In 2023-24, the monthly metering reporting (MMR) campaign focused on increasing the monthly reporting levels of meters in at-risk groundwater sources in NSW. Through extensive research and investigations, we can report on the campaign's outcomes and delve into our findings.
Summary of the campaign
Recent changes in meter reading responsibilities under the non-urban metering reforms have caused a drop in reported data. Some water users have installed telemetry devices that report automatically. But those who haven’t must send monthly meter readings manually. Reporting was non-existent in some areas of the non-automated group. So, NRAR targeted at-risk groundwater sources in NSW and set out to increase the level of monthly reporting.
Groundwater is an essential resource. It supports communities, industry, and fragile ecosystems. Scientists use the reported data to decide how much water can be safely allocated from each groundwater source. From that, it is also decided how much water individual licence holders can take. With good data, scientists can better predict how to use water sustainably.
In 2023-24, our monthly meter reporting campaign focused on seven groundwater sources. These were included because they were at high risk of damage from too much water being taken. The groundwater sources targeted by the program were:
- Eastern Recharge (North Star, Croppa Creek)
- Lower Gwydir (Moree, Ashley)
- Lower Namoi (Narrabri, Burren Junction)
- Upper Macquarie Alluvial (Narromine, Wellington).
- Lower Murrumbidgee Deep Groundwater (Narrandera, Balranald)
- Lower Lachlan Groundwater (Lake Cargelligo, Oxley)
- Upper Murray Groundwater (Albury, Corowa).
We reached licence holders through face-to-face meetings, phone calls and letters. We also reached them through media and social media.
Measuring progress
Outcomes
The seven water sources encompassed 4,862 water supply works located across 686 properties and a ‘linked’ water entitlement of almost half million megalitres of water.
NRAR staff conducted detailed assessments of 402 properties with 648 works and an associated 208,000 megalitres of water entitlement that needed to be accounted for. NRAR’s MMR team visited 5 properties and inspected 6 bores with 891 megalitres of entitlement. Nine enforcement actions were taken by the team. Failing to comply with licence conditions is a breach of the water laws.
The project team increased the rate of groundwater reporting across the seven sources by 73% through compliance and education activities. The project will continue in 2024-25.
The project also encouraged greater co-operation between landholders and NRAR. This led to an improved understanding of their reporting duties. NRAR has developed an opt-in monthly SMS Reminder Service. It prompts water users to complete reporting tasks and educates others who may not yet be meeting their duties. The plan is to extend this SMS service across NSW for owners of all works unable to submit data automatically.
This project has improved the understanding of some of the state's most fragile underground water sources. Groundwater models are the most powerful tool for understanding the complex workings of an aquifer system. Developing such models relies heavily on quality data.
Case study
A schooling in compliance obligations
It is common for schools to have a bore to access underground water for gardens and sporting fields. Like all water users in at risk ground water sources, these bores need a compliant meter. They must accurately record the water used.
NRAR staff worked closely with two schools to help them meet their metering and licence obligations.
In the Murray region, approval for a school's bore had expired. An NRAR compliance officer supplied advice and information to help them to become compliant. It was found that the bore was not being used. The officer helped the school send a "pause water take" request to WaterNSW. This meant they did not have to report monthly, allowing time to plan for a compliant meter to be installed by a qualified person.
Another school in the Central Western Slopes had a non-compliant meter. They were only reporting their water take annually. After receiving help and advice from NRAR, the school ordered a compliant meter. They have also had a duly qualified person assess the site. With the meter installed, the school will report data to WaterNSW monthly.