Changes to metering rules for smaller works
Some water users may have works (pumps or bores) installed that are smaller than what is authorised on their water supply work approval (approval).
Changes have been made to the metering rules that require water users to notify the Minister (through the WaterNSW website) of the actual, smaller, size of their work. If the notified size of the work falls below the size threshold for requiring a meter, then the water user may be exempt from installing a meter.
How to notify that your work is smaller than what is authorised on your water supply work approval
Water users must notify of the actual size of their smaller work using this form on the WaterNSW website.
Notifying of the smaller size of your work does not amend your approval. Therefore, the fee associated with amending a work approval does not apply.
A meter must still be installed if the work has pre-existing or mandatory metering conditions, or the size of the work (notified or actual) is above the size-based thresholds for metering:
- surface water works that are greater than or equal to 100 mm
- groundwater works that are greater than or equal to 200 mm.
What if the work is larger than listed on the water supply work approval?
If the work (pump or bore) is larger than what is listed on your approval, you are in breach of your approval conditions and may be subject to compliance actions. To address this non-compliance, you may apply to amend your approval to increase the authorised work size through WaterNSW, however, this is subject to an assessment process. You will also need to pay the fee to amend your approval.
How does the notification of smaller works apply?
| Actual size of work is smaller than what is authorised on the approval and is below the size threshold for requiring a meter | Notify WaterNSW of the actual, smaller, size of your work. As the actual size of the work is below the metering size threshold, you may be exempt from requiring a meter (mandatory metering conditions may still apply). No fee will be charged for the notification. |
| Actual size of work is smaller than what is authorised on the approval, and within the size threshold for requiring a compliant meter | Notify WaterNSW of the actual (smaller) size of your work through WaterNSW. As the actual size of your work is within the metering size threshold, you will need to install a compliant meter. Read more information about the metering requirements. No fee will be charged for the notification. |
| Actual size of work is larger than what is listed on the approval | You are in breach of your approval condition and may be subject to compliance action. You should apply to amend your approval to increase the size of your authorised work through WaterNSW. This is subject to an assessment process. You will be required to pay a fee to amend your approval. |