12 months before your rollout date (for open channel meters), or 

  • 5 years before your rollout date (for all other metering equipment) 

The meter must be fitted with a data logger, tamper-evident seals and, if required, telemetry. 

Before your rollout date, you must submit the Non-urban water meter report to rely on transitional arrangements to keep existing metering equipment, and accompanying documents. 


You, and/or your DQP, will need to complete forms and certificates, and submit them to WaterNSW via the DQP Portal to demonstrate compliance with the metering rules. Your DQP will be able to advise and complete most of this work on your behalf.

If you cannot obtain a meter manufacturer's certificate for your existing meter

  • Your meter must be tested in the field for accuracy by a DQP (Duly Qualified Person) and, the maximum error must not exceed ±5%

  • The meter must be fitted with a data logger, tamper-evident seals and if required, telemetry

Before your rollout date, you must submit:
  • Non-urban water meter -- certificate of accuracy for existing meter(not pattern-approved), and
  • Non-urban water meter -- report to rely on transitional arrangements to keep existing metering equipment, and any accompanying documents
Note: if you cannot meet the transitional requirements for existing meters you will need to install a new meter.

Is your work taking water from groundwater or
surface water ?


What type of groundwater work is it?



Bore sizes can be found by entering your approval number into the NSW Water Register.

Alternatively, please refer to the Form A provided by your bore driller or measure the diameter of the outer casing of the bore.d

Bore sizes can be found by entering your approval number into the NSW Water Register.

Alternatively, please refer to the Form A provided by your bore driller or measure the diameter of the outer casing of the bore.d

Bore sizes can be found by entering your approval number into the NSW Water Register.

Alternatively, please refer to the Form A provided by your bore driller or measure the diameter of the outer casing of the bore.

Bore sizes can be found by entering your approval number into the NSW Water Register.

Alternatively, please refer to the Form A provided by your bore driller or measure the diameter of the outer casing of the bore.d

What type of surface water work is it?





The work is required to meter. The work is also required to have telemetry. 

Based on the information you have provided, the new metering rules apply to the work.

This is because the new metering rules, including telemetry requirements, apply to:

  • surface water works that are not pumps, such as open channel works, and take water under an access licence
  • surface water works that are pumps with a diameter 200mm or greater

Metering equipment:


The work must have the following metering equipment installed and validated by a duly qualified person:

  • for open channel works, a meter approved by a certified practising hydrographer  
  • for other works, such as pumps,  a meter that is pattern approved, unless it was installed before 1 April 2019 and complies with the transitional arrangements (see Next Steps below), and
  • a intelligence device (LID), and telemetry equipment, connected to the government’s data acquisition service, and
  • tamper-evident seals.

Compliance dates:

The work must be fitted with compliant metering equipment by the earliest applicable date:

  • Pumps 500mm and greater in diameter – 1 December 2020
  • All other works in the Northern Inland - 1 December 2021
  • All other works in the Southern Inland - 1 December 2022
  • All other works in Coastal NSW - 1 December 2023
  • When an existing meter is replaced

Financial support:

There is a range of programs that water users can access to offset the financial impact of purchasing metering equipment.

  • The NSW and Australian Government have committed $18 million for a telemetry rebate program for water users who install compliant telemetry equipment. The rebate will be applied as a $975 credit on a water user's bill when they connect to the NSW Government's telemetry system, and will be backdated to include water users who have already connected.
  • Under the Australian Government’s instant asset write off scheme, farmers can deduct the full purchase price of assets up to $150,000 – such as metering equipment – from their taxable income.
  • The NSW Farm Innovation Fund provides loans to meet the costs of carrying out capital works, including metering, that benefit the long-term profitability of businesses.



Next steps
Use the guide below to learn about complying with metering regulations for your specific circumstances.  

If you are installing a new meter
  • For open channel works, contact a certified practising hydrographer to design, install and validate an open channel meter. 
  • For other works, such as pumps, contact a certified meter installer to install and validate pattern-approved meter.
  • The certified practising hydrographer or certified meter installer  must submit a certificate confirming that the work has been fitted with compliant metering equipment.
TIP: to locate a certified meter installer, go to the Irrigation Australia Limited website, click on 'find an irrigation specialist' and click on 'certified meter installer'.
To locate a certified practising hyrographer, go to the Australian Hydrographers Association website.

If your existing meter is pattern approved

You must have a validation certificate completed by a DQP (Duly Qualified Person) within:
  • 12 months before your rollout date (for open channel meters), or 
  • 5 years before your rollout date (for all other metering equipment)

The meter must be fitted with a data logger, tamper-evident seals and, if required, telemetry.


Before your rollout date, you must submit the Non-urban water meter--report to rely on transitional arrangements to keep existing metering equipment, and accompanying documents.


If you have a meter manufacturer's certificate


You must have proof of the manufacturer's certificate, and a validation certificate completed by a DQP (Duly Qualified Person) within: 

  • 12 months before your rollout date (for open channel meters), or 

  • 5 years before your rollout date (for all other metering equipment) 

The meter must be fitted with a data logger, tamper-evident seals and, if required, telemetry. 

Before your rollout date, you must submit the Non-urban water meter report to rely on transitional arrangements to keep existing metering equipment, and accompanying documents. 


You, and/or your DQP, will need to complete forms and certificates, and submit them to WaterNSW via the DQP Portal to demonstrate compliance with the metering rules. Your DQP will be able to advise and complete most of this work on your behalf.

If you cannot obtain a meter manufacturer's certificate for your existing meter

  • Your meter must be tested in the field for accuracy by a DQP (Duly Qualified Person) and, the maximum error must not exceed ±5%

  • The meter must be fitted with a data logger, tamper-evident seals and if required, telemetry

Before your rollout date, you must submit:
  • Non-urban water meter -- certificate of accuracy for existing meter(not pattern-approved), and
  • Non-urban water meter -- report to rely on transitional arrangements to keep existing metering equipment, and any accompanying documents
Note: if you cannot meet the transitional requirements for existing meters you will need to install a new meter.

The work is required to meter. The work is not required to have telemetry.

Based on the information you have provided, the new metering rules apply to the work, except the requirement for telemetry.


This is because the new metering rules apply pumps that take water under an access licence and are above the size threshold. The size threshold is based on the number of pumps listed on a work approval, located on a property or nominated by an access licence.


If one pump on a work approval, property or access licence meets the size threshold in the Table below, then all pumps on that work approval, property or access licence need to be metered.


Pumps less than 200mm in diameter do not require telemetry.


Number of pumps

Size threshold

One pump

The pump is 100mm in 

diameter or greater

Two pumps

At least one pump is 75mm 

in diameter or greater

Three pumps

At least one pump is 50mm 

in diameter or greater

Four pumps

At least one pump is 40mm 

in diameter or greater

Five or more pumps

All pumps need to be metered

 

Metering equipment:

Each work must have the following metering equipment installed and validated by a duly qualified person:

  • a meter that is pattern approved, unless it is for an open channel work or was installed before 1 April 2019 and complies with the transitional arrangements (see Next Steps below), and
  • a intelligence device (LID), and
  • tamper-evident seals

As your work is not required to have telemetry, you will need to record and report your water take.


For more information about your recording and reporting requirements, please go to the Department’s website.

Compliance dates:

The work must be fitted with compliant metering equipment by the relevant rollout date:

  • Northern Inland - 1 December 2021
  • Southern Inland - 1 December 2022
  • Coastal - 1 December 2023
  • When an existing meter is replaced

Financial support:

There is a range of programs that water users can access to offset the financial impact of purchasing metering equipment.

  • The NSW and Australian Government have committed $18 million for a telemetry rebate program for water users who install compliant telemetry equipment. The rebate will be applied as a $975 credit on a water user's bill when they connect to the NSW Government's telemetry system, and will be backdated to include water users who have already connected.
  • Under the Australian Government’s instant asset write off scheme, farmers can deduct the full purchase price of assets up to $150,000 – such as metering equipment – from their taxable income.
  • The NSW Farm Innovation Fund provides loans to meet the costs of carrying out capital works, including metering, that benefit the long-term profitability of businesses.


Next steps
Use the guide below to learn about complying with the metering rules for your specific circumstances.  

If you are installing a new meter
  • Contact a DQP (Duly Qualified Person), such as a certified meter installer, to install and validate a pattern-approved meter 
  • The meter must be fitted with a data logger, tamper-evident seals and, if required, telemetry
  • The Duly Qualified Person must submit a certificate confirming that the work has been fitted with compliant metering equipment.
TIP: to locate a certified meter installer, go to the Irrigation Australia Limited website, click on 'find an irrigation specialist' and click on 'certified meter installer'..

If your existing meter is pattern approved

You must have a validation certificate completed by a DQP (Duly Qualified Person) within:
  • 12 months before your rollout date (for open channel meters), or 
  • 5 years before your rollout date (for all other metering equipment)

The meter must be fitted with a data logger, tamper-evident seals and, if required, telemetry.


Before your rollout date, you must submit the Non-urban water meter--report to rely on transitional arrangements to keep existing metering equipment, and accompanying documents.


If you have a meter manufacturer's certificate


You must have proof of the manufacturer's certificate, and a validation certificate completed by a DQP (Duly Qualified Person) within: 

  • 12 months before your rollout date (for open channel meters), or 

  • 5 years before your rollout date (for all other metering equipment) 

The meter must be fitted with a data logger, tamper-evident seals and, if required, telemetry. 

Before your rollout date, you must submit the Non-urban water meter report to rely on transitional arrangements to keep existing metering equipment, and accompanying documents. 


You, and/or your DQP, will need to complete forms and certificates, and submit them to WaterNSW via the DQP Portal to demonstrate compliance with the metering rules. Your DQP will be able to advise and complete most of this work on your behalf.

If you cannot obtain a meter manufacturer's certificate for your existing meter

  • Your meter must be tested in the field for accuracy by a DQP (Duly Qualified Person) and, the maximum error must not exceed ±5%

  • The meter must be fitted with a data logger, tamper-evident seals and if required, telemetry

Before your rollout date, you must submit:
  • Non-urban water meter -- certificate of accuracy for existing meter(not pattern-approved), and
  • Non-urban water meter -- report to rely on transitional arrangements to keep existing metering equipment, and any accompanying documents
Note: if you cannot meet the transitional requirements for existing meters you will need to install a new meter.

The work is not required to meter

Based on the information provided, the non-urban metering rules do not apply to the work.


This is because the new metering rules do not apply to groundwater bores or surface water pumps below the size threshold, unless they already have a condition on their works approval requiring a meter or, in the case of groundwater bores, take water from an 'at-risk' groundwater source.  


The size threshold is based on the number of pumps or bores listed on a work approval, located on a property or nominated by an access licence. 


If all bores on a work approval, property or access licence fall below the relevant size threshold, then none of the bores need to be metered. 


Size thresholds for metering groundwater bores:


Number of bores

Size threshold for metering all bores

One bore

The bore is 200mm in 

diameter or greater

Two bores

At least one bore is 160mm

in diameter or greater

Three bores

At least one bore is 130mm

in diameter or greater

Four bores

At least one bore is 120mm

in diameter or greater

Five or more bores

All bores need to be metered


If all pumps on a work approval, property or access licence fall below the relevant size threshold, then none of the pumps need to be metered. 


Size thresholds for metering surface water pumps:


Number of pumps

Size threshold for metering all pumps

One pump

The pump is 100mm in 

diameter or greater

Two pumps

At least one pump is 75mm

in diameter or greater

Three pumps

At least one pump is 50mm

in diameter or greater

Four pumps

At least one pump is 40mm

in diameter or greater

Five or more pumps

All pumps need to be metered



Although your work is not required to install a meter, you will need to record and report your water take.


For more information about your recording and reporting requirements, please go to:


Department’s website

        

The work is required to meter. The work is not required to have telemetry.

Based on the information you have provided, the new metering rules apply to the work. 


This is because the new metering rules apply to all groundwater works, that are not bores and take water under an access licence. 


Groundwater works do not require telemetry.

Metering equipment: 

The work must have the following metering equipment installed and validated by a duly qualified person:

  • a meter that is pattern approved, unless it was installed before 1 April 2019 and  complies with the transitional arrangements (see Next Steps below), and
  • a local intelligence device (LID), and
  • tamper-evident seals.


If your work is not required to have telemetry, you will need to record and report your water take.


For more information about your recording and reporting requirements, please go to the Department’s website.

Compliance dates:

The work must be fitted with compliant metering equipment by the earliest applicable date:

  • Northern Inland - 1 December 2021
  • Southern Inland - 1 December 2022
  • Coastal - 1 December 2023
  • When an existing meter is replaced 

Financial support:

There is a range of programs that water users can access to offset the financial impact of purchasing metering equipment.

  • The NSW and Australian Government have committed $18 million for a telemetry rebate program for water users who install compliant telemetry equipment. The rebate will be applied as a $975 credit on a water user's bill when they connect to the NSW Government's telemetry system, and will be backdated to include water users who have already connected.
  • Under the Australian Government’s instant asset write off scheme, farmers can deduct the full purchase price of assets up to $150,000 – such as metering equipment – from their taxable income.
  • The NSW Farm Innovation Fund provides loans to meet the costs of carrying out capital works, including metering, that benefit the long-term profitability of businesses.

Please note, water sources covered by the following Water Sharing Plans are part of the Northern inland rollout:

  • NSW Murray Darling Basin Fractured Rock Groundwater Sources 2020
  • NSW Murray Darling Basin Porous Rock Groundwater Sources 2020

Next steps
Use the guide below to learn about complying with metering regulations for your specific circumstances.  

If you are installing a new meter
  • Contact a DQP (Duly Qualified Person), such as a certified meter installer, to install and validate a pattern-approved meter 
  • The meter must be fitted with a data logger, tamper-evident seals and, if required, telemetry
  • The Duly Qualified Person must submit a certificate confirming that the work has been fitted with compliant metering equipment.
TIP: to locate a certified meter installer, go to the Irrigation Australia Limited website, click on 'find an irrigation specialist' and click on 'certified meter installer'..

If your existing meter is pattern approved

You must have a validation certificate completed by a DQP (Duly Qualified Person) within:
  • 12 months before your rollout date (for open channel meters), or 
  • 5 years before your rollout date (for all other metering equipment)

The meter must be fitted with a data logger, tamper-evident seals and, if required, telemetry.


Before your rollout date, you must submit the Non-urban water meter--report to rely on transitional arrangements to keep existing metering equipment, and accompanying documents.


If you have a meter manufacturer's certificate


You must have proof of the manufacturer's certificate, and a validation certificate completed by a DQP (Duly Qualified Person) within: 

  • 12 months before your rollout date (for open channel meters), or 

  • 5 years before your rollout date (for all other metering equipment) 

The meter must be fitted with a data logger, tamper-evident seals and, if required, telemetry. 

Before your rollout date, you must submit the Non-urban water meter report to rely on transitional arrangements to keep existing metering equipment, and accompanying documents. 


You, and/or your DQP, will need to complete forms and certificates, and submit them to WaterNSW via the DQP Portal to demonstrate compliance with the metering rules. Your DQP will be able to advise and complete most of this work on your behalf.

If you cannot obtain a meter manufacturer's certificate for your existing meter

  • Your meter must be tested in the field for accuracy by a DQP (Duly Qualified Person) and, the maximum error must not exceed ±5%

  • The meter must be fitted with a data logger, tamper-evident seals and if required, telemetry

Before your rollout date, you must submit:
  • Non-urban water meter -- certificate of accuracy for existing meter (not pattern-approved), and
  • Non-urban water meter -- report to rely on transitional arrangements to keep existing metering equipment, and any accompanying documents
Note: if you cannot meet the transitional requirements for existing meters you will need to install a new meter.

The work is required to meter. The work does not require telemetry.

Based on the information you have provided, the new metering rules apply to the work. 


This is because the new metering rules apply to groundwater works that take water under a licence from an at-risk groundwater source.


An 'at-risk' groundwater source is a water source that is, or as it risk of, being overallocated.


Groundwater works do not require telemetry.


Metering equipment:


The work must have the following metering equipment installed and validated by a duly qualified person:

  • a meter that is pattern approved, unless it was installed before 1 April 2019 and complies with the transitional arrangements (see Next Steps below), and
  • a local intelligence device (LID), and
  • tamper-evident seals.


As your work is not required to have telemetry, you will need to record and report your water take.


For more information about your recording and reporting requirements, please go to:


Department’s website



Compliance dates:


The work must be fitted with compliant metering equipment by the earliest applicable date:

  • Northern Inland - 1 December 2021
  • Southern Inland - 1 December 2022
  • Coastal - 1 December 2023
  • When an existing meter is replaced 

Please note, water sources covered by the following Water Sharing Plans are part of the Northern inland rollout:

  • NSW Murray Darling Basin Fractured Rock Groundwater Sources 2020
  • NSW Murray Darling Basin Porous Rock Groundwater Sources 2020

Financial support:

There is a range of programs that water users can access to offset the financial impact of purchasing metering equipment.

  • The NSW and Australian Government have committed $18 million for a telemetry rebate program for water users who install compliant telemetry equipment. The rebate will be applied as a $975 credit on a water user's bill when they connect to the NSW Government's telemetry system, and will be backdated to include water users who have already connected.
  • Under the Australian Government’s instant asset write off scheme, farmers can deduct the full purchase price of assets up to $150,000 – such as metering equipment – from their taxable income.
  • The NSW Farm Innovation Fund provides loans to meet the costs of carrying out capital works, including metering, that benefit the long-term profitability of businesses.

Next steps
Use the guide below to learn about complying with metering regulations for your specific circumstances.  

If you are installing a new meter
  • Contact a DQP (Duly Qualified Person), such as a certified meter installer, to install and validate a pattern-approved meter 
  • The meter must be fitted with a data logger, tamper-evident seals and, if required, telemetry
  • The Duly Qualified Person must submit a certificate confirming that the work has been fitted with compliant metering equipment.
TIP: to locate a certified meter installer, go to the Irrigation Australia Limited website, click on 'find an irrigation specialist' and click on 'certified meter installer'..

If your existing meter is pattern approved

You must have a validation certificate completed by a DQP (Duly Qualified Person) within:
  • 12 months before your rollout date (for open channel meters), or 
  • 5 years before your rollout date (for all other metering equipment)

The meter must be fitted with a data logger, tamper-evident seals and, if required, telemetry.


Before your rollout date, you must submit the Non-urban water meter--report to rely on transitional arrangements to keep existing metering equipment, and accompanying documents.


If you have a meter manufacturer's certificate


You must have proof of the manufacturer's certificate, and a validation certificate completed by a DQP (Duly Qualified Person) within: 

  • 12 months before your rollout date (for open channel meters), or 

  • 5 years before your rollout date (for all other metering equipment) 

The meter must be fitted with a data logger, tamper-evident seals and, if required, telemetry. 

Before your rollout date, you must submit the Non-urban water meter report to rely on transitional arrangements to keep existing metering equipment, and accompanying documents. 


You, and/or your DQP, will need to complete forms and certificates, and submit them to WaterNSW via the DQP Portal to demonstrate compliance with the metering rules. Your DQP will be able to advise and complete most of this work on your behalf.

If you cannot obtain a meter manufacturer's certificate for your existing meter

  • Your meter must be tested in the field for accuracy by a DQP (Duly Qualified Person) and, the maximum error must not exceed ±5%

  • The meter must be fitted with a data logger, tamper-evident seals and if required, telemetry

Before your rollout date, you must submit:
  • Non-urban water meter -- certificate of accuracy for existing meter(not pattern-approved), and
  • Non-urban water meter -- report to rely on transitional arrangements to keep existing metering equipment, and any accompanying documents
Note: if you cannot meet the transitional requirements for existing meters you will need to install a new meter.

The work is required to meter. The work does not require telemetry. 

Based on the information you have provided, the new metering rules apply to the work.


This is because the new metering rules apply to bores above the size threshold. The size threshold is based on the maximum number of bores listed on a work approval, located on a property or nominated by an access licence.


If one bore on a work approval, property or access licence meets the size threshold in the table below, then all bores on that work approval, property or access licence need to be metered.


Table - metering thresholds for bores


Number of bores on a work approval, property or access licence

Size threshold for metering

One bore

The bore is 200mm 

in diameter or greater

Two bores

At least one bore is 160mm 

in diameter or greater

Three bores

At least one bore is 130mm 

in diameter or greater

Four bores

At least one bore is 120mm 

in diameter or greater

Five or more bores

All bores need to be metered

 

Metering equipment:


Each work must have the following metering equipment installed and validated by a duly qualified person:

  • a meter that is pattern approved, unless it was installed before 1 April 2019 and complies with the transitional arrangements (see Next Steps below), and
  • a local intelligence device (LID), and
  • tamper-evident seals.

As your work is not required to have telemetry, you will need to record and report your water take.


For more information about your recording and reporting requirements, please go to:


Department’s website



Compliance dates:

The work must be fitted with compliant metering equipment by the earliest applicable date:

  • Northern Inland - 1 December 2021
  • Southern Inland - 1 December 2022
  • Coastal - 1 December 2023
  • When an existing meter is replaced

Please note, water sources covered by the following Water Sharing Plans are part of the Northern inland rollout:

  • NSW Murray Darling Basin Fractured Rock Groundwater Sources 2020
  • NSW Murray Darling Basin Porous Rock Groundwater Sources 2020

Financial support:

There is a range of programs that water users can access to offset the financial impact of purchasing metering equipment.

  • The NSW and Australian Government have committed $18 million for a telemetry rebate program for water users who install compliant telemetry equipment. The rebate will be applied as a $975 credit on a water user's bill when they connect to the NSW Government's telemetry system, and will be backdated to include water users who have already connected.
  • Under the Australian Government’s instant asset write off scheme, farmers can deduct the full purchase price of assets up to $150,000 – such as metering equipment – from their taxable income.
  • The NSW Farm Innovation Fund provides loans to meet the costs of carrying out capital works, including metering, that benefit the long-term profitability of businesses.

Next steps
Use the guide below to learn about complying with the metering rules for your specific circumstances.  

If you are installing a new meter
  • Contact a DQP (Duly Qualified Person), such as a certified meter installer, to install and validate a pattern-approved meter 
  • The meter must be fitted with a data logger, tamper-evident seals and, if required, telemetry
  • The Duly Qualified Person must submit a certificate confirming that the work has been fitted with compliant metering equipment.
TIP: to locate a certified meter installer, go to the Irrigation Australia Limited website, click on 'find an irrigation specialist' and click on 'certified meter installer'..

If your existing meter is pattern approved

You must have a validation certificate completed by a DQP (Duly Qualified Person) within:
  • 12 months before your rollout date (for open channel meters), or 
  • 5 years before your rollout date (for all other metering equipment)

The meter must be fitted with a data logger, tamper-evident seals and, if required, telemetry.


Before your rollout date, you must submit the Non-urban water meter--report to rely on transitional arrangements to keep existing metering equipment, and accompanying documents.


If you have a meter manufacturer's certificate


You must have proof of the manufacturer's certificate, and a validation certificate completed by a DQP (Duly Qualified Person) within: 

  • 12 months before your rollout date (for open channel meters), or 

  • 5 years before your rollout date (for all other metering equipment) 

The meter must be fitted with a data logger, tamper-evident seals and, if required, telemetry. 

Before your rollout date, you must submit the Non-urban water meter report to rely on transitional arrangements to keep existing metering equipment, and accompanying documents. 


You, and/or your DQP, will need to complete forms and certificates, and submit them to WaterNSW via the DQP Portal to demonstrate compliance with the metering rules. Your DQP will be able to advise and complete most of this work on your behalf.

If you cannot obtain a meter manufacturer's certificate for your existing meter

  • Your meter must be tested in the field for accuracy by a DQP (Duly Qualified Person) and, the maximum error must not exceed ±5%

  • The meter must be fitted with a data logger, tamper-evident seals and if required, telemetry

Before your rollout date, you must submit:
  • Non-urban water meter -- certificate of accuracy for existing meter(not pattern-approved), and
  • Non-urban water meter -- report to rely on transitional arrangements to keep existing metering equipment, and any accompanying documents
Note: if you cannot meet the transitional requirements for existing meters you will need to install a new meter.

Thank you for using the Metering Guidance Tool

For more information about the non-urban metering rules, please refer to the following resources:

  • NSW's Non-Urban Water Metering Policy:

     click here


  • Non-urban Metering in NSW - What Water Users Need to Know:

    click here


  • Metering Regulations - NRAR Compliance approach:

    click here


You can find additional resources on the:


Department’s website



If you have any questions. about the non-urban metering rules, please email us at metering.reform@dpie.nsw.gov.au.