Metering

Accurate and up-to-date information on water extraction is essential to protect the rights of all water users, including the environment.

Information collected from water meters is used to:

• determine if water users are complying with the rules and limits placed on water extraction
• inform the preparation and review of water sharing plans, which set water extraction limits and pumping rules
• determine water metering and usage charges for licence holders
• help determine if environmental objectives are being achieved
• inform water trading activities.

Every licence holder must ensure they are within their water allocation account balance. Some licence holders are required to install and operate a water meter. Others are required to keep a log book.

Check your licence or approval conditions to see what metering requirements apply to you. Penalties of up to $1.1 million for individuals and $2.2 million for corporations may apply if you break the rules.

If you are required to fit a meter to your water extraction works, you may need to comply with State and National water metering standards.

Work is underway to ensure that NSW complies with these standards and meets its National Water Initiative commitments. Government owned meters are being installed in some NSW river valleys.