The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) has released proposed amendments to metering rules, following recommendations outlined in the Metering Recommendations Report published in August. These changes aim to simplify compliance while addressing practical challenges faced by water users.
Background on metering rules
The proposed draft amendments to the non-urban metering rules in the Water Management (General) Regulation 2018 are designed to enhance water resource management in New South Wales while streamlining compliance for water users.
Originally introduced in 2018, the non-urban metering framework aimed to ensure that most licensed water extraction in NSW was measured with accurate, auditable, and tamper-evident meters. However, implementation challenges, including delays in compliance, prompted a comprehensive review of the framework from 2023 to 2024. This review identified barriers to compliance and proposed practical solutions to accelerate the adoption of metering reforms.
Key proposed amendments include:
- Introducing a classification system for work approvals to streamline processes.
- Simplifying metering requirements for smaller and low-risk water users.
- Extending compliance deadlines for certain water users to ease the transition.
- Addressing shortages of duly qualified persons (DQPs) by improving training and availability for meter installation.
- Extending timelines for meter re-validation.
- Practical adjustments to floodplain harvesting measurement protocols.
The proposed amendments aim to strike a balance between effective resource management and the diverse needs of NSW water users, providing a pathway that works for everyone—from hands-on family farmers to large-scale agricultural businesses.
Notably, the Department proposes removing “at risk” water sources from full compliance requirements under the metering policy. This means licence holders in these areas will now be eligible for exemptions, aligning them with the rules for small and intermittent users in other regions.
What the proposed changes mean for you
By implementing these recommendations, 95% of licensed water entitlements in NSW are expected to be measured, recorded, and reported by December 2026 – or sooner. This means greater transparency, fairness, and accountability for water users at every level.
Whether you’re navigating compliance for the first time, managing a complex network of licences, or simply looking for clarity, the proposed changes are designed to make water measurement more straightforward and equitable. With updated timelines, simplified requirements, and targeted support for users, the revised framework puts your needs at the forefront while ensuring NSW’s water resources are managed responsibly.
For more detailed information on the proposed amendments of the non-urban regulation factsheet.
