About the review
The aim of the non-urban metering framework, introduced in 2018, is to ensure that the majority of all licensed water take is measured with accurate, auditable and tamper-evident meters.
A number of challenges have caused delays in compliance with the metering framework. To speed up the metering reform, a review was undertaken in 2023 – 2024. Key changes have been recommended to ensure water resources are being measured and managed fairly across the state and water users can comply with their licence obligations.
Quick guide to proposed new requirements
Implementing the recommendations aims to ensure 95% of licensed water take in NSW is measured, recorded and reported by December 2026 if not sooner.
| Works | Measurement requirements | Compliance date |
|---|---|---|
| All surface water pumps ≥500mm |
| Must comply now |
| All works nominated by total entitlement ≥100ML, unless otherwise exempt* |
| Inland water users must comply now Coastal water users will need to comply by 1 December 2026 |
| All works nominated by total entitlements of >15 and <100ML, unless otherwise exempt* |
| Will need to comply by 1 December 2027 or by renewal of work approval, whichever is later |
Pumps and bores below the size-based thresholds Works nominated by total entitlement ≤15ML (unless a surface water pump ≥500mm) |
| Not applicable |
Works not taking licensed water (unintended, inactive) Works not nominated by licensed water entitlements |
| Not applicable |
*Groundwater bores less than 200mm are exempt, along with surface water pumps less than 100mm.
Review documents
Read about the key changes recommended to speed up the metering reform and the immediate implementation priorities for the next 12 months.
Download the Recommendations reportRecommendations report
Read about the key changes recommended to speed up the metering reform and the immediate implementation priorities for the next 12 months.
Fact sheet
More on the recommendations from the review of the non-urban water metering rules.
FAQs
We've created some frequently asked questions and answers.
Assistance
If you require assistance reading these documents, please contact 1300 081 047 or water.enquiries@dpie.nsw.gov.au.
Public information sessions
An online information session for water users, stakeholders and community members will be held on Thursday 12 September at 10am – 11.15am. This session will provide an opportunity to learn more about the recommendations. The session will be recorded for those unable to attend.
Register to attend the information session
You can sign up for notifications about this event and other metering-related updates.
If you have any questions phone: 1300 081 047 or email: water.enquiries@dpie.nsw.gov.au
Implementation of the recommendations
The immediate priorities for the next 12 months are outlined in the Recommendations report implementation plan PDF, 3733.07 KB which includes amendments to the Water Management (General) Regulation 2018 and updates to the NSW Non-Urban Water Metering Policy.
To ensure the effectiveness of the implementation initiatives, progress will be tracked with robust monitoring and reporting mechanisms.
Consultation documents
The consultation documents were developed to support the initial consultation process and facilitate the gathering of feedback from stakeholders. This feedback played a crucial role in shaping the recommendations report.
- Discussion paper
Read about the key issues and the options proposed to improve non-urban metering in the discussion paper.
Download the discussion paper PDF, 928.35 KB - Feedback
The What We Heard report details the feedback we received during the public consultation period from 30 October to 26 November 2023.
Download the what we heard report PDF, 1434.68 KB
Following public consultation the department worked with key stakeholders and partner agencies to take on board the feedback to develop the final recommendations. - Submissions
Read the feedback we received in 28 email or written submissions for the Review of the non-urban metering framework.
Download the submissions PDF, 10509.85 KB