The NSW Government is extending the compliance dates by 6 months for Southern Inland and by 12 months for Coastal NSW to give water users a reprieve as they continue to face ongoing flood events.
The new compliance dates will be:
- Southern Inland - 1 June 2023
- Coastal NSW - 1 December 2024.
Find out more about the new compliance dates on the department's website.
The new metering rules
The new metering rules are being rolled out in stages by the NSW Government to better measure water take in the state, make water use fairer, and to build community confidence in water management.
For more information about your compliance date visit the department’s website.
Do you need to comply?
The new rules apply to water supply works, such as pumps, that can be fitted with a meter and are licensed to take water from rivers and groundwater systems.
The rules are being rolled out in stages to allow people time to comply. However, if you decide to install a new meter before your rollout date, that meter must comply with the new rules.
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Learn more about our compliance approach to metering
Metering regulations - NRAR compliance approach - March 2020 (revised July 2021) (PDF 193.3Kb)What if I can't comply?
We understand that some may miss the metering deadlines due to unforeseen circumstances.
We expect all water users to make a reasonable effort to comply before their deadline.
We are a firm but fair regulator and will consider each case on its own merit. We recognise a handful of alternative pathways to compliance, including:
- Inactive works – water users who no longer use their pumps, but might want to in the future, need to apply to make their pump inactive using this form on the WaterNSW website
- Keeping an existing meter – a manufacturer certificate is required to keep an existing meter that was installed before 1 April 2019 but isn’t pattern approved. Alternatively, a meter installer can field test and verify its accuracy. In both cases, a meter installer is required to validate the installation and fit the meter with an intelligence device.
- Faulty meters – if a meter or intelligence device doesn’t work after it’s installed, water users need to report this to WaterNSW using this online S91i form
- Connectivity issues – if a meter installer can demonstrate that they can’t set up a local intelligence device, water users can apply for an exemption by notifying the department using the correct form . The department’s mobile coverage tool may help you check if you are eligible for an exemption.
A reasonable effort means entering into a formal agreement with a certified meter installer, often referred to as a DQP, before your deadline.
To find a certified meter installer visit Irrigation Australia.
Who can help me comply?
A certified meter installer can help you get into compliance. Visit Irrigation Australia to find one today.
If you have questions about:
- your works approval, conditions or to amend your approval — contact WaterNSW on 1300 662 077 or email Customer.Helpdesk@waternsw.com.au
- non-urban metering rules — contact the department on 1300 081 047 or email reform@dpie.nsw.gov.au.