Non-urban water metering rules are in effect across New South Wales, and the NSW Government is inviting licensed water users to learn more about how to comply.
The NSW Government is ramping up its education campaign and launching a series of online information sessions to help water users understand their obligations and how to meet them, ask questions and chat directly with department staff.
“We’re getting on with the job of implementing a faster, more efficient metering rollout which will deliver benefits for the entire state,” NSW DCCEEW Director of Metering and Licensing, Dan Connor, said. “But we want to ensure all water users understand their obligations and how to meet them. Keeping up with the rules can be overwhelming, and some water users might have specific questions about their unique circumstances.”
Webinars will be held on:
- Wednesday 28 May, 1–2 pm
- Wednesday 4 June, 5.30–6.30 pm
- Wednesday 18 June, 9.30–10.30 am
All licensed water users are urged to register for an information session here.
“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,” Connor said.
NSW’s robust non-urban metering rules ensure water taken from rivers and waterways is fairly measured and managed. The NSW Government is working toward 95 per cent of all licensed water takes being metered by the end of 2026—about a decade ahead of schedule.
Recent reforms have clarified the rules and provided water users with more flexible options and access to expert support. Water users must know their obligations and take important actions to be compliant.
“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,” Connor said.
Metering requirements depend on a water user’s entitlement volume 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 a 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).
- Works with the total entitlement of less than 15 ML do not require a meter unless they are utilised for trading entitlement.
It’s important to note that 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: Non-urban metering for water users.
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