Primary metering equipment
To comply with the floodplain harvesting measurement rules, you will need to install primary metering equipment.
There are two methods for measuring floodplain harvesting, storage measurement or point-of-take measurement, each requiring specific primary metering equipment.
1. Storage measurement method
A storage sensor measures water depth in a dam, and the volume is calculated using a storage curve. The sensor connects to a local intelligence device (LID), which transmits water usage data via telemetry to the department’s data acquisition server (DAS). Together, they form a storage meter.
Storage metering equipment is usually installed on an elevated walkway or headwall, where the storage is deepest. An installation method for installing measurement devices on storages without suitable infrastructure is provided below.
All storages listed on a water supply work approval must have storage measurement equipment installed per the Minister’s standard. This requirement does not apply if the work is marked as inactive on the approval. You can apply to make a work inactive through WaterNSW.
Irrigating whilst using storage measurement
Irrigation using the storage method is only permitted if, in conjunction with a storage meter, a pattern-approved meter is installed by a duly qualified person (DQP), in accordance with AS4747, on the storage outflow. This ensures that all water entering your work approval during the measurement period is measured.
Storage measurement without an elevated walkway
A primary measurement solution for storages without an elevated walkway, including wet storages, is now available. It uses a vented submersible pressure sensor and an approved LID to transmit data. Instead of a walkway, a logging post is installed next to the storage.
For more information on this method contact: Groundwater Imaging.
You will need to complete the following actions to become measurement ready by your compliance date:
Engage a duly qualified person or DQP
You need to engage a certified storage meter validator (CSV) to install and validate your water storage meter. A DQP who is qualified and certified as a CSV can advise on the best installation method and equipment for your farm.
The CSV will register, install and validate your storage meter in the WaterNSW DQP Portal.
See the list of compliant storage sensors and compatible local intelligence devices for floodplain harvesting.
A list of CSVs can be found on the:
How will I know if my meter is compliant and connected to the DAS?
You must receive a validation certificate from your DQP confirming that your equipment is compliant and transmitting data to the DAS. You can download the DAS user guide. Use your storage number to find your meter.
DQP for installing an outflow meter on your storage
If you are using an outflow meter on your storage to irrigate during a measurement period, a DQP for closed conduit meters must install a pattern-approved meter and LID in accordance with AS4747.
Survey benchmarks
Survey benchmarks to Australian Height Datum (AHD) are critical for the installation of floodplain harvesting measurement equipment. Levelling and positioning metering equipment to AHD links the meter to the storage curve, ensuring consistent and accurate measurement.
Survey benchmarks must be installed by a DQP in one of the following categories:
- Surveyor
- Diploma-qualified surveyor
- Trainee working under the direct supervision of the above.
Only a surveyor can certify survey benchmarks.
For definitions of these roles, refer to the DQP list.
You may use existing survey benchmarks if they are validated by a surveyor and conform to the department’s Survey Benchmark Standard and Survey Benchmark Guideline ( PDF, 1003.41 KB).
Survey benchmarks can be established after both primary and secondary measurement equipment are installed. This will minimise surveying visits and costs during the installation phase.
Storage curves
Storage curves define the relationship between the depth, volume, and surface area of a storage and should be up to date and accurate.
The department developed storage curves for storages using Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) surveys and aerial photogrammetry data, captured between 2008 and 2014. The accuracy of this data was improved in 2018 using a storage bathymetry model (PDF, 876.9 KB). These storage curves are the default storage curves used for floodplain harvesting measurement.
Note: Some landholders may have submitted storage curves to the department during the farm scale validation process, but this information is not being used.
Ensure that your DQP registers the latest storage curve in the WaterNSW DQP Portal. Your DQP can provide you with a copy of your default storage curve. It is your responsibility to verify that this information is accurate.
Storage curves must be certified by a DQP – in this instance, a surveyor or engineer.
For definitions of these roles, refer to the DQP list.
Please refer to the department’s Storage Curve Guideline (PDF, 234.65 KB) for further information.
2. Point-of-intake measurement method
To be eligible for the point-of-intake measurement method a DQP, a:
- Engineer
- Hydrographer
- Certified Meter installer, or
- Surveyor
must determine if all water entering water supply work is reasonably able to be measured by point-of-intake metering equipment and that the equipment has been installed correctly.
A DQP for closed conduit meters must install a pattern-approved meter and LID in accordance with AS4747.
You can find the DQP definitions for point-of-intake work at Who can install metering equipment.
To submit the point-of-intake determination, please complete this online form or download, print and fill out this form (PDF, 194.2 KB) and email it to water.enquiries@dpie.nsw.gov.au:
- Subject line: point-of-intake determination form
- ROI number
- works approval number
- written consent from the approval holder, for you to act on their behalf.
Subdividing your works approval
The rules allow for flexibility by enabling the water supply work approval to be subdivided. This means you can separate the work approval into 2 or more work approvals, enabling you to trigger separate measurement periods.
Landholders who subdivide their water supply work approval into two or more approvals must install and identify controlling infrastructure to prevent the mixing of the 2 or more areas to ensure all overland flow is captured.
To make changes to your work approval, visit the WaterNSW website.
Secondary metering equipment for floodplain harvesting (optional)
You can install a secondary metering device which acts as a back-up system. Whilst optional, a secondary device will allow you to floodplain harvest:
- before the primary metering equipment rollout date, which is 12 months from water being credited
- if your primary metering equipment is faulty.
See a list of all secondary metering devices suitable for floodplain harvesting.
Existing metering equipment – transitional requirements
You may be able to keep existing equipment depending on the installation date and whether it meets the required standards. See the Existing Storage Metering Equipment Guideline.
Storage metering
You can keep existing storage metering equipment if it was installed before 14 February 2020 and if it meets the requirements of the Storage Metering Equipment Standards and Existing Metering Equipment Guideline.
To comply, a LID and tamper evident seals need to be fitted and the meter must meet the accuracy requirements of +/-10 mm.
The accuracy requirements can be met by any one of the below:
- Manufacturer's certificate of accuracy
- DQP (CSV or CPH) confirming that the equipment is accurate +/-10 mm
- National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accredited laboratory certifies the equipment is accurate to +/-10 mm.
A DQP (CSV) must provide a report confirming that the existing metering requirements have been met and validate the installation in the DQP Portal.
Point-of-intake metering equipment
You can keep existing point-of-intake metering equipment if it was installed after 14 February 2020 and it meets the requirements outlined in Point-of-intake Guideline.
You can keep existing point-of-intake metering equipment that was installed on or before 14 February 2020 if:
- an approved local intelligence device (LID) and tamper-evident seals can be fitted
- a DQP has validated that the equipment has been installed in accordance with AS4747:
- within 5 years for closed conduit metering,
- within the past 12 months for open channel metering
from the date that the approval holder gives a report to the Minister.
- DQP must also provide a report confirming that the above requirements have been met.
Report faulty metering equipment (for point of intake and storage outflow meters)
Approval holders must notify WaterNSW (via a Section 91i form) if telemetry connection is lost for 72 hours or more.
Approval holders are not required to record or report water take unless a telemetry connection is lost for 72 hours or more.
Request an extension to replace faulty equipment:
You have 21 days from the time you lodge your faulty meter form to repair or replace the faulty metering equipment. Requests for an extension beyond 21 days can be made using the S91i extension form on the WaterNSW website.
Advise us that the equipment has been repaired or replaced:
After faulty metering equipment has been repaired or replaced, you must advise the Minister by completing the S91i completion form on the WaterNSW website.
Floodplain harvesting while repairs are being made
If you are using storage measurement you can continue to floodplain harvest while repairs to your primary metering equipment are being made, using a secondary metering device.
Telemetry exemption for floodplain harvesting
The Minister has granted an exemption for floodplain harvesting works that are required to connect to telemetry but cannot because they are in a network black spot.
Find out about the telemetry exemptionAssistance
If you require assistance in reading these documents, please contact 1300 081 047 or water.enquiries@dpie.nsw.gov.au