Extension of timeframes for existing metering conditions
The NSW Government has extended the timeframes for some water users to comply with existing metering conditions in five water sharing plans. These rules were established before the NSW non-urban metering rules and we recognise there may have been confusion about when water users need to comply with the existing rules.
The extension aims to clear confusion about the timeframes for complying and provide select water users some additional time to meet requirements.
The extension recognises that some water users have already installed meters. These water users will have more time to comply with the new standards, provided they continue to ensure their existing meter is accurate and working properly.
Water users who have not already installed meters will have until 1 December 2021 to comply with the new standards.
The exemption won’t affect the existing regional roll-out dates for NSW's non-urban metering rules, and we have no plans to change any other metering deadlines. When the rules are fully rolled out, around 95% of licensed water take capacity will be metered, significantly improving the management and regulation of water use in NSW.
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Who is affected?
The extended timeframes affect water users in the following water sharing plans with an existing condition, MW2452-00001on their works approval, to install AS4747 compliant meters:
- Hunter Regulated River Water Source 2016
- Lachlan Regulated River Water Source 2016
- Murrumbidgee Regulated River Water Source 2016
- New South Wales Murray and Lower Darling Regulated Rivers Water Sources 2016
- Richmond River Area Unregulated, Regulated and Alluvial Water Sources 2016 – regulated water source only.
We will write to affected water users to inform them of the extended timeframes. Water users must take active steps to ensure they are familiar with the conditions on their licenses and works approvals.
What does the extension mean?
Under the extension:
- affected water users who have already installed a meter will have until their regional rollout date to ensure their meter meets the standards under the new non-urban metering rules. In the meantime, they must ensure their meter is operating properly and is accurate.
- affected water users who have not already installed a meter will have until 1 December 2021 to install metering equipment that meets the standards under the new non-urban metering rules.
The Natural Resources Access Regulator will determine, independently of the department how it responds to any breaches that occurred before the extension was granted.
What about water users with state-owned meters?
WaterNSW is responsible for ensuring these meters meet the relevant standards and will contact these water users directly. In the meantime, water users with these meters should contact WaterNSW as soon as possible if their meter is not operating properly.